Ducati 749 2003-2006

> £3250-£5750 > 102bhp > 197kg (dry) > 748cc V-twin

Not all supersports machines are high-revving hooligans. The last Ducati eligible to race against 600s was the 749, and though it’s heavier and less powerful than a CBR or R6, that sonorous V-twin feels much more purposeful and far less demanding at road speeds. Servicing isn’t cheap, mind.