Streetfighter 848: thoughts?

[Rocky]

Hey folks,

Just wondering if anyone has had a test ride yet?
If so, what are your thoughts?

Please keep in mind I'm asking about the Streetfighter 848.

Thanks all

[Towlybear]

I was just about to post the same thread i'm very interested in these, keen to know what its like to ride, would it be a good commuter, anybody know what servicing on one of these costs (or just ducati in general), am i better off getting a z1000 or a cb1000r

[filbert]

If cost of servicing is a concern get the "jap equivalent" you'll be up for around $300 for basic service and inspection then $600 for the 12000km major service where valve clearances etc are checked and/or adjusted. The 848 is more of a 600 class bike on paper but 750 class in real road conditions, I would happily commute on one but they're not as upright as some other nakeds, good for the occasional trackday or country run without feeling inadequate or blaming the bike if you can't keep up. Disclaimer: I have ridden an 848, 1098S and 1098SF extensively as well as most other current model Ducatis but not the 848SF so some information is supposition

[Towlybear]

Hey thanks, the servicing isnt really too much of a worry, just didnt want to be paying like 500+ per service or whatever (my hyo is costing me around 200 a service and thats for a hyo :O ). The engine is taken out of the 2012 848 EVO and is just re-tuned slightly for a better low end (or so ducati says). That comment on the seating position makes me want it even more, my only problem with getting a naked bike is the super upright seating position and wind buffeting so thats definitely changed my opinion on this specific bike.

[filbert]

Patto put clip ons on his white 1098SF when he was racing it at the motorplex, felt like riding a regular 1098 superbike it leaned you way forward. Even sitting upright the windblast is fine until 160ish the extra forward lean leaves more weight on the front wheel when you're hitting 220 or so on a strip run.

[Rocky]

I popped into Fraser Motorcycles today and they don't have a Streetfighter 848 demo available, and aren't planning to until the end of the year. They're only getting in customer motorcycles, I guess if you have consistent orders to sell the ones that are available, why have a demo...right? Still, would love to take one for a ride, I will go to Causeway on the weekend and see if they have one there.

[Commander Keen]

Have they even been released yet? I was told mid April.

[RRossi]

I popped into Fraser Motorcycles today and they don't have a Streetfighter 848 demo available, and aren't planning to until the end of the year. They're only getting in customer motorcycles, I guess if you have consistent orders to sell the ones that are available, why have a demo...right? Still, would love to take one for a ride, I will go to Causeway on the weekend and see if they have one there.

was told the same thing, Im just going to wait until one comes up for sale at a dealer and take it for a ride, but int he meantime take a 1098 for a spin in the next few months, as I love the dry clutch and the lower bars.

RR

[Rocky]

They've been released CK

[R160]

UK MCN have one on loan for a year and will be posting regular videos on tester Michael neeves thoughts on the bike. first one is here. Enjoy :-)
Video: Ducati 848 Streetfighter longterm report - | Motorbike reviews | Latest Bike Videos | MCN

[Rocky]

Thanks mate I've had a look at that, waiting for his next video. He seems to like it.
By all reports it's a lovely bike, the Tuono V4R is amazing too though, even though it's $5k more.
I really don't understand. In the UK, the Streetfighter 848 is 9,995 pounds, and the Tuono V4R is 10,495 pounds. Here, $18,990 +ORC and just over $24k respectively. How does 500 pounds difference turn into 5 thousand dollars. Sigh.