Ducati 748R

There is no doubt that Ducati's 748R is both special and exclusive. Its specifications and price see to that. The reason the bike exists at all is simply so that the factory could meet the 1000 units required to be produced to be eligible to compete in the World Supersport Championship.

Similar requirements gave an earlier generation the classic 750SS, so already this bike is starting to look like a collector's piece.

What else makes this bike so special? Well, it's only got a single seat so immediately forget about impressing the other half, it runs the latest Swedish-made Ohlins suspension front and rear, it features top-spec Brembo brakes and comes with engine mods that liberate an extra nine horsepower over that of the standard 748.

Add some detail work and your favourite set of tyres and you can go racing. As a road bike, the R's racetrack focus detracts from the experience. For a start, the fuel injection mapping is not perfect at low engine speeds or at fixed throttle openings that are the norm on the street, the dry clutch squawks and grabs and is generally inconsistent in operation (at least it was on our test bike) and the top-line front Brembos needed to be treated with respect owing to their tremendous initial bite, while the rear was weak and wooden.

The riding position is aggressive and typically uncomfortable, and the race-spec suspension has limited travel. On the other hand, the travel it does have provides a superb combination of suppleness and control. And the gearbox is a gem.

I guess all of us have fantasised about having a race bike on the street, but it's not that easy or wonderful. At least the R is a Supersport replica, not a Superbike replica.

Given its mission statement, the 748R, while compromised for street use, is right at home on track days. A great combination of sorted steering geometry and suspension, powerful and responsive engine, with almost as much power the first 916, light weight and with that wonderfully slim, almost petite profile that makes the bike feel smaller than it really is.

That ropey fuel injection mapping, the uncomfortable riding position and touchy front brakes now make sense as you start to explore the outer limitsThe word 'thouroughbred' springs to mind. Razor sharp steering balanced with high-speed stability, fade-free brakes, instant throttle response and a sweet-shifting gearbox erase those street-based criticisms.

Even that wooden rear brake makes sense when you really start to lean on the front lever going into a tight corner, and the slipper clutch helps reduce the likelihood of rear wheel lock-up during rapid downshifting.

Okay, the 748R is not as user-friendly on the street as it could be, but excels on the track.

It's expensive, it has 'collectable' written all over it, and what price street cred and race class?

As a street scoot, a regular 748 or 996 is better value, but for a Sunday fang or a track day bike, you can't do much better.