DUCATI 749 Dark (2005-2006) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2005, the Italian motorcycle maker launched the Ducati 749 Dark, a sports machine dressed in a full fairing that debuted in 2003. Besides the Dark and base versions, the 749 model was also available in an S and R version.

As its name suggests, the bike was fitted with blacked-out elements, including the fairing and graphite color on the wheels. Besides the paint scheme, the bike featured the same performance and technical features as the standard model.

In the aesthetic department, it packed standard features, such as a full bodywork, a two-piece dual seat, a small windscreen, dual vertically-stacked headlights, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system, and Y-shaped 10-spoke alloy wheels.

The bike's suspension system comprised a 43 mm fully adjustable USD Showa fork on the front and a fully adjustable Showa shock absorber with progressive linkage on the rear, offering excellent suspension performance and handling.

In the braking department, the wheels were equipped with two 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers on the front and a 245 mm disc squeezed by a dual-piston caliper on the rear wheel, delivering strong stopping power.

As for the power figures, the 2005 Ducati 749 Dark had its soul brought to life by a 748cc four-stroke V-twin liquid-cooled engine with a fuel injection system in charge, boasting 107 hp with maximum strength at 9,500 rpm and 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) torque at 8,500 rpm.