Ducati 848

• Video

In our poll, the new 848 won the supersport class and received the most votes compared to the winners in the other categories. I dare say that at the time of voting, even a percentage of motorcyclists had not yet driven the new car. Most likely, I didn't even see him live. So what convinced the crowd?

The first important factor is the big name Ducati, and the second, more importantly, of course, is the appearance. Without the vibrant color graphics, the Pearl White 848 is so beautiful that it is loved by those not interested in sports bikes. Yes, with the 1098 submission last year, Italians hit black, so the little brother looks the same as well.

The two sharp lights are a sign that they had a photo of the legendary 916 in front of them during development, but they nicely smoothed them out and directed them so that the front grille was modern. Even so much so that some people accuse him of looking like Japanese cars, like Honda... Eh, even if it's true, who cares? The 2 also retained the 1-2-999 exhaust system, which ends under the passenger seat with limited dimensions. In short, this is (finally) a real Ducati. Now we dare to admit - XNUMX was, uh, unhappy.

At least one or more important changes have been made to the engine, which bears little resemblance to the old one. It has a volume of 101 cubic centimeters, 26 "horsepower" stronger and three kilograms lighter. We are talking only about the engine, and the whole bike has lost 20 kilograms compared to its predecessor! Nostalgics will miss the rattling dry clutch, but I'm sure they won't notice it after a few miles. Driving the 848 is a pleasure that can rarely be beaten. Maybe a bottle of good wine for dinner for two...

The position on the bike is sporty, but less than I expected. It feels like some Japanese athletes are being catered for with an even higher seat and lower handlebars. The emergency seat is also designed for a light passenger, if he already has a desire to ride with this pearl - but you don’t have to worry about long trips for two.

This is a purebred racing car!

It's true, on the race track it performs phenomenally. Clutch, gearbox, brakes - everything works perfectly, the bike always tells the rider exactly what is happening under the wheels. Although it was shod with the new Bridgestone BT016, which is more road-oriented than race-oriented, it allowed for deep grades and early corner accelerations. Despite the increased stability, the power is transferred to the rear wheel very smoothly, so even a beginner on the race track won't have to worry too much about opening the throttle. The complete opposite of the brutal 1098!

Well, let's not be wrong. A good 130 “horsepower” from a two-cylinder engine is no small amount, and in first gear it instantly hits the rear wheel at 7.000 rpm. When braking, the handsome man remains stable, but it is felt that squeezing the brake levers late in the turn is not the best thing for him, as announced by the opening of the lines. But if you start with the mind, there is no need for fear.

Right or wrong, the control panel is completely digital. Yes, even here you can save per gram, so there are no more classic counters. However, the fact is that (especially in sunny weather) the data is more difficult to read. The GP-style tachometer is aided by three smaller and one larger red lights that illuminate at a set speed, but since the view is far ahead to the braking point on an aircraft at over 200 km / h, the engine may be accidentally attached turn to the speed limiter. Until you get used to it, and especially if you are used to a four-cylinder Japanese.

Ducati says they have reduced maintenance costs by up to 50 percent. A bold promise that only the owners themselves will be able to confirm in a couple of seasons. However, we noticed that the workmanship was good as no inaccurate joints or surfaced components were noticed. The only "stumbling block" that is hard to miss and forgive is a hand blow on the mask in the extreme position of the steering wheel.

But I dare say it doesn't bother you too much. With top-notch driving performance, great engine and beautiful design, we can forgive a little too. »Hello, Moto Legend? I would order one Monster for a girl. And one 848 for me. White Please ". Dreams are allowed, and if the fall in stock value hasn't affected you too much, they are also achievable.

Test car price: 14.000 EUR

engine: two-cylinder L, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder Desmodronic, liquid-cooled, 849.4 cc? , electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 98.5 kW (134 KM) at 10.000/min.

Maximum torque: 96 Nm @ 8.250 rpm

Energy transfer: wet clutch with hydraulic drive, 6-speed gearbox, chain.

Frame: steel pipe.

Suspense: Showa fully adjustable front fork at the front? 43mm, 127mm travel, fully adjustable Show rear shock, 120mm travel.

brakes: two coils ahead? 320 mm, radially mounted four-tooth Brembo jaws, at the rear? Coil 245 mm, double piston jaw.

Tires: 120/70-17 in 180/55-17.

Seat height from floor: 830 mm.

Wheelbase: 1430 mm.

Fuel: 15, 5 l.

Weight: 168 kg.

Representative: Nova Motolegenda doo, Zaloška cesta 171, Ljubljana, 01/5484 760, www.motolegenda.si

We praise and reproach

+ design

+ motor

+ gearbox

+ brakes

+ conductivity

+ low weight

– price

– the hand gets into the mask in the extreme position of the steering wheel

– Slight opening of the line when braking in a turn

– Dashboard transparency

Matevzh Hribar, photo :? Bridgestone, Matthew Hribar