Ducati Streetfighter 848 Review
Ducati Streetfighter 848 Review,
In all honesty, MCN hadn’t expected great things of this bike. On one hand the new bike was at best surely only a ‘lesser’ version of the already aging Streetfighter 1098 – a bike that has slipped down the appeal ladder due to its £14,695 cost (Streetfighter S model only for 2012) and overpowering performance.
On the other, even though significantly cheaper than the 1198 version, at £10,121 it’s still much pricier than likely rivals such as Triumph’s Street Triple and MV’s Brutale 920. But then you get to ride a demonstrator and suddenly you’ll be smitten – especially if riding in the twisties, where it’s racing pedigree shines through in its chassis. Couple this with a far more user-friendly engine than the 1098 version and you get a modern, sporty, naked Ducati that works.
Take the engine; a high performing 849cc V-twin. It’s racing heritage of Testastretta engine with Desmodromic valve actuation, oval inlet manifolds and is nothing else but a smaller version of its still conquering 1198 racing weapon. With a claimed 132bhp and 69ftlb of torque, it’s a potent little beast.
That Testastretta engine is strong. Pull away with a fistful and the bike responds with little clutch action to smooth the V-twin pulses and crank clatter for clean drive. Even with the traction control turned off, the simple action of rolling open the throttle hard isn’t enough to loft the front wheel. But clutch it with revs and 848 becomes a wheelie champion from Italy. The engine feels lazy like Ducati’s of old. It doesn’t tear off in a blaze of revs but rushes forward. It’s deceptive.
The Streetfighter 848’s ace card is the perfect balance of chassis and engine. Engine braking complements the rider’s decision to slow down. Brake hard and the chassis doesn’t get fazed; no lifting rear wheel; no serious dive to cause the front end to pirouette around the headstock.
There’s so much feel from the tyres that waiting for that last yard or two to tip in for high corner speed becomes the norm. Not even a deft touch of brakes mid corner fails to upset the bike. The simple matter of raising the height of the one-piece handlebars by 20mm is in answer to Streetfighter 1098 customer feedback and it makes a big difference to rider comfort. It gives a sit-in the saddle riding position rather than being stretched on ye olde torture rack. Overall the rider feels in control from the off.
Add to this a battle proven chassis of single-sided swingarm, Brembo radial calipers, fully adjustable Marzocchi USD front forks and Sachs rear shock, and you know the Streetfighter 848 is a sporty little number, in every sense of the word, with upright handlebars. There’s also eight-way adjustable traction control (DTC) and it’s wired up ready to play with a basic data-acquisition (DDA) system to read back throttle position, rpm, speed, gear selection etc. There’s also the connections in place for a Ducati Performance accessory quick shifter to be used.
The Streetfighter 848 also comes with Pirelli Diablo Corsa 3 tyres. Varied compound tyres that are durable but sticky on the edges where it matters. What is different, though, is the fitment of 180/60 profile rear tyre instead of the tried and trusted 180/55. This is a first on any production bike.
Ducatis are exotic, high-priced performers with iffy reliability records… Sorry, but this is wrong. Ducati’s record level is actually very high and getting better all the time thanks to a big push on build quality. Ducati will, however, always be considered exotic because of its Italian breeding of design flair, beauty, sporting genes and technology.
There’s quite a good sized chunk of technology about the Streetfighter 848 and at just over £10k we are paying for it. Triumph’s Speed Triple is cheaper and with the two bikes tackling each other on the road will make for interesting reading. Ducati’s are always more expensive, it’s the nature of the beast.
Ducati Streetfighter (1098) – the original bad-boy Streetfighter. 155bhp and 85ftlb of torque make it a formidable weapon even for experienced riders.
- Published in Motorcycle Review
Could this be the end to Valentino Rossi in MotoGP?
Could this be the end to Valentino Rossi in MotoGP? German media reported Friday that nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi will field a two-bike Moto3 team in the World Championship next season, with Italians Romano Fenati and Luca Marini as riders. Marini is Rossi’s half-brother.
Rossi reportedly has ordered two bikes from KTM and is seeking between sponsorship of approximately 1.5 million to 2 million euros for the team. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem considering the magnetism of the Rossi name and brand.
While Rossi has a contract to race for Yamaha through 2014, this move and the formation of his “46 Riders Academy” to cultivate young Italian talent proves he is thinking ahead to a life out of the seat. Rossi will be 35 next February, and 2014 will be his 19th consecutive season as a Grand Prix rider. The sun is setting on his riding career.
The “46 Riders Academy” is promoting and managing such young Italians as Fenati, Marini and Niccolo Antonelli as Rossi tries to stem the Spanish tide of World Championship domination.
Rossi said last month at Indianapolis and this week at Misano that he would not field a Moto3 team next year. But the German media report indicated Rossi has talked with IRTA about a spot for two bikes on the Moto3 grid next season and that he has made a provisional order with KTM for two bikes.
Source: www.superbikeplanet.com
- Published in MotoGP
New Ducati 899 Panigale
New Ducati 899 Panigale
The engine has been designed as the structural element of the frame. As such, its architecture has been completely reviewed to ensure the best design in terms of structure, weight distribution and robustness.
The cylinders, at a 90° angle to each other, have been rolled back an additional 6° on the crankcase to produce a 21° angle between the front cylinder and the horizontal plane. This has allowed the engine to go forward, accordingly improving the distribution of weights between the front and rear end and achieving the perfect position of the fastening points of the cylinder heads into the monocoque chassis of the 899 Panigale.
The 899 Panigale’s chassis continues the innovative Monoscocca concept: different components have been integrated to give shape to a single compact and lightweight element that also enhances the rider’s posture to perfect the riding position. The monocoque structure in cast aluminium for increased strength uses the Superquadro engine as a structural element and allows Ducati Superbikes to be lightest-in-class. The monocoque frame is fixed directly to the cylinder head, and at its front are two aluminium bushings inserted with the steering tube bearings. In addition to performing the traditional function of a frame, the monocoque also acts as an airbox. Housed inside it, in addition to the air filter, are the throttle bodies and fuel circuit complete with injectors; and the bottom of the aluminium tank (lighter by 1.9% compared to previous generation Superbikes) becomes its cover when mounted in place.
The 9ME ABS standard on the 899 Panigale is a latest-generation system with two channels that performs combined braking with control of rear wheel lifting to guarantee not only shorter braking distances, but also the greatest stability during braking. Specifically intended for sport use, the 9ME ABS offers three levels of operation, each associated with a Riding Mode; in the Race mode, the system works only on front discs to allow advanced track braking techniques for expert riders.
Technical specification
Engine
Transmission
Chassis
Dimensions and weight
Equipments
Warranty
Emissions and Consumption
- Published in Motorcycles
CNC Racing Parts
CNC Racing Parts sold by Conquest Carbon.
About CNC Racing
Made in Italy, exclusively manufactured from solid materials utilizing advanced technology makes it possible to create a line of motorcycle accessories to enhance the features most suitable for your particular bike without ignoring quality or precision. Driven by passion, research and development activities are conducted in-house to ensure greatness as we seek to push the envelope of what’s possible with innovative projects and collaboration with leading (and World Champion) racing teams.
The advanced technologies increasingly looking to the future have led the company to seek a line style of work and passion for two wheels projecting and creations of motorcycle accessories.
All this is based on research of innovative and original, following the line of the Italian brand par excellence. motorbike accessories created by lines drawn are born from ideas, quickly becoming a reality thanks to technological tools inside the company.
The articles come from well-defined and structured phases: the creation of new designs, switched to CAD / CAM applications, the choice of material, until the construction of prototypes and testing of model. Our motorcycle accessories are born from an idea, a simple sketch that is then developed in engineering departments, where points are plotted basic building.
The project follows the mechanical preparation of the construction parameters passing first through the CAD / CAM technology by going to the field of machining where does the actual product. Each phase is studied and followed with the utmost professionalism following the step by step creation of a high quality product.
The quantity of our motorcycle accessories have no limits: we can build small, medium and large series, each customized to the client’s request, in every color and type of finish, the customer only has to choose from. Our motorcycle accessories are tested, created with safe material and geometric shape on the top with innovative style motorcycle staying in the same way objects of unquestionable quality.
- Published in Conquest Racing Parts
Ducati Street Fighter Carbon Fibre Parts
Ducati Street Fighter Carbon Fibre Parts by Conquest Carbon.
We use the very latest carbon fibre autoclave F1 technology giving you a beautiful, strong & very light replacement to the standard parts. We give you the chance to obtain the parts that factory teams use, allowing you to build the individual superbike of your dreams. We are also suppliers of CNC Racing parts made in Italy, exclusively manufactured from solid materials utilizing advanced technology makes it possible to create a line of motorcycle accessories to enhance the features most suitable for your particular bike without ignoring quality or precision.
Our Carbon fibre parts are manufactured using pre-preg process and finished in a high temperature autoclave oven. This provides a much thinner, lighter product without compromising on strength, it also provides the best finish on the weave keeping the fibre in a more level and constant pattern. The molds are made from steel and the parts are laser cut using a high pressure water jet. And finally polished by hand. Using 2 mm, 3K twill weave carbon fibre with an epoxy resin and glass backing providing both excellent strength and flexibility, UV treated lacquer which will help to keep your carbon looking new for years. Made from the exact weave that Ducati themselves use, so why pay factory prices and have your bike look the business without the high OEM costs.
- Published in Conquest Racing Parts
Ducati 848 1098 1198 Carbon Fibre Parts
Ducati 848 1098 1198 Carbon Fibre Parts by Conquest Carbon.
We use the very latest carbon fibre autoclave F1 technology giving you a beautiful, strong & very light replacement to the standard parts. We give you the chance to obtain the parts that factory teams use, allowing you to build the individual superbike of your dreams. We are also suppliers of CNC Racing parts made in Italy, exclusively manufactured from solid materials utilizing advanced technology makes it possible to create a line of motorcycle accessories to enhance the features most suitable for your particular bike without ignoring quality or precision
Our Carbon fibre parts are manufactured using pre-preg process and finished in a high temperature autoclave oven. This provides a much thinner, lighter product without compromising on strength, it also provides the best finish on the weave keeping the fibre in a more level and constant pattern. The molds are made from steel and the parts are laser cut using a high pressure water jet. And finally polished by hand. Using 2 mm, 3K twill weave carbon fibre with an epoxy resin and glass backing providing both excellent strength and flexibility, UV treated lacquer which will help to keep your carbon looking new for years. Made from the exact weave that Ducati themselves use, so why pay factory prices and have your bike look the business without the high OEM costs.
- Published in Conquest Racing Parts
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Carbon Fibre Parts
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Carbon Fibre Parts by Conquest Carbon.
We use the very latest carbon fibre autoclave 
F1 technology giving you a beautiful, strong & very light replacement to the standard parts. We give you the chance to obtain the parts that factory teams use, allowing you to build the individual superbike of your dreams. We are also suppliers of CNC Racing parts made in Italy, exclusively manufactured from solid materials utilizing advanced technology makes it possible to create a line of motorcycle accessories to enhance the features most suitable for your particular bike without ignoring quality or precision
Our Carbon fibre parts are manufactured using pre-preg process and finished in a high temperature autoclave oven. This provides a much thinner, lighter product without compromising on strength, it also provides the best finish on the weave keeping the fibre in a more level and constant pattern. The molds are made from steel and the parts are laser cut using a high pressure water jet. And finally polished by hand. Using 2 mm, 3K twill weave carbon fibre with an epoxy resin and glass backing providing both excellent strength and flexibility, UV treated lacquer which will help to keep your carbon looking new for years. Made from the exact weave that Ducati themselves use, so why pay factory prices and have your bike look the business without the high OEM costs.
- Published in Conquest Racing Parts
Ducati Panigale 1199 Carbon Fibre Parts
Ducati Panigale 1199 Carbon Fibre Parts by Conquest Carbon.
We use the very latest carbon fibre autoclave F1 
technology giving you a beautiful, strong & very light replacement to the standard parts. We give you the chance to obtain the parts that factory teams use, allowing you to build the individual superbike of your dreams. We are also suppliers of CNC Racing parts made in Italy, exclusively manufactured from solid materials utilizing advanced technology makes it possible to create a line of motorcycle accessories to enhance the features most suitable for your particular bike without ignoring quality or precision
Our Carbon fibre parts are manufactured using pre-preg process and finished in a high temperature autoclave oven. This provides a much thinner, lighter product without compromising on strength, it also provides the best finish on the weave keeping the fibre in a more level and constant pattern. The molds are made from steel and the parts are laser cut using a high pressure water jet. And finally polished by hand. Using 2 mm, 3K twill weave carbon fibre with an epoxy resin and glass backing providing both excellent strength and flexibility, UV treated lacquer which will help to keep your carbon looking new for years. Made from the exact weave that Ducati themselves use, so why pay factory prices and have your bike look the business without the high OEM costs.
- Published in Conquest Racing Parts
Aprilia RSV4 Carbon Fibre Parts
Aprilia RSV4 Carbon Fibre Parts by Conquest Carbon.
We use the very latest carbon fibre autoclave F1 technology 
giving you a beautiful, strong & very light replacement to the standard parts. We give you the chance to obtain the parts that factory teams use, allowing you to build the individual superbike of your dreams. We are also suppliers of CNC Racing parts made in Italy, exclusively manufactured from solid materials utilizing advanced technology makes it possible to create a line of motorcycle accessories to enhance the features most suitable for your particular bike without ignoring quality or precision.
Our Carbon fibre parts are manufactured using pre-preg process and finished in a high temperature autoclave 
oven. This provides a much thinner, lighter product without compromising on strength, it also provides the best finish on the weave keeping the fibre in a more level and constant pattern. The molds are made from steel and the parts are laser cut using a high pressure water jet. And finally polished by hand. Using 2 mm, 3K twill weave carbon fibre with an epoxy resin and glass backing providing both excellent strength and flexibility, UV treated lacquer which will help to keep your carbon looking new for years. Made from the exact weave that Aprilia themselves use, so why pay factory prices and have your bike look the business without the high OEM costs.
- Published in Conquest Racing Parts
2013 MV Agusta Brutale 800 vs Ducati 848 Streetfigher
2013 MV Agusta Brutale 800 vs Ducati 848 Streetfigher
The Ducati 848 Streetfighter and MV Agusta Brutale 800 offer sportbike attributes and Italian cool. But which is better?
source. motorcycle.com
- Published in Motorcycle Review