Alright, so I got this thing for the 2001 Ducati 748, you know, the Italian bike? It’s been a real journey, let me tell you.
First off, I started by just looking around, trying to find one of these beauties. I heard they’re kinda rare, especially in the US. I mean, this one I got is supposed to be one of only 100 that were ever brought over here. And it’s number 834, which I thought was pretty cool. It only had like 3,700 miles on it, which is nothing for a bike this age, and a clean title from New York. That was a good start.
Then, I dug a little deeper. This one’s got a full carbon body. Apparently, it might be the only Ducati 748 in the entire country with that. Feels special, you know? Makes you want to take care of it even more.
- I read some magazine talking about how the 748 is different from the bigger Ducatis.
- It said something about it being more fun on the streets.
- I guess the bigger ones are more for the track, maybe?
The Search in North Carolina
I also checked out some Ducati dealers in Raleigh, North Carolina. There were a couple of them, and I went to check their inventories. I wanted to see if they had any used ones, maybe something similar to what I was looking for. You know, just in case. The guys at Garci Moto were pretty helpful, showing me around, but nothing really caught my eye. Didn’t find a 748, but it was still good to look, I guess.
So, I kept looking online, on forums and stuff. People were talking about whether to buy a 748 or not, what to look out for. It was a mix of opinions, but it helped me get a better idea of what I was getting into.
Finally, I found this one. It wasn’t exactly what I was originally looking for, but it grew on me. The carbon body, the low mileage, the history – it all just came together. I decided to go for it.
Getting it home was another story. I had to figure out the best way to transport it, make sure it didn’t get damaged. It was a bit of a hassle, but I managed. Now it’s sitting in my garage, and every time I look at it, I think, “Yeah, I made the right choice.” It’s more than just a bike; it feels like a piece of art or something.
Took it for a few short rides, just to get a feel for it. It’s different from other bikes I’ve ridden. It’s got character, you know? It’s not just about speed; it’s about the whole experience. I’m still learning about it, figuring out all its quirks. It’s like getting to know a new friend, I guess. And I gotta say, it’s been pretty awesome so far. I think we’re gonna have a lot of good times together, this 748 and me.
I plan on taking it to some bike meets, maybe show it off a little. I think other people who appreciate these kinds of things will get a kick out of it. And of course, I’m gonna ride it. That’s what it’s for, right? But I’m also gonna take really good care of it. It’s not every day you find something like this, and I want it to last.
