Ducati 848: Anyone have one?

holtjv · 05-23-2010, 08:23 AM

I rode one at the track yesterday-the Ducati corp rep was there with Polen.

Man oh man. It was like my Daytona 675 but better in every way--flickable but more poised, grunty but better top end, completely comfortable fit. After just 2 or 3 laps I was running faster on its crappy street tires than I was on my daytona earlier.

Found an 08 with termis for sale for 9k. Smelling pizza...

Gogar · 05-23-2010, 09:00 AM

I think Noah930 has one.

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

I have an 888. The model Polen rode to World and AMA Superbike championships in the early 90s.

848 is a totally different beast. Worlds better than my antiquated superbike.

holtjv · 05-23-2010, 09:07 AM

Had bbq with Polen in Lockhart after the track day. What a character.

Joeaksa · 05-23-2010, 09:20 AM

Doesnt Kurt/Rot 911 have one?

Love the Duc's but would kill myself on one. Am a BMW aircooled fan and prolly going to stay that way.

BlueSkyJaunte · 05-23-2010, 09:48 AM

Nice, wasn't even aware of these (I kinda dropped off the sportbike map a few years ago--just started looking around again).

I still want a 748 though.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Love the 848 - my favorite "sport" type bike. Beautiful in white. Sadly I don't think my knees would last more than about 15 minutes in that riding position...

holtjv · 05-23-2010, 11:03 AM

nostatic, the riding position was way more comfy for old guy knees than the cbr or gsxr. The daytona is also good. After just a few laps with the cbr my hips were burning. It didn't help that the track was incredibly bumpy, so hanging on required a lot more work.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by holtjv

nostatic, the riding position was way more comfy for old guy knees than the cbr or gsxr. The daytona is also good. After just a few laps with the cbr my hips were burning. It didn't help that the track was incredibly bumpy, so hanging on required a lot more work.

I haven't ridden the 848, but have sat on one. Being 6'1" with knees that crunch when I walk is a bad combo on any sportbike. That is one reason I love the GS and loved the Multistrada. My knees aren't tucked at all.

I don't even try to get on a CBR, etc. That is a total non-starter for me...

holtjv · 05-23-2010, 11:15 AM

Well there you go, then.

They had a multistrada out there, too, and I guess you know it's Ducati's big hit of 2010. Dialable HP to 150, abs, traction control. Good stuff.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 05-25-2010, 04:48 PM

I was thinking about this thread today, took the bike to NYC this morning for an interview, just got back. it was remarkably comfortable for 8 hours of riding in one day, but I'm only 5'10" which seems to make all the difference.

best part of the day was parking on W18th, pulling off my helment and hearing MOTORCYCLE with 4 young boys running over, a mom-figure in tow. All got a seat on the bike, they were dancing around with ants in their pants wanting another "ride." wanted to know how fast it went, what does Ducati mean... glad to see some NYC boys who aren't momma's boys wusses.

Any news on getting an 848?

holtjv · 05-25-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

I was thinking about this thread today, took the bike to NYC this morning for an interview, just got back. it was remarkably comfortable for 8 hours of riding in one day, but I'm only 5'10" which seems to make all the difference.

best part of the day was parking on W18th, pulling off my helment and hearing MOTORCYCLE with 4 young boys running over, a mom-figure in tow. All got a seat on the bike, they were dancing around with ants in their pants wanting another "ride." wanted to know how fast it went, what does Ducati mean... glad to see some NYC boys who aren't momma's boys wusses.

Any news on getting an 848?

Funny you should mention. Just sent the guy a note with an offer. Since it's a full price offer, I think he'll go for it!

Rot 911 · 05-25-2010, 04:53 PM

Joe, I have the 696 Monster, but have ridden several 848's and almost bought one. I didn't and the biggest reason was I do a lot more riding on the street than I do on the track and the 848 is fun for 30-45 minutes on the street. Don't even think about going on a trip on one. Oh I know someone will come back with "I rode coast to coast on my 848 and it was the most comfortable bike I ever road." They are lying to you and to themselves.

If I was going to get a pure track bike? The 848 would be right up there at the top of the list.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 05-25-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holtjv

Funny you should mention. Just sent the guy a note with an offer. Since it's a full price offer, I think he'll go for it!

Wow! I didn't realize they were so beautiful. that work of art makes my bike look like a 3rd grade after school craft project. congratulations, hope the transaction goes smoothly.

holtjv · 05-25-2010, 05:12 PM

One more to show off the cool front fairing design:

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

So is the Daytona going up for sale?

holtjv · 05-25-2010, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche4life

So is the Daytona going up for sale?

Nope. Think I'll keep it for now.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Thats probably best for my wallet....

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Wow! I didn't realize they were so beautiful. that work of art makes my bike look like a 3rd grade after school craft project. congratulations, hope the transaction goes smoothly.

No disrespect to the 1098/848 bodystyle, which looks great, but I think your 900SS is one of the prettiest sportbikes ever. Only the Hailwood replica looks better, IMO. Or maybe an original '72 750SS.

holtjv · 05-25-2010, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Thats probably best for my wallet....

You don't want my 675. It has typical british electronics.

Problem: CEL on and running on 2 cylinders?
Fix: remove fairings. remove steering damper to lift tank to nose around. Replace tank. Start engine. You're done!

Problem: ECU indicates overheated engine on stone cold engine. CEL on.
Fix: Stop bike just off the track, shut it down. Talk to corner worker for 7 minutes. Start bike. You're done! (this happened 3x). Take to dealer since under warranty. They can't recreate the problem so...you're done!

Problem: ECU indicates no engine heat so runs exceedingly rich. CEL on. Repeat fix from problem above. You're done!!

Now, I had the underheating problem last Saturday when I rode the 848 and the bike wouldn't even start again. Waited a couple hours and..you guessed it! Fine! But then it died again after 1 lap so I parked it. Those who know at the track said it's surely the temperature sensor.