Bad news on the Ducati 848 EVO

[tk]

They just did a full test on the US version of the new 848 EVO in Sport Rider. The bike has almost no increase in HP or torque over the base model 848.
They speculate that the bike had to be restricted to get by US noise/polution regulations. The Euro bikes tested in other mags show a significant
increase in HP for the 848 EVO. Expect to spend $$$ in goodies to bring the performance of the 848 EVO up to where it should be.

 

[Elk]

Very interesting. 

Most here immediately take off the pollution equipment that come on Ducatis, but the fuel map is a trickier (I assume it is incredibly lean). 

Fortunately the newer ECUs can be flashed with new maps. 

[tk]

Ducati USA just announced the pricing on the race kit:


"the special race kit, which includes a full Termignoni exhaust system with air filter and ECU, adjustable rear ride height linkage and racing slipper clutch, for $3,500."
 

[Tim...]

Yep, and from what I have read, in order to participate in the contingency program, the race kit must be installed.

Tim...

Ducati USA just announced the pricing on the race kit:


"the special race kit, which includes a full Termignoni exhaust system with air filter and ECU, adjustable rear ride height linkage and racing slipper clutch, for $3,500."
 

[Elk]

Not a bad price for the package (cheaper than buying separate) but that's still a lot of money.  Yike.

[tk]

There are probably cheaper ways to get the USA 848 EVO up to the horsepower of the Euro bike. Somebody will do an exhaust system and maybe a chip.
Still, it sucks that we have to spend additional money just to bring our bike up to the standards they get in other countries.

[Elk]

The newer Ducati ECUs can't be chipped, but they can be flashed with a new map.

Doug Lofgren and Fred Snyder can do this.  I bet for $200-$400 you can have Euro power and more.

[tk]

The newer Ducati ECUs can't be chipped, but they can be flashed with a new map.

Doug Lofgren and Fred Snyder can do this.  I bet for $200-$400 you can have Euro power and more.

Good to know, thanks. Maybe I was too quick to write off the 848 EVO. I'll have to look into this if I decide to replace my 996.

[Elk]

"Replace 996" = bad words.

Evo = new friend for 996. 

The new Evo is a tempting machine - excellent buy. 

If you ever talk to Doug and Fred let me know.  I'll try to remember to ask the next time I see them also.

[Ray916MN]

Just get your 996 tuned properly by Lofgren and the EVO will lose most of its' appeal and you'll have a bunch of money left over.

If I've learned anything about Ducatis, it is that they respond very well to tuning and they run relatively poorly in stock form.

[Elk]

And the 996 is prettier.

[mikey]

Hmmm I was hoping for a 848 Evo this spring. For that kinda money though I may just have to go BMW. Especially if I get my foot amputated I'm gonna prolly be wanting abs brakes.