2001 Ducati 748 0.7L Petrol · Y418 AAH

The 2001 Ducati 748 was presented for MOT testing on 4 October 2025 and achieved a pass, with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. This clean outcome is consistent with the three immediately preceding tests conducted in May 2023, April 2022, and July 2024, all of which were also passed without any advisories or failure items. The absence of advisory notes over a four-test cycle indicates that the motorcycle has been maintained to a satisfactory roadworthy standard at the time of each examination, with no recurring wear items or borderline components flagged by the tester. Given the consistent pattern of clean passes and no noted deterioration, the documented MOT trajectory suggests a stable and well-cared-for machine, with no mechanical trends suggesting worsening condition or imminent rectification work. Recorded mileage stands at 20,275 miles on a vehicle that is approximately 25 years of age, equating to an average annual usage of around 811 miles per year. This is notably low for any motorcycle and particularly so for a sporting Ducati of this era, indicating either very light recreational use or, perhaps more likely, extended periods of standing or limited seasonal riding. Such low annual mileage carries its own mechanical implications distinct from high-mileage wear, primarily in the form of time-based degradation of consumables rather than distance-based wear. Long standing periods can lead to oxidation of brake discs, sticking or seizing of brake caliper pistons, internal corrosion of the fuel system, premature ageing of rubber components, and discharge of the 12-volt battery. For a prospective buyer, a physical inspection becomes more important than reliance on MOT history alone, given the age and low usage profile of this example. The brake system should be examined closely for surface corrosion and pitting on the front and rear discs, as standing motorcycles frequently exhibit disc corrosion that can lead to brake shudder or reduced effectiveness until the surface is cleaned through use. The calipers should be checked for smooth operation and freedom of movement, ensuring no binding or seized pistons are present. Tyre condition warrants careful scrutiny, with particular attention to sidewall cracking, perishing, and checking of the DOT date code, as tyres older than five years from manufacture can suffer structural deterioration regardless of tread depth. The date of manufacture and condition of the 12-volt battery should be verified, as batteries in low-use vehicles frequently fail prematurely, and a load test is advisable. Further inspection should confirm that time-based servicing has been undertaken regardless of low mileage, particularly the replacement of engine oil and filter, brake fluid, and coolant, all of which degrade through age and moisture absorption rather than purely through use. The coolant system hoses and clips should be examined for perishing given the vehicle's age, and the fuel system, including injectors and pump, should be free from internal corrosion or varnish deposits that can result from ethanol-blended fuels standing in the tank. Drive chain and sprocket condition, including correct adjustment and free movement in the chain links, should be verified, as should the condition of the clutch and throttle cables for smooth operation without fraying. Finally, verifying continuity of service history, ideally with main dealer or specialist Ducati workshop stamps, would provide further confidence that interval-based maintenance has been performed in line with manufacturer recommendations for such a low-mileage, classic Italian sports machine.