Well, I spent the day messing around with my Ducati 848, trying to figure out how much horsepower this thing really has. I’ve heard different things, you know, and I just needed to get to the bottom of it. So, I started by digging into all the info I could find online, reading through forums, specs, and all that stuff. It seems like the general consensus is that the 848 is no slouch. It is supposed to be an easier-to-ride superbike compared to the 1098, which I guess is good for someone like me who’s not a pro racer.
I found out that Ducati did a pretty good job with the maintenance schedule on this bike. It’s not as demanding as some of the older models, which is a relief. I don’t want to spend all my time wrenching on it, I want to ride. I mean I got to get its service every 7500 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, and belts every two years with valve clearances checked at 15,000 miles.
Then, I took the bike out for a spin. I wanted to feel the power for myself. It’s definitely quick, I’ll give it that. I hit some open roads, opened up the throttle, and man, it goes. I was told it can do up to 166mph top speed. Although I didn’t have a chance to try that, I tried my best on the open road. It’s not the fastest bike out there, but it’s got more than enough power for me. I heard someone mentioned that 134hp at 10, I think it is true because I can feel that for sure.
Here’s what I did during my test ride:
- Warm-up: Started the bike and let it idle for a few minutes. Gave it a few gentle revs to get the oil flowing.
- Acceleration Tests: Found a nice long stretch of road and did a few runs, focusing on how quickly the bike built up speed. I wasn’t trying to break any records, just get a feel for the acceleration.
- Cruising: Maintained different speeds to see how the engine felt at various RPMs. Noticed how smooth the power delivery was, especially in the mid-range.
- Handling: Took some corners to see how the bike responded. Felt stable and predictable, which is what I was hoping for.
After the ride, I checked the spark plugs. They looked good, no signs of any issues. Also made sure the air filter was clean, since that can impact performance. I also checked the exhaust system. I noticed that it is a lightweight 2-1-2 system with a catalytic converter and lambda probe. It also has twin stainless steel mufflers. I don’t know if these are good, but I did notice these. I also knew that it used Marelli electronic fuel injection, whatever that means. I just knew that the 848 is a very smooth motor.
My Final Thought
Overall, I’m pretty happy with the 848’s performance. It’s a blast to ride, and it’s not as intimidating as I thought it might be. It’s a good balance of power and handling. This bike isn’t just a small 1098, it’s more than that. It’s a good-looking superbike. For me, I think it is a good entry to the world of Ducati. I’m glad I got the chance to put it through its paces and see what it can do. Now, I just need to find more excuses to get out there and ride.
