^This is something that had crossed my mind. I'm perhaps leaning that way to be honest. I really ought to try and get a ride on one, I just don't want to be one of those test pilot types turning up at dealers for a joyride! I've still got things I want to do on my Monster and Multi before I get it, but doing as much research as I can beforehand. Replies so far have been helpful, thankyou
I have a 1098s that I need to recommission. It has been laid for a while. The benefit of the 1098s is that it is probably the last big Ducati without TC / electronics. I got it as a track bike when the 998 kitted RS was too risky to bin on a track and wanted sufficient power to not feel standstill in straights around liter IL4. And then I stopped doing track days so it was used on the road. They give the raw feeling of an SPS but with quite a bit more power. Mine's on 70mm system and quick action throttle and TTX shock. The few downsides: sitting in traffic is like sitting on a fully operating BBQ. Fuel range is quite limited. And well, forget going around London at 20mph but I guess you are far enough that you don't have to worry about this, and that's not why you buy such bikes for. Have fun- they have got to be the cheapest most amazing sport's bike out there.
^ Thankyou! I have to say that I'm leaning towards the 848, thanks to all the responses above - you all seem to say the 1098/1198s are quite a beast and it's just not what I need. Went to Donington today for a bit of window shopping and saw this lovely bike today - best looking one I've seen yet I think! Would still love chat with an 848 owner if there's anyone out there
I was looking for an 848 for a while, while I had a Fireblade. It was the weight specs of the 848 that attracted me. I ended up accidentally buying a 748 so that put the 848 plans on hold. If I don't 853 the 748, or put an 848 engine in it, I still quite fancy the idea of getting a nice 848 evo or corse.
I would be happy to meet up for you to have a look at my 2010 848. I'm sure we can come up with someplace between North Staffordshire and Hyde (just outside Manchester). I just need to get the MOT done. Cheers Dave
the other thing to consider is the character of the engine. The big capacities are lazier than the smaller brother, however the smaller is revvier and has more zing, ask anyone with a 748 or 749. on the road that revviness translates into reciprocating mass and centrifugal force giving the feeling that it's more flickable just because things are spinning quicker and with greater urgency. Although on paper the numbers seem uninspiring, if you like this character of engine you might want to consider a big bore kit in the future. I've a 749 taken out to 924, the 748's 853 conversion is sublime, and the 848 with the 1098 barrels and pistal kit will give you the same numbers as the 1098 but keeping the character of the 848. 848 and 1098 Testastretta share the same 104mm cylinder head stud spacing, so you use the oem 1098 barrels and the big piston kit, no boring out of cylinders necessary. You might also want to consider the flywheel from an 848 evo / corse (same as used in the hypermotard 1100 and several others such as monster 795/7961100 and hyper 796/1100 SP/ EVO and SF848 ) for additional shenanigans. Like I say, don't be fooled by the numbers. the immediate feeling is "why not put a 1098 lump in it" but as @Northan Monkey and others who have overbored a smaller capacity will attest, the thing feels completely different to the big brother, far more angry, far more zingy, and it's something you can build to in the future knowing that the head needs to come off for a full desmo service anyway - that's when I did my 924.
^ Very intersting, thanks @Sev - I knew the 748 could have it's capacity increased, but I didn't know it was possible with the 749 or 848. I've followed up on the Pistal kit for the 848 which is still available. I've successfully done a Desmo service on my Multistrada, so I wouldn't be scared to go a stage further and get the head off an engine. I'll continue to do my research, but it's another tick in the box for a base model 848 as a fun project to learn and do as much as I can.
