![DUCATI 749R RED ROCKET...](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387350424/1693810884/articles/izenNng2k1693821140133/DUCATI-749R-RED-ROCKET.jpg)
t's midway through the Noughties and the Japanese manufacturers are running away with the World Supersport Championship, dominating the middleweight sportsbike market... a red rag to a bull, if you ask any Italian, but of course Ducati had something up its sleeve to put a stop to that - the 749R. This old-school Duke is far more than just a pretty face or a dancing beauty in a red dress; it is a distinctive machine hosting a whole accolade of goodies and features derived from a long-lasting bloodline, and I'm here to tell you why I thought the riding experience was just as special as it looks.
Before I jump the gun, I'd best put up my hand and own up to the fact that this was my first time riding a Ducati 749R, and with very limited knowledge on this particular model, I had to do some fact-finding to educate myself. The model first hit the scene in 2004 and was basically designed to be a more affordable version of the 999R, Ducati's top-tier machine at the time; you could call it the little brother, if you like. It was built using many of the same components as the 999R but with a smaller engine and a lower price tag, thus maintaining the class while appealing to a much wider audience.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2023 من Fast Bikes UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2023 من Fast Bikes UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
![DAN LINFOOT THE WORLD AT HIS FEET...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1652061/slFWPsadM1711958103464/DAN-LINFOOT-THE-WORLD-AT-HIS-FEET.jpg)
DAN LINFOOT THE WORLD AT HIS FEET...
The racing world is full of characters who generally like to keep themselves to themselves, and I respect that. However, some of these people have a great story to tell. I'm incredibly fortunate to be friends with a few, have access to many more, and through my role with the award-winning podcast Chasin' the Racing, I get to sit down and chew the fat with some amazing individuals, so I wanted to give you lovely bunch a peep through the keyhole and an opportunity to get to know a bit more about some of these 'people of interest'.
![ROSSI'S RANCH - LA 100KM DEI CAMPIONI](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1652061/ma3_MS6-U1711957393776/ROSSIS-RANCH-LA-100KM-DEI-CAMPIONI.jpg)
ROSSI'S RANCH - LA 100KM DEI CAMPIONI
It's not every day you get the invite to trade paint, drifts and stories with Rossi and a bunch of world champions, but that's how life played out for the Neave twins a few weeks back.
![RATING RUBBER...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1652061/8kNXDPLuy1711956782783/RATING-RUBBER.jpg)
RATING RUBBER...
We love a tyre launch, and especially ones of a sporty disposition. So when Michelin dropped us a line about not one, but two additions to their range, we didn't need our arm twisting to get stuck in and see what they're all about...
![2017-2021 SUZUKI GSX-S750](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1652061/EOTebcPC81711956362124/20172021-SUZUKI-GSXS750.jpg)
2017-2021 SUZUKI GSX-S750
Is the understated Suzuki GSX-S750 worth considering in the used market?
![YAMAHA MT-09 - If you like your bikes nutty, naked and packed full of punch, you'll love the fourth-generation Yamaha MT-09.](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1652061/b5tWCgMyt1711955180738/YAMAHA-MT09-IF-YOU-LIKE-YOUR-BIKES-NUTTY-NAKED-AND-PACKED-FULL-OF-PUNCH-YOULL-LOVE-THE-FOURTHGENERATION-YAMAHA-MT09.jpg)
YAMAHA MT-09 - If you like your bikes nutty, naked and packed full of punch, you'll love the fourth-generation Yamaha MT-09.
Ten years ago, I found myself a part of the maddest, baddest, and arguably most illegal motorcycling I've ever a put my name to.
![BACK TO THE FUTURE - KTM DUKE 990](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1652061/dNVQyTWiX1711954526074/BACK-TO-THE-FUTURE-KTM-DUKE-990.jpg)
BACK TO THE FUTURE - KTM DUKE 990
It's been a while since KTM last had a 990 Duke in its range, but the name is back - and this new addition is perhaps one of its most exciting offerings ever. Here's why...
![A CUT ABOVE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1652061/1UvdX7_dx1711953501486/A-CUT-ABOVE.jpg)
A CUT ABOVE
Four years on from the revolutionary release of the RCV-inspired Fireblade, Honda's given its flagship sportsbike a masterpiece of a makeover.
![Steve Parrish](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1622299/EzXvka9Ie1709550889611/STEVE-PARRISH.jpg)
Steve Parrish
I'm fresh back from the South African Classic TT races and Christ, it's still bloody raining over here.
![Christian Iddon](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1622299/RyP71bPwW1709550773827/CHRISTIAN-IDDON.jpg)
Christian Iddon
Well, my last column was all about just how I'm going to be the most prepared I could ever be for the season ahead.
![SHOEI X-SPR PRO](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5202/1622299/6vyQWnfnE1709550562013/SHOEI-XSPR-PRO.jpg)
SHOEI X-SPR PRO
I'll cut to it... when it comes to my kit, I don't mess around - especially when it comes to helmets.