Ducati 848
Test Notes
+ Nice spread of power throughout the rev range
+ Awesome brakes
+ Neutral chassis
- Quirky suspension
- Racer ergos are torture on the street
- Exhaust roasts your buns and thighs
x The 848 is a few suspension bits short of a knockout.
Suggested Suspension Settings
Front
Spring preload: 3 lines showing; rebound: 7 clicks out from full stiff; compression: 1.5 turns out from full stiff; ride height: 10mm fork tube showing above top triple clamp
Rear
Spring preload: 10mm thread showing above collar; rebound: 5 turns out from full stiff; compression: 4 turns out from full stiff
'08 Ducati 848
MSRP: $12,995
Engine
Type: Liquid-cooled, 90-deg., 4-stroke L-twin
Valve arrangement: DOHC, 4 valves/cyl.; desmodromic actuation
Displacement: 849cc
Bore x stroke: 94.0 x 61.2mm
Compression ratio: 12:1
Induction: Marelli EFI, single-valve oval throttle bodies equivalent to 56mm dia., 1 injector/cyl.
Transmission: 6-speed
Chassis
Front suspension: 43 mm Showa inverted cartridge fork, 5.0 in. travel; adjustments for spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension: Single Showa shock absorber, 5.0 in. travel; adjustments for spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front wheel: 3.50 x 17 in.; cast alloy
Rear wheel: 5.5 x 17 in.; cast alloy
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Pirelli Supercorsa Pro
Rear tire: 180/55ZR-17 Pirelli Supercorsa Pro
Rake/trail:24.5 deg./3.8 in. (97mm)
Wheelbase: 56.3 in. (1430mm)
Seat height: 32.6 in. (830mm)
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal. (15.5L)
Weight: 435 lb (197kg) wet; 410 lb (186kg) dry
Instruments: LCD panel for digital speedometer, tachometer, odometer/tripmeter, temperature gauge, clock, scheduled maintenance warning, average speed, average fuel consumption; warning lights for oil pressure, fuel level, oil temperature, fuel reserve, trip fuel; neutral, high beam, turn signals
Performance
Quarter-mile: 10.71 sec. @ 130.44 mph
Top speed:164.5 mph
Roll-ons: 60-80 mph/4.00 sec.; 80-100 mph/5.15 sec.
Fuel consumption: 30-40 mpg, 37 mpg avg.