Hard chrome plating on face of rocker arms, that contact camshaft, flakes off and becomes suspended in the oil system. Rocker arms without plating wear cam shafts and rocker arms. I have this issue on my 1997 ducati, and know of numerous other cases. Ducati will only repair rocker arms that have currently failed and require that I pay for labor. They will not pay to repair all rocker arms, yet still insist that I pay for all labor - even on future probable failures. This is known to be a problem on 1997 and 1998 ducati model 748 motorcycles. The chrome flakes off in large segments and could possibly clog oil passages - causing the engine siezure.
The worst 1997 Ducati 748 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Wheels1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Wheels1
Recalls 1
Wheels: hubcap/cover
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles equipped with a rear wheel hub spindle. Internal cracks may be present on the rear wheel spindle.
- Risk
- This condition could cause the spindle to fail affecting the control of the motorcycle, and could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear wheel spindle and replace if necessary.
Recall number 99V360000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Ducati 748 8
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Tips & Tricks
- Tips & Tricks Ver 12. Applicability: All models, all model years
- Tips & Tricks Ver 03. Applicability: All models, all model years
- Rideability Complaints
- Guided diagnosis for front brake system bleeding
- Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
- Scheduled Maintenance Check List Update
- TiltWatch indicator for engine shipments
What 1997 Ducati 748 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Driveline to the rear wheel affected the attachment of the wheel. Bushline fell & grinded down a retaining nut. This was repaired once before last year. Dealer will be contacted.
Electrical wire harness/voltage regulator malfunctioned in the motorcycle. Melted wire harness & generator wires were located in or near the engine area. The battery light came on. The motorcycle was still drivable. Has taken motorcycle to dealer & electrical wire harness was repaired.
Compare the 1997 Ducati 748
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Questions about the 1997 Ducati 748
Is the 1997 Ducati 748 reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1997 Ducati 748, close to a typical 748 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ducati 748?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Ducati 748 have?
1 recall, covering wheels.
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