Ducati has introduced their 2008 lineup and the 2008 Ducati 848 breaks cover with a 134 horsepower engine in a 369 pound package, giving the 848 a better power to weight ratio than the 999. Looks like a nice addition to their middleweight models.
From Ducati:
The words ‘agile’ and ‘refined’ aptly describe the 848. At 168 kg (369 lbs) the 848 is an amazing 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, and a significant 5 kg (11 lbs) lighter than its larger capacity brother, the 1098.
The highly advanced 848 engine uses an improved method of engine case production in which cases are vacuum die-cast formed. While providing significant weight savings of more than 3 kg (6.5 lbs), this method also ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength. Further refinements include a sophisticated wet clutch that offers 1 kg (2.2 lbs) less weight, a much higher service life, improved clutch feel and quiet operation.
Specs and more photos below:
CHASSIS
Frame Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
Wheelbase 1430 mm / 56.3 in
Rake 24,5°
Front suspension Showa 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork
Front brake 2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers 4-piston, 2-pad
Front wheel 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
Front tire 120/70 ZR17
Rear suspension Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear brake 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheel 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
Rear tire 180/55 ZR17
Fuel tank capacity 15.5L (of which 4L reserve) / 4.1 US gal (of which 1 US gal reserve)
Weight * 168kg / 370lbs
Seat height 830 mm / 32.6 in
Instruments Digital MotoGP derived unit displaying: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, warning light for low oil pressure, fuel level, oil temperature, fuel reserve, trip fuel, neutral, turn signals, average speed, average fuel consumptio
Warranty 2 years unlimited mileage
Body colours (frame/wheels) (Red – Red – Black) (Pearl White – Racing Grey – Black)
Versions Dual seat
* = The weight excludes battery, lubricants and, where applicable, cooling liquid.
ENGINE
Type L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Displacement 849.4 cc
Bore x Stroke 94 x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio 12:1
Power* 134hp – 98.5kw @ 10000rpm
Torque* 70.8lb-ft 96Nm @ 8250rpm
Fuel injection Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies.
Exhaust Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox 6 speed
Final drive Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39
Clutch Wet multiplate with hydraulic control
* = Data calculated using an inertia dynamometer
Link: Ducati
Richard says
Weight * 168kg / 370lbs
* = The weight excludes battery, lubricants and, where applicable, cooling liquid
That’s some sense of humor these ducatistas have, eh? Before long, they’ll be excluding tires, wheels, headlights, etc.
Looks good, though!
Mayakovski says
I’m in love.
Chris says
Richard, to be fair, pretty much all manufacturers exclude fairly significant portions of the all-up weight when publishing a “weight”. I’m pretty sure everyone excludes oil and other lubricants, although Ducati may be one of the few to exclude the battery.
cl
hoyt says
Those are wicked streetbike numbers. This could be the performance streetbike people talk about for a long time.
I just re-read an old CW issue with Kenny Drear’s modified Duc 853 and thought, wow, an 850 is a great size for a motor with less than 4 cylinders.
Will Japan or Triumph produce an 800 cc – 850 cc in-line triple?
——-
Ducati shouldn’t publish the dry weight without the battery if no one else does. A battery still weighs more than 5 lbs.
Larry says
Hey Hoyt, not likely what you had in mind but…
http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha_xs_850_1980.php
PigIron says
I’m not so sure that they don’t exclude tires when calculating dry weight. They sure don’t count fuel. I’d add 60 pounds if you want to get in rthe ballpark on curb weight.
Alistair says
Hoyt, I think the link Larry wanted to put in was to the Yamaha TRX850. Maybe they’ll re-release it … I could do with a new one.
Clive M-Sanders says
Dont know why, but it looks more attractive than the 1098 to me. I still like my S2R however.
aaron says
wet clutch????? wow… I didn’t think ducati would extend this to the superbike line…
myself, I think the real news is that the 1098R will come with traction control!
Gaia says
I want a bike with the exhausts on the side. I actually enjoyed having a under seat compartment that i could keep a set of wet weathers etc in. I wonder if i asked them if they could put one can on the side and build in a little compartment too. By the way. You realize the extra piping etc routing up to the tail means more weight. With a ‘normal’ exhaust set up, not only do you get a place to keep your goodies, but they could publish an even less weight. I like that Bimota, in australia it would 60000 by the time you got it imported i reckon. But what i sweet looking ride. Can i get a response form people, side can vs. under tail. Cheers
hoyt says
Gaia – I personally like side-mounted megaphones (made out of carbon or ti for lightness).
For me, the undertail design seems to have been done too many times by other companies. I’m tired of it except for the 1098 & 848.
As far as weight savings, I bet the undertail is not much heavier; it might be lighter in some cases. Aprilia’s stock, side mount for the Mille a couple of years ago weighed an astonishing 27 pounds.
Even if the undertail is heavier, at least the weight is centered, as opposed to having one side mount as in the case of many in-line multis and the Aprilia from a couple of years ago.
Larry/Alistair – thanks…I do think Japan should come back with a modern rendition of their in-line triples for their sportbike/standard models.
todd says
since you asked: my preference is to have the exhaust under the engine. This is pretty much where they have been for ages except scramblers and dirt bikes. Eventually the pipes moved up to where the shocks used to be for more ground clearance. Since most people don’t carry a passenger or luggage this was a reasonable option. Later the desire to hide the muffler (and to copy the Ducati 916) drove manufacturers to mount under the tail.
under tail = excess heat, loss of storage, possible added or higher weight, difficult and more expensive aftermarket solutions, etc
high-side mount = ugly to some, hot passenger legs, difficult or reduced luggage capabilities, requires (slop and heat-prone) single shock, tell-tale scrapes of recent low-side, etc
under engine/swing arm = lack of ground / cornering clearance in some designs, shorter length more difficult to achieve higher torque output or less noise, more difficult to display how much money you spend on your exhaust system…
-todd
sean says
what is the 848’ts top speed stock
nat says
What is everybody’s favorite year for the ducati?
other Todd says
the 848 will do about 165mph stock. I was at a dealership today where that’s the figure I was given. But where the top speed is slower than other bikes,it has amazing accel. and handling, which is why people want a ducati, I mean they’re the ones who won the 07 GP.
I should be riding an 848 by the end of July just have to work the details outlooking forward to a sports bike over my cruiser
( which at 1600cc has almost twce the engine with less than half the speed hah)
ry646 says
i got one…lovin it, really inspiring in the twisties, i’ve got friends with a range of other new (07 or 08) middleweight sporkbikes, and gixxer is the most comfortable, and the triumph feels inspiring as the ducati does…. the rest are fun too, but the r6 makes me feel as if im riding to high, and i really don’t like the wide nose, just my opinion tho
Enzo T says
I just bought a red 848. I test rode the 1098 as well and well that is a lot of bike and it is silly fast. The 848 is no slouch either. It is a work of art. When you have a guy driving an Astin Martin Vantage telling you that you have a beautiful bike, ah well that is pretty cool. The bike is nimble and so quick on twisties in the mountains. Well worth every penny. A ferrari on two wheels.
man with the golden bike says
LOVE IT
John says
Picking up my new 848 tomorrow afternoon. Ever since the 916 cam out I have always wanted a Ducati. Sold my 06 R1 to make room for her. Hope I am not disappointed.
Antonio says
I just rode one on a test drive and decided to not leave before ordering one. Should get it in a week’s time… happy days.
Steve says
I dream of 848, perfect bike… however i do not have a garage to put it in and i couldnt get it inside and do not have a backyard…. i do have a carport though i would worry about it. i’ve though of building a few different sorts of covers for it though still not sure…
any ideas??
yashar says
Nice bike, but the triumph daytona 675 is a faster bike, smaller motor, and cheaper priced. check out the MCN comparison on Youtube between daytona 675 and Ducati 848!, The quarter mile is faster on the triumph by a long shot, the Handling characteristics etc..