2002 Ducati 748 0.7L Petrol · MJ02 YAD

A 2002 Ducati 748 presenting 10,263 miles over a 24-year service life offers an unusually clean DVSA record, with four consecutive passes and zero advisories or failures recorded across 2022, 2023, 2024, and the most recent test on 13 March 2026. For a motorcycle of this vintage, the absence of corrosion advisories, suspension component notes, or lighting defects through four biennial examinations is notable, particularly given the propensity for older Italian sports machines to develop frame corrosion, seized brake calipers, or perished fork seals. Because no specific components have been flagged, the roadworthiness trend reads as consistently stable rather than deteriorating, suggesting the machine has either been exceptionally well-maintained or used sparingly enough that wear items have not yet reached advisory thresholds. Against a 24-year registration period, 10,263 miles equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 428 miles, which is exceptionally low even by motorcycle standards. The MOT testing intervals for this vehicle also appear evenly spaced, with no extended gaps that would suggest a long-term off-road status or SORN period. Low mileage on a desmodromic Ducati carries specific mechanical implications: valve clearances can seize from lack of regular cycling, internal bore glazing can occur in cylinders that rarely reach full operating temperature, and fuel system components such as injectors, hoses, and the tank's internal lining can deteriorate from prolonged standing. Conversely, low mileage typically preserves brake discs from warping, keeps chain and sprocket wear minimal, and reduces overall chassis fatigue, which is reflected in the clean advisory history. From a buyer's perspective, the absence of recorded advisories means the standard MOT inspection points should be approached with particular diligence. On a test ride, listen carefully for timing belt or cam belt chatter, listen for irregular desmodromic valve train noise at tickover which can indicate seized adjusters or excessive clearance, and check that the throttle response is crisp without hesitation that could suggest fuel delivery issues from stale petrol. Inspect the fork stanchions under direct light for any pitting or oil seepage, as fork seal failures are common on low-mileage Italian machines that have stood for extended periods, and confirm the rear shock linkage bearings move freely without binding. Examine the brake calipers for the seized piston or sticky slider pins that frequently afflict stored Ducatis, even when mileage is low. Given the very low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid to deterioration of perishable items not captured in MOT testing. Check the condition and age of the tyres, as old rubber hardens and loses grip well before the tread depth minimum would flag it, examine the date code on the sidewall and confirm the rubber remains supple rather than cracked or perished. Verify the date stamp on the battery and confirm it holds charge under load, as motorcycle batteries that sit partially discharged deteriorate rapidly. Inspect the cooling system hoses and coolant for discolouration if water-cooled, and confirm all fuel lines and the breather system remain intact and flexible. A final mechanical inspection by a Ducati specialist prior to purchase would be prudent to assess the desmodromic valve clearances, confirm the timing belts are within their replacement interval, and verify the overall mechanical integrity beneath the unblemished MOT record.