DUCATI 748S
Pass rate over time
The 748S's first-time pass rate has risen 2.3 points since 2006, 81.0% to 83.3%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage 748S passes first time 87.0% of the time; by 30k that's 81.3%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a 748S
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
27 | 35.5 |
| brakes |
|
21 | 27.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
8 | 10.5 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
5 | 6.6 |
| drive system |
|
4 | 5.3 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
4 | 5.3 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
2 | 2.6 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 2.6 |
| suspension |
|
2 | 2.6 |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 1.3 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the 748S beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the 748S.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1998 (79.8% pass). Weakest: 1998 (79.8%).
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.