First Look: 2011 Ducati 848 Evo
Jul 20, 2010 Click on images to enlarge
The “EVO” treatment applied to the 848 introduces a 6hp power boost to 140hp (103kW) and a torque increase to 72.3lb-ft (98Nm) that results in a 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. In pursuit of perfection, Ducati engineers have listened to passionate owners of the 848 Superbike since its delivery in 2008 and now enhance its specifications to deliver impressive performances whether riding through mid-town traffic or racing through track-day competition. Iconic features from the World Championship-winning machines, such as the twin under-seat silencers, single-sided swingarm, Trellis frame, beautiful race bodywork and steering damper, are all part of the 848's DNA. Its family resemblance assures that it is equipped with all the performance advancements of the Superbike family, while adding its own particular character and style. The early arrival 2011 848EVO is available from late July 2010 onwards and maintains the traditional colour of Ducati red with red frame and black wheels and introduces the stunning new “dark stealth” with racing black frame and black wheels. Engineered by the stopwatch. Designed by the race track Ducati Superbikes are race bikes, pure and simple. Their striking aerodynamic shapes create a natural riding position, confirmed by Ducati development and factory team riders as the optimum for speed and agility. Performance is first and foremost in every detail. Trademark Ducati features like the high tail section and compact front end combine with twin under-seat silencers and single-sided swingarm to express the sheer engineering beauty of aerodynamics and agility. The 848 Testastretta Evoluzione engine The 94mm x 61.2mm bore and stroke breathes through 4 valves per cylinder fed by totally revised inlet port shapes and racing-style elliptical throttle bodies, which are now increased in size from an equivalent diameter of 56mm to 60mm. A brand new piston crown and combustion chamber shape improve burn efficiency and increase the compression ratio from 12:1 to a power-enhancing 13.2:1 while new performance-driven camshafts provide 13mm of valve-lift compared with 11.5mm and an inlet duration increase from 253° to 257°. These incredible valve performances are made possible because of Ducati's unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically. At high rpm it would be almost impossible for the valve to follow the steep closure profile of the cam lobe if it were relying upon a normal valve spring. With the Desmo system, the valve is closed mechanically with the same accuracy as it is opened, enabling steep cam profiles and radical cam timings. This system is used on every single Ducati motorcycle including their world-beating Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP bikes. 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 Ducati's trademark 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. For 2011 this impressively lightweight engine has its outer-cases finished in black. The 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. Having more experience and success with twin-cylinder high performance engines than any other manufacturer, the L-Twin configuration remains central to Ducati's philosophy of motorcycling. This experience, plus constant investment in quality by design, advanced materials and engineering techniques, has enabled 12,000km (7,500 miles) between service intervals, making Ducati ownership easy and enjoyable. Lightweight chassis construction Trellis frame Magnesium subframe Single-sided swingarm Wheels Suspension 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. Race-bred equipment 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.
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 Data acquisition Normally only available on race bikes, DDA records numerous channels of data including throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, distance travelled, laps and lap times. The system also automatically calculates engine rpm and vehicle speed data so as to display gear selection as an extra channel of information. At the end of a ride or track session, an upgraded 4mb of data can be downloaded to a PC ready to compare, analyse and get an inside view of the performance of the rider and motorcycle. Data can be analysed in graphic form with options to zoom into detail of specific sections. Dragging a trace along a timeline to reveal individual values of the above listed channels enables the user to analyse performance in the same way that data technicians can in factory teams. The software allows data to be compared with that from a completely separate session and for pages of data to be printed off easily. Superbike lights and indicators 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.
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