Okay, so, today I want to talk about my 2013 Ducati 848. I’ve been messing around with bikes for a while, and this one, man, it’s been a real experience.
First off, I started by just looking at it. It’s a beautiful machine, no doubt. But I didn’t want just a looker, I wanted something I could really get to know, inside and out. So, I dug into the service schedule. It’s pretty standard, every 7500 miles or once a year, and you gotta change the belts every two years. The valve clearances, the “desmo service,” that’s every 15,000 miles. Not too bad.
- Checked the service manual.
- Noted the service intervals.
- Made a plan to stick to it.
Then I took it out for a ride. It’s fast, man, like really fast. They say it tops out at 166 mph, and I believe it. It’s not just about speed, though. This thing handles like a dream. It’s not just a smaller version of the 1098, it’s its own beast. I felt like I was one with the bike, you know? Really responsive.
I compared it to some other bikes, like, I’ve heard folks say the 1199 is better in every way, and it might be. More comfortable and better handling, but, the 848 still hold a special place in my heart, and I think it’s a bit much for someone who’s just starting out, unless you’ve got some serious experience.
Now, I’ve seen some people talking about buying used ones. I saw a guy online thinking about getting a 2011 848 EVO with 8.3k miles for around $9200. That does sound a bit steep, even for a Ducati, but it also matters how well it’s been taken care of.
- Read some reviews online.
- Compared prices of used models.
- Considered the maintenance history of used bikes.
I even looked into the 748 and 749. The 749 is probably a better bike overall, but the 748, if it’s the right year and been looked after, it might be just fine. Depends on what you’re after, I guess. I was particularly interested in the used 848’s and the big concern is always the mileage and mods. If the price is the same, you gotta weigh up what’s more important to you.
I learned that the 848 is actually pretty reliable, for a Ducati. It’s solid, and it performs really well. They’ve got a naked version too, the Streetfighter 848. Looks a bit, well, let’s just say it’s not my style, but I hear it’s fun to ride because of the chassis.
What I Did in the End
In the end, I decided to keep a detailed log of everything I did with the bike. Every service, every ride, every little tweak. It’s not just about keeping the bike in good shape, it’s about understanding it, you know? It’s a journey, and I’m here for it.
- Created a maintenance log.
- Documented every ride.
- Enjoyed the heck out of this bike!
So that’s my story with the 2013 Ducati 848. It’s been a blast, and I’m looking forward to many more miles with this beauty.
