Potential 848 Owner: Your opinions needed

[Accel Junky]

Hi all,

My name is Daniel and I've recently been stricken with a serious itch for an 848. The itch is mostly looks, engine and light weight. I'm comfortable so far with what I've read about maintenance costs and reliability.

I've been researching the bike quite a bit lately, reading other potential buyers' threads especially. But I would like to get your opinion based on my background and needs.

The 848 would be my 5th bike. I've been riding for about 10 years now, most miles in the last 6 or so. I've owned/ridden in this order: 93 Honda CBR600F2, 2001 GSX-R600, 1998 Suzuki Bandit 1200S, and presently ride a 2002 Honda 919. I think the 848 displacement will be a nice compromise of weight and torque.

I typically commute on my bike about 24 miles round trip, of course pleasure rides but also use it for primary transportation when the weather is good and I don't need to carry anything. I haven't done any track day's on a bike yet (cars, though) but I can imagine that I'd want to do an occassional one. The longest trips I take are usually about an hour one way. I've made the occassional trip to Nashville/Knoxville at ~230 miles one way, but I can't see doing that often or any further than that.

I'm about 6' 180lbs. The only drawbacks I can see at this point with my choice would be the seat height, possible ergo issues. The 919 has 1" less seat height and I'd say I can flat foot it most of the time, which I like but as long as I'm not on the tip of my toes I don't really care. I know the 848 will have the typical sport bike riding position and I'm prepared for that, but I'm curious how it feels seated. I've got a buddy with an '08 Daytona 675 and it just feels plain awkward in the seat (really stiff, really square feeling between my legs), I'm wondering how the 848 compares. My GSXR seat felt fine.

What do you guys think? Anyone with the 848 and similar riding habits? Also, if I settle on one I'd like to shoot for a used '08. Think ~$11k is possible with a couple thousand miles? Lastly, and I'm prepared for the flaming, but curious about real world mpg. The 919 does 40-42mpg usually with moderately aggressive use. If I pussyfoot it, 50mpg tops and about 37mpg at the lowest. I'm willing to sacrifice some of course.

Thanks!

[markg]

Height will not be an issue if you are 6'0". There may be other ergonomic issues, but they can be addressed through aftermarket pegs,bars, seats etc. Be careful though because aftermarket seats usually make your seat higher, resulting in even more forward lean. If I can ride my 955/916 with the stock seat for an hour at a time, (and I'm 53), you should be able to for 1/2 hour; no problem. If you have a comfort problem at that point you should find yourself a BMW, ST, or something other than a sport bike. Not that there is anything wrong with that, just reality. And there's nothing un-American or wimpy about wanting to be a bit comfortable when you see the countryside. I know lots of people say they do x00 mile days on their Superbikes, but I'm not one of them. Thats why I have a BMW and an SS.

Mileage will likely be less than your other bikes, if only because it will feel so good to gas it you won't be able to help yourself.

Not a flame here, but when people ask on forums if they should buy a particular bike, I think the answer should generally be "NO". If you need to ask someone else for an opinion, or verification of your opinion, you probably are not committed to the idea in the first place. Only after owning a particular bike for a while will you know if it's really what you want. Buying used is a good idea, if it doesn't work out you can sell it at little loss.

[Accel Junky]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the reply. It is relieving to hear that height will not be a problem and that the ergos can be tweaked some.

I usually don't ask about buying vehicles, but I needed some preliminary input before I decided to make a trip down to Atlanta (or wherever the nearest demo bike is).

[tufty]

Originally Posted by Accel Junky

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the reply. It is relieving to hear that height will not be a problem and that the ergos can be tweaked some.

I usually don't ask about buying vehicles, but I needed some preliminary input before I decided to make a trip down to Atlanta (or wherever the nearest demo bike is).

Don't buy from Atlanta Triumph Ducati. You've been warned.

In other news; Buy the 848, you'll love it. I'm 5'11" and I can flat foot it. The seat isn't an issue for me, but the pegs are high and to the rear so after an hour or two in the saddle my knees ache.

[Accel Junky]

Originally Posted by tufty

Don't buy from Atlanta Triumph Ducati. You've been warned.

In other news; Buy the 848, you'll love it. I'm 5'11" and I can flat foot it. The seat isn't an issue for me, but the pegs are high and to the rear so after an hour or two in the saddle my knees ache.

I've heard the same thing about them. Any other places you can recommend, at least for parts and service? I'm thinking about buying used from an individual.

Glad to hear about flat footing it, that's what I like to hear. I'm getting closer to looking at one in person.

[tufty]

The best Ducati techs in town work at MSP Cycle (http://www.mspcycle.com/) and The Ducshop (http://www.ducshop.com). I prefer MSP, but both are great people and know their stuff.

Buy your OEM parts online from http://www.ducatiomaha.com/. Maybe I'll see you at the track next year and we can spank some 999's, 996's and 1098's BSEG.

[tye1138]

I don't see any issues. My 848 is my only transport, ride it roughly 40 miles a day to work and another 20 or so around town doing errands. I normally wear a backpack to carry stuff and have not had any issues with being able to live my life without a car. I've done 2 500 mile days on the 848 and it wasn't too bad. I enjoy tucking in, so I'd say 1/2 of those miles were tucked in and the other 1/2 were in the canyons, so its not too bad. You'll be tired when you get off the thing for long distances, but if your willing to tuck in, it works well.

I weigh 150lb and am 5ft 10", so I'm a little bit smaller. The bike fits like a glove, though I will admit, my knees hit the frame of the bike, when I first got it. I had to fix that, so I bought a set of rear sets for it and that helped tremendously with my comfort. I highly suggest just buying a set of rear sets before even riding the bike away, you don't wanna deal with the knee/frame hitting issue. Also, for riding every day, get the racing seat. It helps keep your butt planted on the seat, instead of sliding up and hitting the tank every 5 seconds.

I get roughly 38-42mpg, depending on riding style and where I'm riding. On the highway only, she does very well. On the back streets, she does pretty poorly. I've gotten 90 miles out of tank before, but that was in the canyons having a hoot of a time. If your riding it as a daily, you'll never get near 7k on the RPM curve, I cruise between 4 - 6k normally and its perfectly fine. Down shift for the quick jaunt and then cruise some more.

$11k for a 848 with mileage is gonna be hard to find. You might be able to get one for $12k with some low mileage... I always suggest buying used, so keep your eyes open.

Finally; I love my 848, its a super bike and hoot to ride around as a daily. Its fun riding to the grocery store with a superbike and riding around town, you get a lot of looks and waves. Needless to say, I seriously thought about selling my 848 for a monster or something more of a daily ride, but I just can't do it. As much as I dislike several aspects of the 848 (harsh suspension, must tuck in to get wind buffeting gone, no storage, heats up in the summer, expensive to own) Needless to say, everything else about the bike is great and I'm pretty good at adapting.

[GuiTsouo]

Hey dude, do it, you won't regret it. I'm 6', 180, no issues. My commute is 24 miles round trip (wouldn't mind if it was longer ) and i get 100 miles to reserve light, do another 20-30 and fill up (usually about 3-3.2 gallons); I've never run out yet . So I fill up once a week if only commuting.

I did add Helibars for ergo and love'em. Need to get the neoprene seat.

[oalvarez]

and i did the speedymoto triple clamp on mine which allows you to raise the clip-ons about 1/2"-5/8" of an inch. it's a nicely machined piece to boot.

great bike for certain....super nimble and able right off the showroom floor.

[Accel Junky]

This is great stuff! Thanks for the additional input! Sounds like I'm a good fit for the bike physically, but the next step is to go see and hop on one in person. Then I'll know for sure.

I do about 130-140 on my 919 before reserve. It'll do 180 before I need to fill up if I take it real easy. I think with the 848 120-130 before filling up is still acceptable.