2012 Ducati Superbike
For 2012, Ducati offers the standard 848EVO as a carry-over model, the mid-weight sportbike available in three colors – Arctic White Silk, Ducati Red and Black Stealth.
The 848 received the “EVO” treatment in 2011, the engine up six horsepower to create 140 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, and 72.3 ft. lbs. of torque at 9,750 rpm. And this power is all delivered aboard one of Ducati’s lightest sportbike chassis; the 2012 848EVO weighs in at 370 lbs. dry.
The EVO is further enhanced with Showa suspension up front and out back, huge, 320mm Brembo Monobloc brakes, and sexy, aerodynamic bodywork.
For 2012, Ducati also released an 848EVO Corse SE model with Ohlins suspension and other upgrades; for a preview of the Corse SE, click here.
The 848EVO Testastretta Evoluzione engine features a 94mm x 61.2mm bore and stroke, with four valves per cylinder. The liquid-cooled, 90-degree L-Twin features specially-designed crown pistons and a unique combustion-chamber design for efficient fuel burn. The 848 arrives with a 13.2:1 compression ratio, and high-performance camshafts.
Featuring Marelli fuel injection, the Desmo breathes through race-derived 60mm elliptical throttle bodies, and exhales through a lightweight 2-1-2 exhaust system that is sculpted underneath the 848EVO’s tailpiece.
But the Italian engineers didn’t stop at just horsepower; Ducati says “the highly advanced 848 engine was the first Ducati Superbike to introduce vacuum die-cast crankcases, formed using Vacural technology, a process that achieves a significant weight saving and ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength.”
The 848EVO features the famed lightweight Trellis frame that utilizes a 34mm main section tubes, and a front sub-frame designed of magnesium for extra weight savings. The chassis features Ducati’s signature, single-sided swingarm which was also constructed of lightweight aluminum for further weight savings.
Up front, the 848EVO features 43mm Show and a control-enhancing steering damper for optimal front-end stability. Out back, the 848EVO arrives with a linkage suspension with separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and fully adjustable Showa single shock. Ducati says this “tandem design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame.”
The 848 EVO rolls on lightweight five-spoke, Y-shaped wheels mounted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tires.
Stopping the 2012 Ducati 848EVO are massive 320mm discs up front squeezed by Brembo Monobloc four-piston calipers, with a 245mm disc out back squeezed by a two-piston caliper.
Ducati’s 848EVO features carefully designed bodywork that hugs the lines of the chassis, which “enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the correct riding position.” But it’s not just for appeal and body position; the 848EVO’s bodywork was also designed to assist with cooling and providing fresh air into the pressurized airbox.
The 2012 848EVO maintains the traditional colors of Ducati Red with red frame and black wheels; Dark Stealth with racing black frame and black wheels; and Arctic White with red frame and red wheels.
As for MSRP, the 2012 Ducati 848EVO is offered at $13,995 for all three colors (unlike the 2011 Dark Stealth version that was offered for $12,995).
2012 Ducati 848EVO Specs:
Engine
- Type: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
- Displacement: 849.4cc
- Bore x Stroke: 94×61.2mm
- Compression ratio: 13.2:1
- Power: 140hp (103kw) @ 10,500rpm
- Torque: 72.3lb-ft (98Nm) @ 9,750rpm
- Fuel injection: Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
- Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers
Transmission:
- Gearbox: 6 speed
- Ratio: 1=37/15 2=30/17 3=28/20 4=26/22 5=24/23 6=23/24
- Primary drive: Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1
- Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39
- Clutch: Wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Chassis:
- Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
- Wheelbase: 1430mm (56.3in)
- Rake: 24.5°
- Front suspension: Showa 43mmfully adjustable usd forks
- Front wheel travel: 127mm (5in)
- Front wheel: 5-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17
- Front Tyre: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 120/70 ZR17
- Rear suspension: Fully adjustable Showa unit. Progressive linkage. Aluminium single-sided swingarm.
- Rear wheel travel: 120mm (4.7in)
- Rear wheel: 5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
- Rear tire: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 180/55 ZR17
- Front brake: 2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
- Fuel tank capacity: 15.5l – 4.1 gallon (US)
- Wet weight: 194kg (427lb)
- Dry weight: 168kg (370lb)
- Instruments: Digital MotoGP derived unit with displays for: Speed, rev counter, lap times, time, air temp, coolant temp, battery voltage, A & B trips, fuel reserve trip, scheduled maintenance. Warning lights for: Neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, oil pressure, fuel reserve. Plus: Integrated immobilizer system.
- Seat height: 830mm (32.6in)
