how do these compare in terms of handling and power? the comparison to a 1*98 doesnt seem a fair one? id like a new bike in the next year or two (916 is a keeper though)..any thoughts from those in the know? btw, if i ever did go down the 848 route, the first thing to go would be the wet clutch....
Nothing wrong with the wet clutch. At least it doesn't sound like a bag of spanners on a spin cycle in your washing machine :wink: BTW the power (140bhp) is plenty for the road.
848 is more modern, feels it, more linear power, revs more freely, turn in takes a lot less wrestling but is 95% as good at holding a line as my 996, they power out of corners with more thump than a 916. They are however less of an occasion to ride, very clinical in that they do everything exceptionally well .... I'd have an 848 in a heartbeat for trackdays but for the road the 916 shape would be what i wanted .... In ways they are too similar to bother having both.
I have had a 848 and a 1098 and a 916 and a 996 and the bike I loved the most was the 916. The 848 however is a weapon on the track, absolutely flawless (with the right tyres on), in terms of braking, power, and handling and can keep up with anything. A 916 would be shown up probably on a track, especially due to the clutch unless you fit a slipper clutch. The brakes wouldn't be so effective either I would guess. The 916 is one of those bikes that you cannot stop looking at though because it has to be one of the most beautiful bikes ever made.
A well sorted 9*6 will keep with an 848 in most ways as it has way more torq low down and drives better out of corners, where the 848 makes quite a bit more top end. But ergonomically, I'd suggest riding an 848 at 7/10s is easier and more rewarding than a 9*6 given its just 2 generations newer and everything works a little better and/or easier I wouldn't go back now, maybe have an SPS to ride on track occasionally and spend a load of money getting it to handle well or just stick it in my mythological home office in the corner, no fluids, polished and gorgeous
If you're a good a six foot the 848 is roomier, less cramped and comfier over distance. I've only ridden one and below 5K it vibed like a tractor in Hardly factory, 'orrible. Good effortless easy power everywhere but not stonking. Doesn't feel as special as previous models, as Dibble says, very clinical and do everything exceptionally well, oh, and the brakes are awesome. Not for me tho ....
Go ride one but I think you'll be disappointed. For me the 848's engine was a let down and change of direction too slow, I bought an RC8 instead. Got a 996 now which I think is a better bike than the RC8, apart from the brakes.
hmmmm..its a shame that the general consensus is that its very clinical..this is always the major turn off with jap stuff..the 916 is very 'organic' (i hate using that word, but 'visceral' is worse, so i'll stick to organic)..the 916, when on song with a clear bit of road is orgasmic...even if im only doing 80-90..plus, the 916 is deceptively fast..at high speeds (120+) it is amazing how composed it feels...my old MV F4 750 felt like it was going to explode, albeit a very exciting explosion..the 916 is just so involving...im looking for a newer gen of Ducati that is as close as possible to the 916 experience, but i want something newer than the 999.... what about the 1098, or is that an unfair comparison, and even more clinical?
So does the 848 tbh, deceptively fast and still has that vibey, obvious V2 feel. Just that its so much easier to ride, and live with, than the first superbike of this ilk in the Ducati line
There's been a 12 month gap between the two and it's just my impression but I think the 848 is set up to be too stable in the corners. Must be a real weapon on the track bit I don't think it works at road speeds. Me and it didn't get on and I was utterly disappointed. Where as the 996 and I just hit it off at the first bend. These things are so personal that the only way you're going to tell is to ride one.
anyone that is saying either bike handles any better than the other is talking shoite.......i would ask what 848 versus what 916?.........fundamentally both can be the same as they share the same potential for the same geometry.....hence you can put a 916 engine in a 848 and reverse! The engine mountings are the same and the swing arm pivot location is the same. The headstock is in the same place and therefor all the geometry can be the same, fact! The 916 has the potential for more adjustability out of the box. The 848 in standard format is way too low with a non adjustable ride height rear and cheap suspension. buy either and adjust it how you want.....
ok buy anything from 1994 to 2012.......... 1098r would be the way to go......pick up a bargain. i wouldnt piss about with a 848 first the clutch then the forks then the wheels then the rear suspension by the time youve got it right you would be 1098r territory........unless you cover it in tat.
whilst I agree with you that set up can be everything and make the difference between night and day, the 848 has an extra 20 mm on wheelbase for a start Andy.
