Hi all, it’s been a while but I’m back in the market for a Ducati and I think my budget and needs are pointing me towards an 848. My previous bike was a 749 which I bought without knowing much and it had definitely been abused. It turned into a bit of a money pit and I’m keen to avoid making the same mistake again. Ive got about 7 grand to spend and have found what looks to be a very well maintained 848 evo course se. Only problem is, it’s got 18k miles on it, although you wouldn’t guess by looking. This is the service book: 13.10.2012 - 709 miles 14.05.2013 - 1261 miles 13.02.2015 - 3696 miles 07.07.2016 - 4642 miles 16.02.2017 - 6339 miles 15.05.2017 - 8331 miles 09.05.2018 - 15995 miles 28.02.2019 - 17590 miles 05.03.2020 - 18017 miles It is noted in the service book that the belts were changed at the service on 16.02.2017 and then again on the service carried out on 28.02.2019. This service also included the valve clearances, front fork overhaul, and replacement front brake discs. The advice I need is, am I letting myself in for trouble again and how reliable is the 848? I’ve read the advice of “get a 1098/1198” but I’m not a massively skilled rider and the idea of a smaller engine and variable traction control appeals to me! Any thoughts welcome!
The 848 is a bit slower than the 1X98s but it’s hardly a town bike so you’re not going to be missing out too much there. Evo SE Is the one to have, I was specifically after a 1098S but did have my head turned by an 848 SE before going with the former. It was the bike I’d always wanted so heart won out in the end. As for reliability, looks like a good & recent history but you just can’t tell can you? I’ve had no trouble at all from my (now) 15000 mile 1098 (apart from the usual rec/reg replacements) yet a car I bought around about the same time has cost me dearly In faulty items & lost time on the road. The car? A 2013 Passat with one owner & full VW dealer history. Should’ve been a banker but within 6 months of the warranty ending, it needed new engine mounts, wiring loom & had a constant misfire, then the ECU went. Horrendously expensive repairs overall. Who knew eh?
Sounds like a fairly decent bike. If the “variable traction control” is the same as on a 1098R then it’s basically useless, in my opinion.
Ah thanks for the heads up, I read this: “the system offers a choice of eight profiles, each one programmed with a wheel-spin tolerance matched to progressive riding levels of skill graded from one to eight.” Sounds perfect for where I’m at, but maybe not! Maybe I’ll save myself a couple of grand and go for a standard 848.
The SE is a better bike than the bog standard 848 - it has better brakes and, correct me I’m wrong, an ally tank as well.
Looks like the bigger ally tank is only on the 2013 SE and I’m not overly keen on that colour scheme. Thanks for all your advice, I was about fully decided on it until I saw an 1198S in Italia Moto Lincoln! Ahhh decisions!
I've an 1198s for sale, if its the black one your looking at, mines done half the miles, and is cheaper
Noooo! Just read this too late. Money is down on the SE, I’d be pushing the finances and riding ability if I went for the 1198 I decided. Thanks for everybody’s help, now to clean the garage waiting for the new arrival!
