Description

The Ducati Desmoquattro engine began as 748 cc (45.6 cu in) displacement engine, with cylinder heads that were originally meant for a smaller bore than the 916, so the introduction of a smaller version of the 916 was to be expected.[1]

The Ducati 748 is identical in almost every way to the 916, both creations of Ducati in-house designer Massimo Tamburini, and both sharing some design elements with the Ducati Supermono. The only differences are rear tyre size (180/55/17 as opposed to the 916's 190/50/17) and engine capacity (88 mm bore and 61.5 mm stroke) of 748 cc (45.6 cu in). The engine's shorter piston stroke gives a higher rev ceiling of 11500 RPM, and the smaller pistons help the engine accelerate more quickly.