Ducati 848 Evo, the test: conclusions and photo gallery

Throughout the morning of testing with the Ducati 848 Evo I went getting better my knowledge of both the circuit and the bike, increasing the pace progressively. The asphalt of Castelloli is a bit bumpy and as I went faster I went discovering every time new bumps and imperfections of asphalt. In any case, the Ducati swallowed them without doing any kind of strange.

The motorcycle transmitted to me much trust and the feeling at all times that you could always always push yourself a little further. First, I felt comfortable on the uphill part of the circuit and then on the downhill part, making more and more use of the entire track for the line. The Ducati easily lifted and knocked down, responding immediately to the insinuations he made.

Ducati 848 Evo, a human superbike

The main image that I got from the 848 Evo is that it was a true superbike to the suitable scale to enjoy with it with a medium level of piloting. You don't need a lot of experience to be able to have fun on this bike, even though the power figure is already important: 140 horsepower is no joke.

When going fast, the LEDs included in the upper part of the control panel that indicate how you are approaching the area in which you must change gear. It is better to pay attention to it, because the ignition cut-off is radical when exceeding it and you have to be attentive to quickly increase gears when accelerating.

Maybe this is the Most Japanese Ducati (Perhaps I have written a sacrilege …?). Historically, the Italian brand's motorcycles had more roughness and were more demanding than the Japanese motorcycles. Instead, this model has an ease of use and smoothness comparable to any Japanese mount. In addition, as in the other new models of the brand, maintenance has been fixed at 12,000 kilometer intervals, which is a sign of reliability and the confidence of the brand in its product.

I think it was a success for Ducati to organize this test on a circuit, which is the real habitat where a motorcycle of this style makes sense. A few years ago a statistic that surprised me very much fell into my hands in which it appeared that only a small percentage (about 10%) of the owners of a sports bike used it on the track. If you put your mind to it, you can go find bread with a Ducati 848 Evo or take a trip as a couple, but it is clear that the motorcycle is not designed for that. Without going out onto the open road, I explored a bit through the paddock of the circuit, passing between the parked cars and simulating some urban maneuvers, and it quickly becomes clear that this is not the right bike to carry every day in the city. Anyway, if someone insists on doing it, the elasticity of the motor should help the motorcycle is relatively usable in urban driving.

The possibilities of making the most of its performance on the open road are remote, and it is not feasible to do the kind of sporty driving that the motorcycle invites there. As I mentioned in a previous post, the Ducati 848 Evo does not fit into the usual categories in competition, but fortunately today we have in Spain n Numerous circuits and organizers of batches and various activities. Come on, there are few excuses to get bored having one of these in the garage.

The elasticity allows the gears to be stretched a lot and is a factor that also helps a lot on the circuit, since almost always found enough power to face any situation. Another important issue is the lightness of the bike. From the outset, it saves a few kilos compared to bikes with a larger engine and Ducati, always obsessed with the subject, has made a great effort to keep the weight at very contained figures: 168 kilograms dry. The weight is evident in the handling and lightness of the bike, both on and off. I share Ducati's obsession with weight containment: I also believe that it is as or more important than power.

The morning came to an end. The day was splendid and the sun was with us, although it was not too hot. In each of the batches he had gone faster and safer than in the previous one. Continuous improvement The Ducati was a good ally in every moment. Always obedient to what I asked of him and understanding with my mistakes. I didn't have a single scare, no strange reaction, or anything resembling an emergency situation. The times when I slipped into a curve, the bike helped to return things to normal, just as when I made mistakes they seemed much easier to correct than in my CBR.

I imagine that it is easy to fall in love with a motorcycle when trying it in these circumstances. But I think my feelings with the Ducati 848 Evo went further. I found a good bike to enter the circuit with a medium level of riding, which allows you to roll quickly and safely from the first moment, while allowing you to progress. It is true that it is not a cheap motorcycle, but it gave me the feeling of being worth what it costs. It caught my attention when it was released on the market and although I considered it a purchase alternative, I could not decide on it. Now, after testing it, I think the decision would have probably been different.

When writing tests, I like to identify critical aspects of the bike: everything cannot be so beautiful. On the other hand, in this case, the truth is that apart from the small detail of the long travel of the gear lever, I have not been able to find more defects than those inherent in its category: arched position of the back, testimonial rear seat, … But these are not defects in reality, but genetic characteristics that potential buyers already know. Otherwise, driving the Ducati 848 Evo was a great experience.

The last photos accompanying this test are from the Ducati press kit. I find some nice action photos showing the possibilities of the “medium” Ducati pushed to the limit. Something that, at least for the moment, I am not able to do.

I leave you below with the technical characteristics, the final evaluations and the photo gallery.

Ducati 848 Evo, technical characteristics

Motor:
- Type: L-twin cylinder, Desmodromic distribution 4 valves per cylinder, liquid cooling
- Displacement: 849, 4 cm³
- Power max. dec.: 140 hp at 10,500 rpm
- Torque max. dec: 98 Nm at 9,750 rpm
Transmission:
- Clutch: Multi-disc in oil bath with hydraulic drive.
- Gearbox: 6 gears
- Transmission: Chain; 15 tooth sprocket; 39 tooth crown
Suspensions:
- Front: Fully adjustable 43mm inverted Showa fork.
- Rear: Progressive with fully adjustable Showa monoshock.
Brakes:
- Front: 2 semi-floating 320mm discs, 4-piston radial monobloc Brembo calipers.
- Rear: 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Wheels:
- Front: Lightweight 5-spoke rim and measures 3,50 × 17; tire Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 120/70 ZR17
- Rear: Lightweight 5-spoke wheel 5.50 × 17; tire Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 180/55 ZR17
Dimensions:
- Total length: 2100 mm
- Wheelbase: 1430 mm
- Seat height: 830 mm
- Fuel tank: 15.5 liters
- Average consumption declared: xx liters
- Dry weight: 168 kg
Assessment:
- Engine: 10
- Suspensions: 9
- Brakes: 9
- Aesthetics: 10
- Rider comfort: 6
- Passenger comfort: 3
- Average rating: 8, 2
- Pros: Engine response, sporty demeanor, striking aesthetics
- Against: shift pedal, limited turning radius
Price: From € 13,195 €

Ducati 848 Evo

Note: The Ducati 848 Evo was loaned by the Spanish Ducati importer, who organized a one-morning press test at the Castelloli Circuit, to which he invited Moto22. For more information, consult our policy of relations with companies.