In 2005, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer released the Ducati 749, a fully faired sports machine that debuted in 2003 as a replacement for the 748 models. It continued production until it was replaced by the Ducati 848 in 2008.
The bike was available in four versions: standard, 749 Dark, 749S, and 749R models. The 749 model shared many components with the 999 version, except for a slightly smaller rear tire, smaller cylinders, and different cylinder heads, which offered a 748cc displacement.
The 749 standard machine was the least powerful in the range but packed the same standard features as the other models, such as a full fairing, a small windscreen, a two-piece dual seat, an exhaust system mounted under the seat, and Y-shaped 10-spoke alloy wheels.
The wheel was softened on the front by a 43 mm fully adjustable USD Showa fork and stopped by two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers. The rear end was softened by a fully adjustable Showa shock absorber with a progressive linkage and controlled by a 245 mm disc with a dual-piston caliper.
Underneath its bodywork, the 2005 Ducati 749 had hidden from view a 748cc four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine with an electronically-controlled fuel injection system, delivering an output power of 107 hp at 9,500 rpm and 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.