The
Ducati 749R is only available in the single seat version and
is the perfect bike for all those who want to own a real middleweight
racer. The Testastretta engine is more highly developed than
ever before to maximise performance and minimise weight. Chassis
components have obviously been selected for maximum competitiveness
on the track, and special materials like magnesium, carbon
fiber, and titanium abound to make the 749R unbeatably
light and mean.
The
style of the 749R is extremely modern and almost identical
to that of the official Ducati racers. The R is also fitted
with the 2005 design fairings made from new high tech polymers.
A new manufacturing process has allowed Ducati to make the
R's fairing sections thinner and lighter than ever before.
Though it is designed to excel on the circuit, the 749R comes
equipped with elegant rear view mirrors and integrated direction
indicators that are not just stylish but quick and easy to
remove for use on the track. In line with Ducati tradition,
all 749R motorcycles are fitted with a numbered silver data
plate on the steering head.
Everything about the 749R's chassis is designed for maximum
efficiency on the track, from the trellis frame which allows
adjustment of the steering head rake angle to the brand new
aluminium alloy box section swing arm like that used on the
999 Factory in 2003. In addition to its uncompromising racing
design, this swing arm has a significantly better rigidity
to weight ratio than the standard swing arm. It also incorporates
Superbike type chain adjustment sliders instead of a conventional
cam mechanism. This means that chain tension adjustments do
not affect the suspension set-up in any way. The suspension
linkage is also brand new and features flat rate progression
like that previously implemented on Ducati Factory machines.
The new linkage system ensures excellent rigidity and far
greater precision under competition riding conditions. Better
linkage rigidity is achieved by use of a different spring,
giving the Öhlins monoshock a shorter compression stroke
(56 instead of 71 mm). Adjustments for spring preload, compression
and rebound are possible as usual.
The
749R has all the highly exclusive solutions for adjusting
ergonomics and riding position, including a 20 mm longitudinal
adjustment of the seat-tank assembly and footrest position
adjustment. The 749R has just two footrest positions instead
of the five on the other 749 models to comply with the rules
of the world Supersport championship which forbid removal
of parts from production bike frames. The footrest mounting
plates have also been reduced in size to give more room for
the exhaust collector pipes which are larger in diameter than
those of the road-going models.
The
front fork is of unbeatable quality. It is the latest, most
advanced Öhlins upside down unit and represents the absolute
top of the range of this famous Swedish manufacturer. The
stanchions are 43 millimetres in diameter and Titanium Nitride
coated for a smoother sliding action. Perfect fork action
is also guaranteed by innovative internal components. The
fork is fully adjustable and has a special bottom section
designed to fit radial brake calipers.
The
749R's calipers are triple bridge, four piston, four pad units
and operate on 4.5 mm thick disks that are themselves fitted
at an extended distance from the hub for improved cooling.
All brake and wheel components are race derived, including
the famous Brembo/Marchesini machine finished forged aluminium
wheels. The advanced finishing process used to manufacture
these wheels means that while they are 3.2 kilograms lighter
than those of the 749 and 749S, they offer the same excellent
rigidity thanks to the 10 points on the inside of the wheel
to which the five 'Y' spokes are attached. (Conventional straight
spokes only have five anchor points.)
The 749R's engine is based on the same twin cylinder Testastretta
unit that powers the other members of the 749 range. The R's
engine, however, has been specially developed for efficiency
on the track. It develops 121 hp at 10,500 rpm and 8.6 kgm
of torque
at 8,250 rpm. These fantastic figures have been achieved by
a series of modifications, including a reduction in stroke
and an increase in bore to permit the engine to operate at
higher revs. Owners can also install the (optional) racing
kit to increase these figures even further, taking maximum
power to a level unequalled in the field of competitive motorcycle
racing. The new "slipper" clutch is also perfect
for racing because it minimises rear wheel slip during the
hard downshifting frequently necessary in competitive riding.
Other important innovations, like the racing profile cams
and titanium valves and valve guides were already introduced
on the 2004 model.
The
use of prestigious materials in the 749R's Testastretta twin
certainly does not end with the valve gear. The con rods themselves
are in titanium and the cylinder head covers in magnesium alloy.
Likewise, the timing belt covers are made of carbon fibre and
feature forced ventilation for better cooling. The list of prestige
components used on this engine ends with the special super-lightweight
crankshaft and high strength aluminium alloy pistons. Despite
its incredible power and torque the 749R's power unit remains
faithful to Ducati's environmentally friendly engine policy.
Even this fantastic twin is equipped with a catalysed exhaust
and conforms to Euro 2 emission control legislation.