[Ducati] 749 reliability

[Georgeb]

>I was thinking of buying an 04 or 05 749 or 749s.  How is the reliabiliy of 
>these bikes.

Well, as an owner of a '04 749s, I would say reliability is great. However, 
my one bike probably does not constitute a "scientific" sampling. I only 
know of two things that the 749's have chronic problems with: Coils going 
bad, and a stalling problem. The coils can be replaced under warranty. (in 
fact, I've heard of dealers swapping them out with R spec coils as 
preventative maintenance) The stalling problem is mostly due to bad TPS 
settings out of the factory. Any half-way competent service center should be 
able to dial out the stalling problem before you walk out of the door.

I would highly suggest you purchase from a specialized dealership with very 
good reputations. Such as:

Section 8 Superbike
Crooked River Motorsports

These are the only ones that I'm personally knowledgable about. These guys 
have seen it all and can take care of these problems before you ever sling a 
leg over the bike. I'm sure there are others in your neck of the woods. Just 
let the list know where you're at, and I'm sure someone will have a 
suggestion for a good dealer near you.
George