2001 Ducati 748 0.7L Petrol · Y531 AFP

A consistent pattern of clean test outcomes defines the roadworthiness record of this 2001 Ducati 748, with eight recorded MOT tests stretching from 2018 through 2026, every single one resulting in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded against it. This is an unusually tidy sequence for a motorcycle of this vintage and, on paper at least, indicates that nothing has been flagged by examiners as requiring attention or monitoring during the documented testing period. The most recent assessment on 2026-03-24 continued this run, passing without comment, and there is no evidence in the DVSA history of any prior failure, advisory notice, or component deterioration that has been formally noted. That said, an MOT pass record only confirms that a vehicle met the minimum statutory standards on the day of test, and the complete absence of advisories here should be read as a snapshot of compliance rather than a guarantee of underlying mechanical condition. The recorded mileage of 6,445 miles across a 25-year registration represents an annual accumulation of roughly 258 miles per year, which is exceptionally low even by motorcycle standards. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual tests recorded consistently from 2018 onwards, suggesting the machine has been kept on the road and presented for examination throughout this period rather than laid up. Such a low annual mileage profile carries specific mechanical implications for a 748: prolonged periods of inactivity are known to be hard on Ducati desmodromic valve systems, where infrequent operation can lead to oil starvation on start-up, valve guide sealing issues, and the gradual drying and cracking of internal rubber components such as cam belts, fork seals, and fuel system diaphragms. The low usage also means consumable items like brake fluid, coolant, and tyre rubber may have aged chemically rather than through service life, and the relatively few heat cycles placed through the engine, clutch, and gearbox can mask wear that would normally become apparent under regular load. Given the test record is entirely free of flagged items, there is no specific component to target from the MOT data, but a prospective buyer should focus inspection effort on the areas most affected by low-mileage Ducati use. The desmodromic valve clearances should be verified within factory specification, as valves that have rarely been operated under load can suffer from uneven seat wear or seal degradation that does not produce a test failure but compromises performance. On the test ride, listen for any irregular cam chain or cam tower rattle on cold start, monitor for oil smoke from the breather system during warm-up, and check that the clutch basket does not produce a characteristic rattle indicating worn damper springs. Brake calipers, master cylinders, and the clutch slave cylinder are particularly susceptible to internal corrosion and seal hardening after long periods of non-use, so feel for a firm, progressive lever and check that the calipers slide freely and retract without binding. The fuel system, including the injectors, float bowls, and internal tank surfaces, warrants close examination for varnish or moisture contamination that can accumulate in a seldom-used machine. Suspension and chassis components deserve equally careful scrutiny, as the uprights, swingarm pivot, and linkage bearings on a low-mileage Ducati can suffer from surface corrosion and dried-out grease even where load-bearing wear remains minimal. On the road, evaluate the rear shock linkage for any notchiness or hesitation over uneven surfaces, and confirm that the steering headstock bearings turn smoothly without tight spots or roughness. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and hardness due to age rather than tread wear alone, as rubber compounds degrade significantly over a quarter of a century regardless of mileage. Finally, the electrical system merits attention; check for stable charging voltage, the integrity of the loom insulation which can become brittle, and the condition of the original regulator-rectifier, a known weak point on Ducatis of this era that can fail unpredictably and is not something the MOT examination would necessarily detect.