New Ducati 848 - First Impressions

[Cess pit]

Hi
Picked up the 848 on saturday and thought I'd post my first impressions.

We all know what the 848 looks like but it has to be said you need to see it in the flesh to really appreciate it. In the brochure I actually prefer the red model but when you see the pearl white in the sun there is no contest in my book.
Any way, first things first....steering lock. There is'nt any and if you try any tight turns in car parks you will trap your thumbs. She has the turning circle of an oil tanker. (That'll be a slow speed riding course then).

The controls are all where you expect them, however there is a switch on the left bar that operates the GP inspired dash. The explaination I recieved went in one ear and out the other but later when I read the handbook all became clear and it really is easy to use. Loads of info, however much of this is difficult to read on the move but I'll get used to that I'm sure.
Throttle very crisp and when you nail it the bike almost revs like an in line four. Sounds weird I know but if you imagine a well sorted CBR 600 with an extra 50bhp your getting the picture.
The clutch is heavyish, not horrendous but you do feel it in traffic, great on the move though.
The brakes are awesome, no grab, just lots of solid progressive power that builds and builds, you really do have to hang if braking hard. Rear brake is....well a rear brake, just all other crap sports bike rear brakes.

Once rolling the bike feels agile but very planted. This really is a bike where slow in fast out seems to work best. You have to use a bit of effort to get her to turn in compared to some jap sports bikes but it is by no means a problem. Once over simply pick your line and when the exit to the turn appears roll it on. This bike really fires out of corners, huge fun. Very stable mid corner its like its on rails.

I found that on standard suspension settings everything was taught, firm and fine for A roads or anywhere with a decent surface. On a couple of B roads where the surface was rippled, bumpy and full of potholes, overbanding and the like she sometimes felt a little nervous. (so did I). I'm sure this could be dialled out.
The riding position is obviously sporty, head down bum up, but not in the extreme and you only feel pressure on the wrists around town. The bike is roomy allowing you to move around and I did not experience any discomfort during the 200 mile stint. Fuel stops will be every 90 -100 miles or so with the light coming on around 95 with a further 20 miles in reserve or so I am reliably informed. (Personally I dont usually put these things to the test).

What does the bike need, and Im talking about accessories and personal choice here.
Ive got a tank pad, a must, and I will be getting a carbon hugger for the unprotected rear, also I'll get the higher screen, the nice tinted one.
Thats probably the only practical bits I think I need. I dont like the look of the plastic front mudguard, it's gotta go and a carbon replacement will be ordered.
After that I guess I shall replace most of the plastic for carbon fibre (not the fairing though) as nearly all the black plastic parts do look....well like black plastic.

Overall I am very impressed with the bike, nah sod it, I'm in love with the bloody thing, she's gorgious.
One small point, I read on here somewhere that somebody said that the 848 would be an ok bike for someone who had just passed their DAS course....NO NO NO. This is a very focused sports bike, not a fire breathing monster but a challenging bike that would not suit a new rider. Only my opinion I know but there you go.

Anyone considering an 848....get one. You wont be disapointed.





"My mouth has to be this big so that both feet can fit in"

[royum]

Originally Posted by Cess pit

Hi
You have to use a bit of effort to get her to turn in compared to some jap sports bikes but it is by no means a problem. Once over simply pick your line and when the exit to the turn appears roll it on. This bike really fires out of corners, huge fun. Very stable mid corner its like its on rails.

Give the bar a little nudge the wrong way when entering the turn you'll find she drops into the turn nicely.

[mckahuna]

do you think it's worth putting termis on the 848? does it really need them?

[Cess pit]

Originally Posted by mckahuna

do you think it's worth putting termis on the 848? does it really need them?

In my humble opinion I would say no.
The 848 is one of the loudests (and nicest sounding) dukes Ive heard with standard cans. The carbon fibre look would be an improvement but not for the cost. It was on my list of goodies but now I dont think I'll bother to be honest.

[Jolley]

Good write up. A lot of things I was thinking but forgot to write!!

Originally Posted by Cess pit

Any way, first things first....steering lock. There is'nt any and if you try any tight turns in car parks you will trap your thumbs. She has the turning circle of an oil tanker. (That'll be a slow speed riding course then).

If you get your hands out of the way it actually turns ok. I even managed a u-turn without feet down!!

Originally Posted by Cess pit

The controls are all where you expect them, however there is a switch on the left bar that operates the GP inspired dash. The explaination I recieved went in one ear and out the other but later when I read the handbook all became clear and it really is easy to use. Loads of info, however much of this is difficult to read on the move but I'll get used to that I'm sure.

I didn't pay much attention to that either... concentrating too much on riding. I will take some time when I am back to work out what does what.

Originally Posted by Cess pit

Once rolling the bike feels agile but very planted. This really is a bike where slow in fast out seems to work best. You have to use a bit of effort to get her to turn in compared to some jap sports bikes but it is by no means a problem.

As mentioned above by royum, a bit of counter steer will get you where you want to be. I actually though it dropped down quite well, but I wasn't going fast and have never ridden a Jap 600.

Originally Posted by Cess pit

Fuel stops will be every 90 -100 miles or so with the light coming on around 95 with a further 20 miles in reserve or so I am reliably informed. (Personally I dont usually put these things to the test).

I can confirm 30 miles is possible without running out (taking it easy).

Originally Posted by Cess pit

After that I guess I shall replace most of the plastic for carbon fibre (not the fairing though) as nearly all the black plastic parts do look....well like black plastic.

Mine are currently being stockpiled ready for when I come back in April. Also going to add a Steering damper.

Originally Posted by Cess pit

One small point, I read on here somewhere that somebody said that the 848 would be an ok bike for someone who had just passed their DAS course....NO NO NO. This is a very focused sports bike, not a fire breathing monster but a challenging bike that would not suit a new rider. Only my opinion I know but there you go.

That was probably me... and it is my first bike. I didn't manage to kill myself after 900 miles over Christmas in very poor conditions. I did make the statement that it would be ok only if you were confident on 2 wheels anyway, and if you can be trusted with the throttle.

[Jolley]

Cess pit, I just noticed your location. If you are around in April and going to either OnyerBike/Boxhill/Bristol Autofest then give me a shout... my bike is only a few miles down the road from you.

[Cess pit]

Originally Posted by Jolley

Good write up. A lot of things I was thinking but forgot to write!!

If you get your hands out of the way it actually turns ok. I even managed a u-turn without feet down!!


I didn't pay much attention to that either... concentrating too much on riding. I will take some time when I am back to work out what does what.


As mentioned above by royum, a bit of counter steer will get you where you want to be. I actually though it dropped down quite well, but I wasn't going fast and have never ridden a Jap 600.


I can confirm 30 miles is possible without running out (taking it easy).


Mine are currently being stockpiled ready for when I come back in April. Also going to add a Steering damper.


That was probably me... and it is my first bike. I didn't manage to kill myself after 900 miles over Christmas in very poor conditions. I did make the statement that it would be ok only if you were confident on 2 wheels anyway, and if you can be trusted with the throttle.

Jolley

Gotta say, DAS straight to 848.....respect mate, I wouldnt do it but well done.
The issue of steering, I am comparing the 848 with a CBR 600. It's not that the duke is slow to steer, a good shove gets it over on it's side nicely but compared a CBR it is slower, however once there it is so much more stable and planted and would leave most jap stuff for dead firing out of the bend.

Forgot to mention my better half suprised me with a booked and paid for track day at Brands on the 19th March, so all in all a bloody top weekend.

[Cess pit]

Originally Posted by Jolley

Cess pit, I just noticed your location. If you are around in April and going to either OnyerBike/Boxhill/Bristol Autofest then give me a shout... my bike is only a few miles down the road from you.

Will do mate, I'll post something here well before the event

[Hyper-retard]

i agree with alot of your comments had an hour on an 848, it's definately a well sorted bike, i was in the dealer & a guy was picking his up, just passed is direct access with no previous experience of bikes, a little large, 40 something, i said to the dealer that it was a bit irresponsible letting a newbie buy something like the 848, it's not an easy bike, but rewards with input. needless to say i was back at the dealer this week & asked how the newbie had got on/whether he was still alive, i was pointed to the service area, it appears that said newbie on his second day out had the bike on full lock in a car park & grabbed a whole lot of front brake......you can imagine the rest, a bill for £1100.

[Douglas]

There was an 848 at Mallory yesterday. I must say I thought it sounded very disappointing at full chat. It didnt really sound like a Ducati at all, certainly no distinctive v twin growl like the DD bikes, the 9xxs and the 749s.

[ducbird]

its absolutely beautiful in pearl white
stunner
i want one
so light
ahhhh

[Gibi848]

The 848's just about run in. Its booked in for its first service and all I can say is the bikes fantastic. It just proves to me that mag write ups (superbike) are a load of rubbish. I'm quite happy to admit the bike is far better than me, I have had some quick bikes r1 & zx10 but this is something else, I dont miss the top mega speeds of the litre bike at all. the handling is awsome.




I cant wait to get the service done so I can here the termis on full chat

[tommyg76]

Gibi,

Lovely bike with a nice paint job - looks very cool - where did you get that done?

Tom

[blairwarlock]

Not sure what pricing is in the UK, but in the US, the 848 is approx. $3,000 USD less than a 1098. I test rode the 848 when it came out...great bike! But the reason I didn't go with it is it didn't make economic sense when the 1098 is not that much more considering the 1098 gives you a steering dampener, monoblock calipers, color coded fenders, seat height adjuster, more power, wet clutch, and I believe it's only 11 lbs heavier..what else am i missing? If you're not going to mod the 848, then I would agree it's a better buy, but to me at least, seems like the 1098 is the better buy here. Just my .02.

Now if the 848 came in white with a RED frame...I would have seriously reconsidered

At the end of the day I ended up with a 1098S anyway, so I guess it was all a moot point, but thought I'd share...1098R on it's way

[Gerby]

I just took delivery of my 848 10 days ago and have only been out on it twice so far, but it's an absolute beaut, not just in the looks department. The engine is just so much more eimpressive than my old 749 which I loved.

I agree with the last posting about the difference between the specifications of 848 and the 1098. However, the reason I chose the 848 was that ithought the 1098 was just too much for street use. A friend of mine who previously owned a 749S bought a 1098 last year. He found it was just too powerful for ordinary use. He was sorry he didn't wait for the 848.

I think I may have problems keeping the speed down, if the experience of the first 500kms is any guide. The only changes I intend to make are to fit a ride height adjuster (the non adjustable ride height is too high for me and has me sliding up on the tank everytie I hit the brakes) and a steering damper. The brakes may not include the monobloc calipers fitted to the 1098, but I doubt if I will ever notice the difference.