Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/159279
VOL. 50 ISSUE 34 AUGUST 27, 2013 WHAT THEY SAID: P87 2013 Ducati 848 EVO SE Specs ADAM WAHEED, 34, Road Test Editor "Chassis-wise the bike is very demanding to ride. And since it's based off the old 1098/1198, it's really big-feeling compared to the other Supersports." NATHON VERDUGO, 34, Test Rider "I fell absolutely in love with the quickshifter feature. It's the first time I've ridden a bike with this feature, and in my opinion all sportbikes need this." BRIAN STEEVES, 33, Test Rider "I love the sound of the 848 but it handles a lot more sluggishly than the others. It's one bike that could stand to lose a few pounds." ADEY BENNETT, 38, Test Rider "The trellis framed 848EVO steered with precision and rigidity. It's a different handling sensation from the Japanese bikes, but one that you won't mind getting used to." well. "I loved the all-digital, miniDucati 848 EVO SE mal and MotoGP-inspired dash. The main data is right there and well displayed. I tried to play with •Ducati twin stands apart from the electronic gadgets, but at a cookie-cutter rivals certain point I gave up because I •Quickshifter a much-appreciated felt it wasn't that intuitive." addition In the looks department, •Ohlins shock ups the handling where the MV was a unanimous performance hit, the Ducati got mixed reviews. It does deliver luxurious lines, but some find them dated. However, •Underseat exhaust cooks riders riders that favor the Ducati's stylbackside ing love it. •Brembo brakes powerful but "Hands down my favorite bike grabby to look at," states Nathon. "Looks •Highest MSRP of the test alone almost make up for all of its •Soft bottom-end power shortcomings. Sexy lines, singlesided swingarm, aluminum tank and dual exhaust are classic Ducati." as at $14,995 the EVO SE adds And the Ducati had better look another grand to the base modluxurious to a prospective buyer, el's MSRP. The Ohlins shock and HIGHS LOWS Engine: 849cc liquid-cooled L-Twin 8-valve Bore x Stroke: 96.0 x 61.2mm Compression Ratio: 13.2:1 Fueling: Fuel Injection w/ single injector per cylinder Transmission: Six-speed cassette-type with electronic quickshifter Clutch: Wet, multi-disc w/ hydraulic actuation Final Drive: Chain; 15/39 gearing Frame: Steel tubular trellis Front Suspension: 43mm Showa fork with spring preload, compression, and rebound damping adjustment; 5.0 in. travel Rear Suspension: Ohlins gascharged shock with spring preload, compression, and rebound damping adjustment; 4.7 in. travel Front Brakes: 320mm petal discs, radial-mount four-piston Brembo monobloc calipers Rear Brake: Single 245mm disc, double-piston Brembo caliper Tires: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70R17, 180/55R17 Curb Weight: 433 lbs. Wheelbase: 56.3 in. Rake: 24.5 deg. Trail: 3.8 in. Seat Height: 32.6 in. Fuel Tank: 4.8 gal. MSRP: $14,995 Colors: Corse Test Team Warranty: Two year, unlimited mileage electronics package do demand a premium, but an already expensive bike is now even pricier. The 848 continues to stand out from the Supersport crowd with its unique powerband and distinctive character. But the track-oriented luxury bike also presents unyielding ergonomics as a street bike, not to mention the most expensive price tag by far.