New 2011 Ducati 848 EVO

Ducati 848 EVO Preview

The legendary Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati released information on the 2011 848EVO, the newest version of its famous lightweight Superbike that will be released late July 2010.

The bike contains the usual features that makes thousands of motorcyclist eagerly seek Ducati's famed Superbike: twin under-seat silencers, single-sided swingarm, Trellis frame, race bodywork and steering damper.

The 2011 848EVO maintains the traditional colour of Ducati red with red frame and black wheels and introduces the new "dark stealth" with racing black frame and black wheels.

Ducati unveiled today the 2011 848 Evo, the most impressive lightweight Superbike ever with more power from the Testastretta engine and more braking power. It will go on sale at a price of £9,995 for the 848 EVO Dark Stealth version (it includes the stunning new "dark stealth" paint with racing black frame and black wheels) and £10,695 for the 848 Evo.

Italian passion for motorsport is synonymous with the stunning performance, soul-stirring sound and seductive, liquid-red styling inherent to a long bloodline of championship-winning Ducati sportbikes. Yesterday's triumph, however, is just that, and the bigger the trophy, the more dust it tends to attract.

New Ducati 848 EVO 2011

We obtained the very first EVO-spec bike to arrive stateside and promptly put it through our full street and track test regimen. Strapped to CW's Dynojet dyno, the EVO produced 118.5 rear-wheel hp, a mere 1.5-pony increase over the 848 we tested this past year.

Torque builds quickly off idle before easing into a soft spot around 5000 rpm. While the mid-rpm lull is perceptible even at slight throttle settings, fueling remains good, allowing the bike to cruise dead-steady in the lull zone at freeway speeds. The sweet spot for smooth running spans from 4000 to 5000 rpm, yielding an indicated 70 to 87 mph in top gear with only modest engine vibration seeping through the handgrips.

New Ducati 848 EVO 2011

Engine Ducati 848 EVO

Engine and transmission Switch unit
Engine type:	2 cylinders, 4-stroke, 90° V-twin
Displacement:	849 cc (51.87 cubic inches)
Bore × stroke:	94 mm × 61.2 mm (oversquare - shortstroke)
Cooling system:	Water cooled
Power:	140.04 HP (103 kW) @ 10500 rpm
Torque:	98 Nm (9.99 kg-m) @ 9750 rpm
Throttle:	Cable operated
Valves
Valve train:	DOHC, variable
Valves per cylinder:	4
Fuel and ignition
Sparks per cylinder:	1
Fuel supply system:	Fuel injection
Ignition type:	Digital CDI
Compression:	12.1:1
Engine mounting:	Transverse
Lubrication system:	Wet sump
Gear box:	Manual 6-speed
Clutch:	Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final drive:	Chain
Spark plug pipe type:	Champion
Motor oil:	Synthetic, 20W/50
Starter:	Electric
Dimensions
Physical measures
Length:	2095 mm
Width:	730 mm
Height:	1090 mm
Wheel base:	1420 mm
Trail:	97 mm
Ground clearance:	125 mm
Seat height:	780 mm
Weight
Curb weight:	188 kg
Dry weight:	168 kg

Suspension:

• The 848EVO features fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks with radial brake calliper mountings, which provide superior road holding and precise feedback. A control-enhancing steering damper maintains perfect front-end stability, inspiring supreme control and confidence alongside the increased power output.
• The lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm enable a compact and weight-saving rear suspension linkage system, which features separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and fully adjustable Showa single shock suspension unit. This 'tandem' design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame.

The 848 EVO Dark Stealth and 848EVO will be available at the same price as the outgoing 848 range including the traditional colour of Ducati red with red frame and black wheels and introducing the stunning new “dark stealth” with racing black frame and black wheels.

The 848 EVO chassis get performance help too, with a cross-mounted steering damper standard equipment. Wheels are covered with the latest generation Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, which replace the standard 848’s Dragon Supercorsa PRO. In the braking department, Brembo monobloc calipers round out the changes.

The rest of the changes are cosmetic, with the EVO available in “Dark” edition. What makes it Dark? We’ll let Ducati PR explain: “For 2011, a special “Dark” version will be available; which unlike “Dark” editions of Ducati’s past will be a truly black bike from front to rear, giving the motorcycle an aggressive look and attitude.”

The early arrival of the 2011 848 EVO will see bikes available to order from 20th July 2010, with demo bikes arriving at dealers by end of July and customer orders shipped within September.

New Motorcycle 2011 Ducati 848 EVO