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| | | First Look: DUCATI 848 - 2008 |  Written: 20/11/2007 : 14:19. Read 23472 times (16/day). | The anticipated 848 was unveilled at the Milano EICMA. At 168 kg (369 lbs) the 848 is 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, and 5 kg (11 lbs) lighter than its larger capacity brother, the 1098.
The 848's 134 hp is not only 30% more powerful than its predecessor, but it provides a power-to-weight ratio even better than the 999.
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The new engine
The new 848 engine adopts the same design guidelines and the same compact cylinder and cylinder head layout used on the 1098, but introduces for the first time ever an innovative solution for the crankcase, which has been designed with a further weight reduction. The engine uses an improved method of engine case production in which cases are vacuum die-cast formed. While providing significant weight savings of more than 3 kg (6.5 lbs), this method also ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength. Further refinements include a sophisticated wet clutch that offers 1 kg (2.2 lbs) less weight, a much higher service life, improved clutch feel and quiet operation.
The 849 cc engine has bore and stroke values of 94 mm and 61.2 mm respectively, which produce a ratio that is only slightly inferior to the 1098 (1.54 compared with 1.61), while maintaining the highly 'over-square' layout typical of racing engines. Power output is 134 hp (98.5 kW) at 10,000 rpm and maximum torque is 9.8 kgm (96 Nm) at 8250 rpm.
The cylinder head has been modified in line with the characteristic bore and stroke of the engine in order to optimize the fluid dynamics of the intake (straight and plunging) and exhaust ducts and combustion chamber. The compression ratio is 12:1.
The valve angle is the same as the 1098 engine and diameter is 39.5 mm for the inlet valve and 32 mm for the exhaust. The technology used sees the application of a bi-metallic alloy that combines increased lightness with resistance and reliability required for these particular components. The desmodromic control system has also been designed with the weight and the inertia of the new components in mind, allowing extremely efficient valve lift during intake and exhaust phases.
The design of a MotoGP-derived dedicated elliptical throttle body for the 848 demonstrates the attention that Borgo Panigale engineers have devoted to the development of the Superbike range. The cross-section is reduced from the 60 sq. mm of the 1098 to 56 sq. mm so as to optimize fluid dynamics at every engine speed.
Just like on the 1098, the new cylinder heads benefit from fewer components and include magnesium covers.
The 848's exhaust system follows the same layout and uses the same technology as the 1098. The system terminates with Ducati's trademark twin under-seat silencers and complies Euro3 standards.
Chassis
Trellis frame: developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the 848 Trellis frame has a simplified tube layout featuring main section tubes increased in diameter from 28 mm to 34 mm, while being reduced in thickness from 2 mm to 1.5 mm. The result is a 14% increase in rigidity and a weight saving of 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs).
Single-sided swingarm: the 848, as all the Superbike family, is equipped with a unique single-sided swingarm. The engineers were encouraged to re-think the construction technique of this element. The solution was to produce the main operational components using individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, with fabricated aluminium sections used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component.
Rear suspension: the new lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm have enabled a more compact and further weight-saving rear suspension linkage system to be used featuring separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and suspension unit. This 'tandem' design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame. Working together with this highly efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Showa single shock for the 848, the same as the 1098.
Front suspension: at the front the new 848 is equipped with fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks with radial mounts.
Brembo Monobloc calipers: the 848 brake system is characterized by M4 calipers using four 32 mm pistons and two radial mounted pads. Matched to the calipers are two 320mm discs.
Super lightweight wheels: the new 848 also benefits from lightweight Marchesini Y-shaped spoke wheels. The weight saving of 250 gr achieved on the front wheel substantially reduces the moment of inertia and enhances the 848's change of direction and braking performance. The rear wheel gets a complete redesign for its single-sided swingarm application that has resulted in a reduction of over 1 kg compared with traditional Ducati single-sided swingarm.
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