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2008 Ducati 848 Overview
The 2008 Ducati 848 is a sport motorcycle built around 848 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. 2008 Ducati 848 delivers 98.5 kW @ 10000rpm of peak power and 96 Nm @ 8250rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 257.8 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2008 848 tips the scales at 168 kg, carries a 16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 830 mm and spans a 1430 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 34.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2008 Ducati 848 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 848 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2008 Ducati 848 makes 98.5 kW @ 10000rpm with 96 Nm @ 8250rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The Marelli electronic fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 830 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled system on the 848 needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from Marelli electronic fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The 2 x 320mm Disc, Brembo 4 piston calipers front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the 848 runs Showa 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork and Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Tubular steel trellis frame in ALS 450 - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
848 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2008 Ducati 848, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 848 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any 848. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The 848's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2008 Ducati 848 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 Ducati 848 have?
The 2008 Ducati 848 uses a Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder. engine with 848 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2008 Ducati 848?
The 2008 Ducati 848 has a factory-quoted top speed of 257.8 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2008 Ducati 848 weigh?
The 2008 Ducati 848 weighs 168 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2008 Ducati 848 make?
The 2008 Ducati 848 produces 98.5 kW @ 10000rpm of power and 96 Nm @ 8250rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 Ducati 848?
The 2008 Ducati 848 has a 16-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 266-320 km between stops.
Is the 2008 Ducati 848 suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 Ducati 848 has a seat height of 830 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2008 Ducati 848 have?
The 2008 Ducati 848 uses 2 x 320mm Disc, Brembo 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 245 mm disc, Brembo 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 Ducati 848 use?
The 2008 Ducati 848 runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/50 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2008 Ducati 848 have?
The 2008 Ducati 848 is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
98.5 kW / 134 hp @ 10000rpm
Torque
96 Nm / 9.8 kgf-m / 70.8 lb-ft / @ 8250rpm
Top Speed
257.8 km/h / 160.2 mph
Weight
168 kg / 370.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal / 3.5 Imp gal
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Full 2008 Ducati 848 Specifications
Year
2008
Make Model
Ducati 848
Seat Height
830 mm / 32.6 in
Wheelbase
1430 mm / 56.3 in
Height
1090 mm / 42.9 in
Length
2095 mm / 82.2 in
Dry Weight
168 kg / 370.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal / 3.5 Imp gal
Displacement
848 cc / 51.7 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke
94 x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification
Semi-Synthetic, 10W/40
Exhaust
Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers.
Fuel Consumption
5.3 L/100 km / 18.9 km/l / 44.5 US mpg / 53.4 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction
Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Ignition
Digital CDI
Lubrication
Wet sump
Spark Plug
Champion, RA59GC
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Final Drive
Chain
Gear Ratios
1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 28/20 / 4th 26/22 / 5th 24/23 / 6th 23/24
Primary Drive
Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Tubular steel trellis frame in ALS 450
Suspension - Front
Showa 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork
Suspension - Rear
Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm.
Rake
24.5°
Trail
103 mm / 4.05 in
Wheel Travel - Front
127 mm / 5.0 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
130 mm / 5.1 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 320mm Disc, Brembo 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 245 mm disc, Brembo 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
180/50 ZR17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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