DUCATI 848 (2007 - 2013) Review

Version: 848

Year: 2008

Annual servicing cost: £200

Oct 2021. Having ridden a bunch of other bikes whilst pretending I didn't want a Ducati, I finally committed. Since the moment I saw the 848/1098/1198 I knew I want one. I got the 848 as I simply didnt have the budget to get at 1098 or 1198 and so far I have no regrets. I still truly believe they are the best looking Ducatis. Don't get me wrong I'm always thinking about trading up but once I ride my 848 again, I forget all about ever wanting to change it. Pure fun, character and satisfaction on every ride and pretty well matched with litre bikes on track.

Buying experience: Bought used. N/A.I dont get servicing done at a main dealer but a local garage Kings Two Wheel Centre has been great with everything I've needed doing.

Year: 2009

This is my first ducati, my first twin (discounting a £300 GPZ500 that I dont think even qualifies as a motorcycle), and my first step down in power for my sports bike in 30 years. For reference, my 04 ZX10R was trying to kill me, normally at 150+, so I decided death at 120 might be a bit more serene and palatable so went looking for a 600. This came up in my price range because it was a cat C so jumped at the chance to get a rideable equavalent to my childhood poster bike, the 916. Lets start with the bad. The mirrors are horrible. It does not like doing 30mph. It drinks fuel. The seat is like a plank of wood. The mirrors are useless. The rear shock is way too hard. It eats tyres. The mirrors are the work of satan himself. The 09 does not have a steering dampener...and it likes to lift the front out of bends. The riding position is extreme. The exhaust heats your butt/legs. The mirrors are less than ideal. Oh and the mirrors are terrible. Now for the good... None of that, absolutely none of it, matters. It looks absolutely georgeous. If you are actually a fast road rider, and not just posing as one, the extreme riding position is perfect when its time to 'explore its ability'. The rock hard seat and tank shape help you get the most out of the incredible narrow chassis and really gel with the bike. The brakes are absolutely incredible, two fingers with the rear wheel skipping as you back it in anyone? The sound is delicious, mine has termi's with the baffles half drilled out so not full on rattle the windows, but enough that she sings in deep resonant italian from behind you when you open her wide. So stable in the corners, will turn as fast as you want (not quite ZX10R - but maybe thats a good thing, certainly less deathy). There is the feeling that the sublime, revvy and torquey twin engine is a perfect match for the handling. It'll lift the front from 5k rpm in second and not put it down again until 10.5k when the limiter calls a halt. This is by far the worst and best bike I have ever owned and I've had 50 bikes in 30 years of riding. I love it. Dearly. Its not perfect, no steering dampener (pre-2010), no slipper clutch (a great add on) and high servicing/running costs, but its perfect for me.

Buying experience: Private, £4,500 (Cat C)

Version: Evo

Year: 2013

Out and out, unapologetic Italian sports bike, may not be the fastest, most advanced or the most practical, but it’ll put a bigger smile on your face than any Japanese equivalent. Just starting an 848, hearing the big thumping twin bark into life gives you a special feeling, and the ride doesn’t disappoint.

Version: EVO

Year: 2011

All you will ever need in a Superbike.

Buying experience: Bought the only one in White and they resprayed to Sexy Seductive Ducati Red. The Manager Mr Gambi, did a great job in sales and follow up. Many thanks.

Version: Evo

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £200

Absolutely faultless, an amazing, user friendly bike.

Buying experience: Bought it from Italia moto in Lincoln, and always go there for servicing, not the cheapest but very professional.

Version: Evo

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £250

Handling, performance, comfort, glorious sound and pretty all very much up there. Let down only by fuel consumption and a small reliability issue.

Buying experience: Dealer purchased demo bike. £9.5k in April 2013 with 1200 miles on clock.

Not enough superlatives for this bike. Stunning to look at, stunning to ride. I went from a cbr600rr7 to this and I thought that handled and went. Bought an 09 from KJM superbikes with 750 miles on for a huge saving on new. Had to get back to a twin after 12 months of riding a 600 four, missed the torque and the oomph out of the corners and blimey this bike does not disappoint. Can't wait to get out again if the weather will ever let me.

right first off I love this bike,everything about it has refreshed my love of bikes.I have rode a few different bikes over the years (a cbr1000rr being my last bike) but I havent had so much fun in the corners since the days of my trusty old nc30.This bike handles like a 600 but with a hell of a lot more grunt.There is a few things that need done to this bike to make it better(did I just say that lol), firstly the seat...or lack of it. yes I know its a full sports bike and this helps you feel the feedback but dam its hard on you the first few times you ride it, it also catches you out when you grab a handfull of the sweet brembo brake system and your launched sliding into the tank with a force that will leave you infertile for a few weeks. this can be fixed(slighty) with the ducati Neoprene Race Seat which stops you sliding about and is slightly softer on the rear. next on the list is the rear hugger,or lack of one.ok most owners probably will never have it out in the rain and mud but everything gets thrown into the back of the engine.lastly the handling.......needs a stearing damper if your the type to push in on a bit on the bumpy roads and the rear end is far too hard! each bump throws you out of your seat if your a light rider like me,13 stone with all my gear on.I checked the rear sag and its set at 12mm of movement!! A lot of owners put an ohlins rear shock on with a 1098 ride height adjuster as they cant get enough adjustment from the standard showa kit.once these things are done then your laughing.when I had the blade it was a great bike(maybe spoiled me with its handling) but I was getting bored with the point and shoot superbike after the fourth year of our relationship.I had origanlly wanted a 1098 after a run in one but the costs were out of my range so I took a 848 out for a run.....wow..... its not a mini 1098,its a totally different bike.Its a better road bike than the 1098 like the 1098 is a better track bike than the 848.One of the loves from this bike is the way the power is delivered and the note from the engine in the higher rev range, tucked behind the screen im grinning from ear to ear.roll on the twistys.

A superb bike with its own identity. Plenty of performance, great styling and desirability. No reliability issues to date and affordable servicing. As to the 848 'looking Japanese' - Laser eye surgery is available for those suffering from cataracts.... Highly recommended, in red or white and a credible alternative to the GSXR 750.

Only just getting it run in so not yet fully stretched its legs but fell in love within 10 miles on the test ride. More comfortable and smoother than the 748 - good looking bike, although I've had a Ducati rider tell he thinks it looks Japanese (!). Biggest problem is the white or the red. I've got red. Great bike if a little expensive compared to its peers.