I'm considering purchasing a Ducati 848 track bike but i'm a bit put off by the maintenance costs. As i've never owneed one before i'm not exactly sure what maintenance is required over and above the standard oil and filter change after every track day. I'm also not aware of any issues they may have lat a little mod will sort i.e. do you still opt for -1 tooth front and +2 rear as on 600cc Jap bikes? What should i be looking out for other than usual stuff? Any advice you can offer on these bikes? It all would be very helpful indeed. This is the bike i'm looking at. It's a 2008 model with 7300 miles and had the belts changed and valve clearances checkes at 6900 miles by a Ducati main dealer. There are a few other mods on it too. So, what do you think?
My 848’s were more reliable than the gixers I’ve had. Other than clunky gearbox, never had an issue with mine at all. gixers has wet weather electrical glitches, oil pressure light Coming on often, not to mention the shit brakes compared to the ducat
If you are reluctant to spend £1000 every other year of track riding, walk away. Maintenance of a track bike is key to its performance regardless of manufacturer, the 848 just has 1 major difference that requires specialist knowledge, desmodronic valves. Don't think you will find a more rewarding bike when you get it right. Andy
There's no reluctance to spend money on maintenance or on improvements. I'm more concerned with the engine. Are they as bullet proof as say the Honda or do they require much more love and attention?
You'll need baffles I expect with the cans. If you've not ridden one before, they are different as you don't rev the nuts of them. Some like that, some don't.
It has baffles and race ECU. I've had twins in the past and love them. The twins I've had though were for road not track. My track bikes have all been Jap 600's.
Full listing: Ducati 848 Track Bike, 2008, 7303 miles. V5 present with Ducati wallet, 2 keys + key card, service book. Belts changed on 20/08/19 and valve clearances checked at 6984 miles (documented). Good quality CRC bodywork Full Leo Vince titanium system (with baffles - 97db) Ducati race ecu Goodridge braided brake lines EBC 2HH sintered pads (F&R) GB engine cover Engine and front fork crash bobbins Ohlins steering damper Ohlins rear shock plus adjustable ride height linkage fitted Front and rear suspension serviced and set up by MCT Comes with wets on orange powder coated wheels Paddock stands Would benefit from fresh oil/filter and then shes ready to go! Collection only! Looking for around £4250 ono.
Only additional expense is going to be belts. Lean to do that yourself (pretty easy tbh). Engines can and do boom on Ducati's as well as other bikes.
That looks like a nice example at a very good price, especially with stands and spare wheels. The 97 db exhaust will get you into any UK track. I have had my ex-trioptions 848 for five years, and apart from belts, clearances, oil, filters, tyres, pads she has run sweet as a nut. This is Silverstone Ducati day fast group where she caused a lot of blushes in the twisty bits. As for the colour, you join an exclusive club......
That looks like a bargain. Plenty of people on here run these bikes as trackbikes. The valves are just done so it’s just oil/filters regularly and belts every couple of years. I have a 749 trackbike with 7k track miles on it - valves were checked recently and were spot on - never needed anything else bar routine maintenance.
