2008 Ducati Superbike 848
From Powersports Information Wiki Source
Ducati announced its 848 Superbike in late 2007, November 6 to be exact, for the 2008 model year, replacing the 749. At 168 kg (369 lbs), it is 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter than its predecessor and 5 kg (11 lbs) lighter than its bigger capacity sibling, 1098. It makes a tested 115.6 hp (86 kW) at 10,400 rpm and 62.3 lb·ft (84.5 N·m) at 8,500 rpm.
According to its manufacturer, the 848 differs from the 1098 and 1098R since the other two are thoroughbred race bikes while the 848 is more of an "ordinary joe's" bike. That is why it's not eligible to race either at British or World Supersport level. With that in mind, Ducati made sure the 848 appeals to a greater number of people by making it less aggressive and more manageable.
The 849cc engine has bore and stroke values of 94mm and 61.2mm respectively, which produce a ratio that is only slightly inferior to the 1098 (1.54 compared with 1.61), while maintaining the highly ‘over-square’ layout typical of racing engines. The cylinder head has been modified in line with the characteristic bore and stroke of the engine in order to optimize the fluid dynamics of the intake (straight and plunging) and exhaust ducts and combustion chamber. The compression ratio is 12:1.
The cylinder head has been modified in line with the characteristic bore and stroke of the engine in order to optimize the fluid dynamics of the intake (straight and plunging) and exhaust ducts and combustion chamber. The compression ratio is 12:1. The design of a dedicated elliptical throttle body for the 848 demonstrates the attention that Borgo Panigale engineers have devoted to the development of the Superbike range. The cross-section is reduced from the 60 sq. mm of the 1098 to 56 sq. mm so as to optimize fluid dynamics at every engine speed. Just like on the 1098, the new cylinder heads benefit from fewer components and include magnesium covers.
The 848 engine is fitted with a silent modular wet clutch, characterized by an exceptional resistance to wear that will lead to superior duration. This solution makes a useful contribution to weight saving, estimated to be around 1.6kg, which is also due to the use of a different type of clutch cover.
The 848 is available at a MSRP of US$13,495 in Red or Pearl White colors for the 2008 model year.
Contents |
Videos
| A Test Ride of the Ducati Superbike 848 (from MCNTV). |
Motorcycle Specifications
| Engine and transmission | |
|---|---|
| Displacement: | 849.40 ccm (51.83 cubic inches) |
| Engine Type: | V2 |
| Stroke: | 4 |
| Power: | 134.00 HP (97.8 kW)) @ 10000 RPM |
| Torque: | 96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 8250 RPM |
| Compression: | 12.0:1 |
| Bore x stroke: | 94.0 x 61.2 mm (3.7 x 2.4 inches) |
| Fuel System: | Injection. Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies. |
| Fuel Control: | Desmodromic valve control |
| Starter: | Electric |
| Cooling System: | Liquid |
| Gearbox: | 6-speed |
| Transmission type final drive: | Chain |
| Clutch: | Wet multiplate with hydraulic control |
| Physical measures | |
| Dry weight: | 168.0 kg (370.4 pounds) |
| Seat height: | 830 mm (32.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Wheelbase: | 1,430 mm (56.3 inches) |
| Chassis and dimensions | |
| Frame type: | Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450 |
| Rake (fork angle): | 24.5° |
| Front suspension: | Showa 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork |
| Front suspension travel: | 127 mm (5.0 inches) |
| Rear suspension: | Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm |
| Rear suspension travel: | 120 mm (4.7 inches) |
| Front tyre dimensions: | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear tyre dimensions: | 180/55-ZR17 |
| Front brakes: | Double disc |
| Front brakes diameter: | 320 mm (12.6 inches) |
| Rear brakes: | Single disc |
| Rear brakes diameter: | 245 mm (9.6 inches) |
| Exhaust system: | Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers |
| Speed and acceleration | |
| Power/weight ratio: | 0.7976 HP/kg |
| Other specifications | |
| Fuel capacity: | 15.50 litres (4.10 gallons) |
| Color options: | Red - Red - Black, Pearl White - Racing Grey - Black |
Reviews
Telegraph.co.uk, a British website, considers the 848's style, stability, torque, and sound as its pros while its tiny fuel tank, useless mirrors, and trapped fingers were named as its cons.
Sources
- Ducati Superbike 848 2008 Profile
- Ducati Unveils 848 Superbike
- Ducati 848: Sunday afternoon thrills
- Ducati 848 Wikipedia
- Ridden: Ducati 848
External Links

