2012 Ducati Motorcycle

One glance at the 2012 Ducati 848EVO Corse SE, and its aesthetic qualities can surely bring a Ducatisti to his or her knees.

The red/white/black Ducati Corse livery growls in all directions, accenting the already sleek bodylines of the 848EVO.

But the iconoclastic Italian manufacturer didn't stop at aesthetics with this 848 EVO Special Edition; added to their flagship middleweight sportbike are other qualities that will further enhance performance over the base model - Traction Control (DTC), a Quick Shifter (DQS), Ohlins rear shock absorbers and huge 330mm front-brake discs (up 10mm from the stock 848EVO).

Besides these Corse features, the rest is true 848EVO technology.

The liquid-cooled, L-Twin Desmodromic engine pumps out 140 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, and 72.3 ft. lbs. of torque at 9,750 rpm. This power is achievable through the new camshafts profile, which provide "13mm of valve-lift compared with 11.5mm and an inlet duration increase from 253° to 257° to provide enhanced performance."

Another advanced feature of the 848's engine arrives in weight savings. From the vacuum die-cast crankcases using Vacural technology, to cam covers cast in magnesium alloy to a wet clutch that weighs 2.2 lbs less than its dry counterpart, Ducati instilled the latest technology into the 848 EVO to help achieve a 370-lbs. machine (without fluids).

Fuel injection is taken care of through MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies that have been increased from 56mm to 60 mm. Ducati says "representing a 30-percent increase in air flow over conventional throttle bodies, the elliptical shape contributes to a considerable power increase."

The 848EVO Corse SE's chassis is also another Ducati marvel, the sportbike featuring a lightweight Trellis frame that was developed through racing. Speaking of the chassis, Ducati says "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."

The subframe is designed of magnesium and the single-sided swingarm from aluminum for further weight savings.

Up front, the 848EVO arrives with the standard-issue fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks, but the Corse SE model gets an Ohlins 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."

The other special feature on the 848EVO Corse SE is the double enbloc brake calipers up front that bite larger 330mm discs, with the standard-issue 245mm single disc setup out back.

Finishing the 848EVO package are Y-shaped, five-spoke Enkei wheels with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tires. Speaking of the lightweight wheel design, Ducati says it reduces the "moment of inertia, enabling a faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances."

The Ducati 848EVO Corse SE also arrives standard with an eight-level DTC that uses the same "software logic developed and used by Ducati Corse for their World Championship-winning MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycles," and a Ducati Quick Shifter.

As for pricing, nothing has been confirmed, but expect the 2012 Ducati 848EVO Corse SE to be around $15K.

2012 Ducati 848EVO Corse SE Specs:

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

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 Ohins monoshock. 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 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted enbloc 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.
• Seat height: 830mm (32.6in)

Electronics:

• DTC: Standard equipment
• DQS: Standard equipment
• DDA: DDA system-ready for Ducati Performance accessory
• ABS: Not available on this model