The 2008 Ducati 848 is 30% more powerful than it’s predecessor, producing 134 hp. It is also a stunning 44 lbs lighter. These two factors combine to give a power to weight ratio which is even better than the 999.
Where Ducati have managed to lose that much weight is beyond me and I can only guess the paint must be helium based or something. Although they are claiming a new engine production method to vacuum die cast the engine casings which saves 6.5 lbs alone and a new clutch that save 2.2 lbs, so that means the other 35 lbs can only be down to the paint.
The 848 shares much with it’s bigger brother, the 1098. The wheels are identical (although shod with a skinnier tire on the back) and the bodywork is exactly the same. Ducati launched the 848 in Almeria, Spain, and Rueben Xaus demonstrated it’s wheelie capabilities and apparently stunning cornering ability. Take a few laps with Reuben in the video.
This is an all-new bike. Rather than sleeve down the 999 engine, Ducati have constructed a brand new one and this will certainly give the 600s a run for their money. Styling is the usual spectacularly sexy Ducati and the 848 is available in red or white, although why on earth any one would want anything other than red is a mystery.
The specifications are impressive to say the least and I can see this one becoming extremely popular. And at last, Ducati have built this one for the road first, the race track second. The 848 is not eligible to enter either World or AMA Supersport racing, so it should be well mannered on the road. The legendary Ducati grunt makes it a breeze to ride and just about every journalist at the launch fell in love with it.
Rueben manages to show just how quick it can be, but the power to weight ratio and nice flat torque curve are enough to make this an easy, sporty ride without too much stress on the rider. Jane Omorogbe was lucky enough to get to ride it at the launch and her review is at the bottom of the page. Ducati are also claiming 50% less maintenance costs this year, with service intervals stretched from 600 to 7,500 miles which is good news for those put off by Ducati’s world famous running costs. It’s an extremely sexy bike, but it’s probably worth stumping up the extra few grand for the big one. Me – I’ll be sticking to the monster.
Where Ducati have managed to lose that much weight is beyond me and I can only guess the paint must be helium based or something. Although they are claiming a new engine production method to vacuum die cast the engine casings which saves 6.5 lbs alone and a new clutch that save 2.2 lbs, so that means the other 35 lbs can only be down to the paint.
The 848 shares much with it’s bigger brother, the 1098. The wheels are identical (although shod with a skinnier tire on the back) and the bodywork is exactly the same. Ducati launched the 848 in Almeria, Spain, and Rueben Xaus demonstrated it’s wheelie capabilities and apparently stunning cornering ability. Take a few laps with Reuben in the video.
This is an all-new bike. Rather than sleeve down the 999 engine, Ducati have constructed a brand new one and this will certainly give the 600s a run for their money. Styling is the usual spectacularly sexy Ducati and the 848 is available in red or white, although why on earth any one would want anything other than red is a mystery.
The specifications are impressive to say the least and I can see this one becoming extremely popular. And at last, Ducati have built this one for the road first, the race track second. The 848 is not eligible to enter either World or AMA Supersport racing, so it should be well mannered on the road. The legendary Ducati grunt makes it a breeze to ride and just about every journalist at the launch fell in love with it.
Rueben manages to show just how quick it can be, but the power to weight ratio and nice flat torque curve are enough to make this an easy, sporty ride without too much stress on the rider. Jane Omorogbe was lucky enough to get to ride it at the launch and her review is at the bottom of the page. Ducati are also claiming 50% less maintenance costs this year, with service intervals stretched from 600 to 7,500 miles which is good news for those put off by Ducati’s world famous running costs. It’s an extremely sexy bike, but it’s probably worth stumping up the extra few grand for the big one. Me – I’ll be sticking to the monster.
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