Sophisticated chassis components
Borrowing the trellis frame from the big 1198, the 848 shows surgical precision and stability when carving corners. It attacks twists and turns almost instinctively, and allows fingertip control of the trajectory. Corner exits are electrifying when you open early and let the engine go to maximum revs.

In terms of ergonomics, the Ducati 848 is clearly track-oriented, as it positions the rider in classic attack mode.

While this machine is fun on winding roads, it’s a slightly different story in straight lines and at lower speeds. Here, the excessively-stretched sporty riding position (with significant load on the wrists, the feet placed high and far back, the knees touching the fairing) turns out to be quite uncomfortable and not really suited for touring or even gentle street riding.
On the other hand, the quality of the hardware is impressive: the adjustable Showa fork, 320mm discs with four-piston Brembo calipers up front, and 275mm disc with two-piston Brembo caliper at the back. The front brakes are easy to modulate as they bite progressively up to race level retardation, while the rear brake requires some precision from your right foot to help stabilize the bike, especially when entering corners.

Born to be wild – on the track…
In terms of ergonomics, the Ducati 848 is clearly track-oriented, as it positions the rider in classic attack mode. The narrow frame and nicely-sculpted seat and tank make it a breeze to hold the bike between your legs and move your hips to the inside while cornering. Make no mistake: this Italian sport bike demands to be ridden with your body -- more so than the average mid-size machine. Pushing the bike on the track becomes a physical affair, as the 848 doesn’t match the agility of 600cc four cylinder sportbikes. I did however find it more accurate and more stable when maintaining a trajectory through corners – a stability/agility compromise chosen by the designers, who obviously leaned towards the stability side for this production bike. And boy, what a rush through fast corners!

Armed with an exceptional powertrain and a high-strung character, the 2009 Ducati 848 delivers the unique looks and thrills expected of a pure Italian bike. The flexibility of the engine, the quality of the chassis and the MotoGP-style ergos make it a formidable weapon for the track, not to mention an awesome treat on winding roads. The "little" 848 borrows many attributes from its larger sibling while achieving commendable performance levels at a more affordable price for average Joes.


Well-rounded engine
Thrilling chassis and components
Rider-friendly performance
Striking looks



Still a bit pricey
Riding position too radical for the city or relaxed touring



Limited knee room (even for a 1.70m rider)



Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux