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Ducati 848 Review
Reviewed by Pope
Ducati had a test/demo day at Terrys' a couple of months ago as I'm sure you all know.
Since the weather was nice I took the old gixxer down there and blagged myself a go on the 848 they had.
I really had my heart set on a go on the flagship 1198S, but since that was booked out all day I chose the 848.
First of all what a gorgeous looking bike
A bit like the old 916 shape, lovely deep red and it had been fitted with carbon fibre Termignoni exhausts
The view from the cockpit was fab as well. Tiny screen, hunched right over, low bars and that racelogic style dash made it feel like a race bike on the road. High pegs as well.
Definitely not one for touring on
Fired the thing up and it sounded fab. I've always thought of the 848 as the girly option in the range, but the proof of the pudding etc......
My hopes were a bit dashed when I was told it would be "an escorted ride"
Bugger!
Got as far as Defynnog and decided the escorts were going a bit slowly, my wrists were already in pain!
So I made a break for it and buggered off.
And am I glad I did
Shod as standard with Pirelli Supercorsa Pro tyres, and it was a lovely day, I knew it would be a good ride.
First of all the engine. It didn't FEEL that fast, but when you look down the number speak for themselves.
Riding a twin takes a bit of getting used to, and i'm used to fours.
But it made a lovely noise. I can imagine the 1198 is a right beast.
Tyres nice and warm I start chucking it around a bit, and soon forget about the £1000 excess...........
The thing is the absolute tits in the corners. It does everything right. Knee down, one direction to the other, the thing is the best handling bike I've ridden.
The handling was definitely the 848's party trick.
Brakes were fab as well. Brembo monoblocks I think on the 848? Anyway they were of a high quality.
I got a look at myself in a shop window on the way back, and I must say I looked the part.
Which is the main attraction to buying one of these.
But at £11,000 for a new one, and with niggling doubts about reliability, I couldn't really own one
As a weekend tool it would be perfect.
But then i'd get the 1198 if I had the cash.
Or more likely a very tricked up R1
Still a gorgeous bike though
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