2012 Ducati 848 EVO Corse SE Review
Corse Instinct
With its Corse colour scheme, the 848EVO is a racing dream come true.
Raw engine power is enhanced by the sophisticated Ducati-developed electronics housed in the DTC (Ducati Traction Control) and quick shifter (DQS) units, while the outstanding qualities of the Trellis frame are brought out by the Öhlins rear shock absorber and 330 mm brake discs.
Corse instinct: where intuition meets engineering.
Dressed in the official Ducati Corse livery of red, white and black, the 848EVO Corse Special Edition takes the already exciting 848EVO and adds racing instinct with outright style and enhanced performance.
Equipped with full 8-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system, the Corse Special Edition raises its game even further on the road or race track. Combine the enhanced electronic package with the superior feel of fully adjustable Öhlins rear suspension and 330mm front brake discs and it is clear that the brand new model fully deserves to wear its new official Ducati Corse styling.
The 848EVO Corse Special Edition uses identical DTC and DQS concepts as the new 1199 Panigale. DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to optimise traction performance. DQS allows the throttle to remain open when changing-up through the gearbox, helping to save vital fractions of a second in the pursuit of faster laptimes. The 848EVO Corse Special Edition rolls out in red, white and black Ducati Corse livery with red Trellis frame and black wheels.
2012 Ducati 848 EVO Corse SE Key Features and Benefits
CONCEPT
The 848EVO now further enhances Ducati's most impressive lightweight Superbike ever with more power from the Testastretta engine and more braking power from Brembo’s incredible Monobloc brake technology combining to provide an even more exciting way to enter the world of Ducati Superbikes.
ENGINE
Exhaust system - The super-efficient power unit exhausts through a lightweight 2-1-2 system equipped with a catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes to conform to Euro3 regulations.
Camshafts - New camshafts provide 13mm of valve-lift compared with 11.5mm and an inlet duration increase from 253° to 257° to provide enhanced performance
Power & torque curves - The new 848EVO is powered by a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine that produces 140hp (103kW) @ 10,500 rpm and a high-accelerating 72.3lb-ft (10kgm) of torque @ 9,750 rpm. The Testastretta delivers a thrilling torque output at low-medium revs and an exciting power delivery at high rpm.
Elliptical throttle bodies - The 848EVO engine is fed by MotoGP-derived elliptical large section throttle bodies which are now increased from an equivalent diameter of 56mm to 60 mm. Representing a 30% increase in air flow over conventional throttle bodies, the elliptical shape contributes to a considerable power increase.
Vacural® crankcases - The highly advanced Superbike 848EVO engine features vacuum die-cast crankcases, formed using Vacural® technology, a process that achieves a significant weight saving and ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength.
848EVO's Testastretta Engine - The “EVO” treatment applied to the 848 introduces a 6hp power boost to 140hp and a torque increase to 10kgm that results in a razor-sharp and easy-to-use power delivery. The 94mm x 61.2mm bore and stroke 848EVO engine is a fitting reward to Ducati's ingenuity and a clear result of the continual attention to detail and development of their twin-cylinder technology.
Compression ratio - A brand new piston crown and combustion chamber shape improve burn efficiency and increase the compression ratio to a power-enhancing 13.2:1
Magnesium alloy covers - Attention to weight reduction is further underlined with the cam covers cast in magnesium alloy.
Lightweight clutch - The 848EVO engine include a sophisticated wet clutch that weighs 1kg (2.2lbs) less than its dry counterpart, has a much longer service life, improved clutch feel and quieter operation.
CHASSIS
Öhlins rear monoshock - The bike fits an Öhlins rear monoshock with exceptionally high specifications, a fully adjustable spring preload and the possibility to fine-tune the rebound and compression damping. The rear shock also has a counter-spring that improves riding feel helping to maintain the grip of the rear tyre flat on the asphalt even in extreme conditions.
Single-sided swingarm - The dual construction technique used for the single-sided swingarm allows the main operational components to use individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, while lightweight, fabricated aluminium sections are used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component. The 848EVO swingarm is colour finished in black anodized.
Trellis frame - Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the lightweight Trellis frame features 34mm main section tubes with a material thickness of 1.5mm. The result is an incredibly rigid construction that remains one of Ducati's lightest frame solutions ever. Through decades of racing and development, Ducati has proven that innovative chassis engineering and evolutionary frame advancements win races. The tubular Trellis frame, used on every Ducati motorcycle, is a signature design element. This unique Ducati frame is light, rigid and beautiful thanks to its ingenious Trellis design and use of high quality ALS 450 tubing. Each tube is mitred and micro-fusion welded in a complex triangulated pattern and our incredibly strong L-Twin engine cases are functional "stressed members" of the chassis.
Showa forks - The 848EVO features fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks.
Cross-mounted steering damper - A control-enhancing steering damper maintains perfect front-end stability, inspiring supreme control and confidence alongside the increased power output.
Superbike aerodynamics - Carefully designed for aerodynamic efficiency and to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the Superbike bodywork enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the correct riding position. Its race-developed fairing design ensures perfect integration with the cooling system by providing efficient flow through the advanced, large surface area coolant radiator, which is assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies and oil coolers. Aerodynamically shaped air ducts positioned just below the headlamps are precisely calculated to provide ample air delivery to the pressurised airbox. The lightweight bodywork contributes considerably to overall performance by reducing weight, protecting the Testastretta Evoluzione engine's power output, and assisting the rider to effortlessly 'tuck in' from the wind stream and reduce drag to achieve maximum straight-line track speeds.
330 mm discs - The 848EVO Corse Special Edition has double enbloc callipers that bite into larger sized 330 mm discs to guarantee exceptional braking efficiency. The weight of the discs has been dropped to a minimum using narrow racing type braking surfaces.
Lightweight 5-spoke wheels - The lightweight front wheels used on all Ducati Superbike models substantially reduces the moment of inertia, enabling a faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances. The 848EVO is equipped with Y-shaped, 5-spoke wheels by Enkei and are now mounted with state-of-the-art Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres
Magnesium front sub-frame - Producing a front subframe in magnesium underlines the attention to weight-saving detail in the Ducati Superbike range. Its construction provides secure support for the headlamp, instruments and fairing, and the weight-saving around this high, forward position contributes considerably to overall 'feel' and control of the machine.
EQUIPMENT
Lighting - The horizontal twin headlamps, a signature Ducati style from the iconic 916, are modernised with the latest lighting technology. Two polyellipsoidal units light the way with a powerful beam while maintaining an aggressive look to the front of the machine in pure Ducati Superbike tradition. The rear light employs a specially designed strip of LEDs enhanced by a high diffusion lens shaped into the sleek lines of the tailpiece. The same LEDs are intensified for brake lights. The directional indicators also use the latest in LED technology for illumination. The frontal indicators are beautifully integrated into the rear view mirrors.
GP-derived instruments - This pure racing digital instrumentation originating from Ducati's MotoGP project has no switches or buttons to compromise its clean, minimalist lines. Instead, information additional to the default read-outs is managed from the left-hand handlebar-mounted switch gear, allowing the rider to scroll through and select from various menus. The display, which has a bright white LED back lighting, presents rpm and speed, with the former displayed across the screen in a progressive bar graph. Optionally, the rpm and speed can be displayed in numeric values. Additionally, it displays lap times, DTC level selected (if activated on 1198) time, air temperature, coolant temperature, battery voltage, two trips and a trip that automatically starts as the fuel system goes onto reserve. Warning lights illuminate to signify neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention (if activated on 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse) and scheduled maintenance. The instrument display is also used as the control panels for the DDA (DDA kit supplied as standard on 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse) and DTC systems as well as listing lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.
Controls - 848EVO is equipped with adjustable levers that operate Brembo radial-type master cylinders with remote reservoirs. Add easy-to-use switchgear with stopwatch function and DTC and DDA management (where applicable) and it becomes clear that functionality plays a major role alongside performance.
Stopwatch - The digital display is programmed with a stopwatch function that, when enabled, can be triggered by using the high-beam flash button and each recorded time stored in a memory. After your journey or track session, the times or lap times can be recalled from the memory and scrolled through by using the instrumentation buttons on the left-hand switchgear.
DTC - Ducati were the first manufacturer to introduce a true competition-level traction control system on a production motorcycle. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system further underlines Ducati's technology flow from racing to production and demonstrates how solutions developed for the track can be applied to enhance performance safety on the road.
DTC uses the same software logic developed and used by Ducati Corse for their World Championship-winning MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycles and offers a choice of eight settings developed by their professional test riders and racers.
Accessible from the left-hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, the system offers a choice of eight profiles, each one programmed with a wheel-spin tolerance matched to progressive riding levels of skill graded from one to eight. While level eight administers a confidence-building, high level of interaction from the system by activating upon the slightest amount of wheel-spin, level one offers a much higher tolerance and, therefore, much less intervention for highly competent riders.
DDA Ready - The instrument display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. The bike has been built ‘system-ready’ for the data acquisition kit, which consists of special DDA software and a memory key that slots into a plug under the seat. The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy new battery charger available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.
Mirror extension kit - All Superbike mirrors come with an optional spacer kit enabling an extension of 30mm over the standard mirror stem length.
2012 Ducati 848 EVO Corse SE Model Highlights
SUPERBIKE 848EVO
Ducati 848EVO - EXCITEMENTEVO
The 848EVO is Ducati's most impressive mid-range Superbike ever, and provides an exciting way to enter the world of Ducati Superbikes. 2012 sees the arrival of the stunning 848EVO Corse Special Edition with Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Quick Shift, Öhlins rear suspension and 330mm brake discs all stylishly delivered in Ducati Corse official colours.
The “EVO” treatment applied to the 848 introduced a 6hp power boost to 140hp (103kW) and a torque increase to 72.3lb-ft (98Nm) for razor-sharp and easy-to-use power delivery, while the combination of the 848's legendary (168kg) chassis set-up and planet-stopping Brembo Monobloc brakes gives unthinkable braking performances most can only dream of.
Iconic features from the reigning World Championship-winning machines, are all part of the 848's DNA and in pursuit of perfection, Ducati engineers have now further enhanced specification to deliver impressive performance whether riding through mid-town traffic or racing through track-day competition.
The 2012 848EVO maintains the traditional colours 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. New for 2012 is the 848EVO Corse Special Edition, specially dressed in red, white and black colour scheme with red frame and black wheels.
The 848EVO Testastretta Evoluzione engine
The 848EVO is powered by a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine that produces 140hp (103kW) @ 10,500rpm and a high-accelerating 72.3lb-ft (10kgm) of torque @ 9,750rpm.
The 94mm x 61.2mm bore and stroke breathes through 4 valves per cylinder fed by revised inlet port shapes and racing-style elliptical throttle bodies, which have an equivalent diameter of 60mm. The EVO’s piston crown and combustion chamber shape improves burn efficiency, while the 13.2:1 compression ratio and performance-driven camshafts provide 13mm of valve-lift and 257° of inlet duration.
Electronically injected and ignited by Marelli, the super-efficient power unit then exhausts through a lightweight 2-1-2 system equipped with a catalytic converter and up-rated to twin lambda probes for smooth mapping and Euro3 conformity. Terminating in twin under-seat silencers, the system delivers that unmistakable signature sound of the Desmo 90° L-Twin.
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.
Chassis
The 848EVO chassis and suspension are the result of a 'performance-first' priority approach to development, in which the goals are always to achieve lightweight with high strength and rigidity to manage the highpowered Testastretta Evoluzione engines. Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the lightweight Trellis frame features 34mm main section tubes with a material thickness of 1.5mm.
Producing a front subframe in magnesium underlines the attention to weight-saving detail Its construction provides secure support for the headlamp, instruments and fairing, and the weight-saving around this high, forward position contributes considerably to overall 'feel' and control of the machine.
The dual construction technique used for the single-sided swingarm allows the main operational components to use individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, while lightweight, fabricated aluminium sections are used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component. The 848EVO swingarm is then presented in a sophisticated black-anodised finish.
The lightweight front wheels used on all Ducati Superbike models substantially reduces the moment of inertia, enabling a faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances. The 848EVO is equipped with Y-shaped, 5-spoke wheels finished in black and mounted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres.
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 frontend 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 848EVO Corse Special Edition raises the specification even higher with a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock offering enhanced feel for performance-hungry sport riders.
Monobloc brakes
Ducati Superbikes have always been famous for their incredible, track-derived braking performance and the 848EVO is no exception. Featuring Brembo's powerful Monobloc calliper racing technology applied to 320mm discs, the EVO’s incredible braking capability is a result of Ducati’s continual quest for responsible performance.
Machined from a single piece of alloy, the callipers achieve a higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The resulting increase in hydraulic efficiency not only delivers incredible braking power, but also provides an enhanced and precise 'feel' at the brake lever. The twin Monobloc callipers each have four 34mm pistons that grip 320mm discs to help generate planet-stopping braking.
The 848EVO Corse Special Edition takes that Monobloc braking experience to the next level with full Superbike-style 330mm front discs.
Aerodynamic bodywork
Carefully designed for aerodynamic efficiency and to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the Superbike bodywork enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the correct riding position.
Its race-developed fairing design ensures perfect integration with the cooling system by providing efficient flow through the advanced, large surface area coolant radiator, which is assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies and oil coolers. Aerodynamically shaped air ducts positioned just below the headlamps are precisely calculated to provide ample air delivery to the pressurised airbox.
The lightweight bodywork contributes considerably to overall performance by reducing weight, protecting the Testastretta Evoluzione engine's power output, and assisting the rider to effortlessly 'tuck in' from the wind stream and reduce drag to achieve maximum straight-line track speeds.
Instrumentation
This pure racing digital instrumentation originating from Ducati's MotoGP project has no switches or buttons to compromise its clean, minimalist lines. Instead, information additional to the default read-outs is managed from the left-hand handlebar-mounted switch gear, allowing the rider to scroll through and select from various menus.
The display, which has a bright white LED back lighting presents rpm and speed, with the former displayed across the screen in a progressive bar graph. Optionally, the rpm and speed can be displayed in numeric values. Additionally, it displays lap times, DTC level selected (if activated on the Corse Special Edition) time, air temperature, coolant temperature, battery voltage, two trips and a trip that automatically starts as the fuel system goes onto reserve. Warning lights illuminate to signify neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention selected (if activated on the Corse Special Edition) and scheduled maintenance. The instrument display is also used as the control panels for the DDA (available as an accessory by Ducati Performance), DTC and DQS systems as well as listing lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.
Superbike lights and indicators
The horizontal twin headlamps are modernised interpretations of the iconic 916, restyled and updated with the latest lighting technology. Two polyellipsoidal units light the way with a powerful beam while maintaining an aggressive look to the front of the machine in pure Ducati Superbike tradition. The rear light employs a specially designed strip of LEDs enhanced by a high diffusion lens shaped into the sleek lines of the tailpiece. The same LEDs are intensified for brake lights.
The directional indicators also use the latest in LED technology for illumination. The frontal indicators are beautifully integrated into the rear view mirrors, which come with an optional spacer kit enabling an extension of 30mm over the standard mirror stem length.
2012 Ducati 848 EVO Corse SE
North American Specifications
US MSRP Price: $14,995 USD
Canada MSRP Price: See Canadian Dealer for pricing.
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
Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
REAR WHEEL TRAVEL
120mm (4.7in)
REAR WHEEL
5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
REAR TYRE
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 180/55 ZR17
FRONT BRAKE
2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc 4-piston callipers
REAR BRAKE
245mm disc, 2-piston calliper
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
15.5l - 4.1 gallon (US)
WET WEIGHT
194kg (428lb)
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.
WARRANTY
2 years unlimited mileage
BODY COLOUR (FRAME/WHEEL)
Corse (red / black)
VERSIONS
Dual seat
SEAT HEIGHT
830mm (32.6in)
DDA
DDA system-ready for Ducati Performance accessory
DTC
Standard equipment
ABS
Not available on this model
Engine
TYPE
L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
DISPLACEMENT
849.4cc
BORE X STROKE
94x61.2mm
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
Emissions
STANDARD
Euro 3
2012 Ducati 848 EVO Corse SE
European Specifications
UK MSRP Price: £11,995*
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
Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
REAR WHEEL TRAVEL
120mm (4.7in)
REAR WHEEL
5-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
REAR TYRE
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 180/55 ZR17
FRONT BRAKE
2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc 4-piston callipers
REAR BRAKE
245mm disc, 2-piston calliper
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
15.5l - 4.1 gallon (US)
WET WEIGHT
194kg (428lb)
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.
WARRANTY
2 years unlimited mileage
BODY COLOUR (FRAME/WHEEL)
Corse (red / black)
VERSIONS
Dual seat
SEAT HEIGHT
830mm (32.6in)
DDA
DDA system-ready for Ducati Performance accessory
DTC
Standard equipment
ABS
Not available on this model
Engine
TYPE
L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
DISPLACEMENT
849.4cc
BORE X STROKE
94x61.2mm
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
Emissions
STANDARD
Euro 3
* Prices quoted are SRP's including 20% VAT and the cost of Pre Delivery Inspection. Registration fee, number plates and road fund licence are not included. All prices are valid until 31st Decembre 2011 and include 2 years unlimited mileage warranty and recovery service. Information on this site has a mere indicative value and is not binding for Ducati. Ducati will not be liable for any mistakes and reserves the right to make changes and improvements to any products without obligation to give prior notice or to carry out changes to products already sold.
