848 (The need for Speed)

[Chiz]

Right then.
Thats the 2nd tracknight under my belt at Knockhill after a 30 year lay-off.
The 848 goes alot quicker that the 350LC & the GS1000S did way back in 78-82.
The 848 is definitly the trackbike to have as if in the right hands it can show the bigger engined Ducatis "who's the daddy" on the bends & braking.
My 848 still is not in the "right hands" as I am still bottling it every so often as I trundle round & cannot get a 100% perfect time after time, but I can hold my own with the bigger Ducs.Keeping my 848 85% as a road bike, what does my wee 848 require to get a wee bit more punch out of a corner to hang on to the bigger bikes on the straight.
Apart from Casey Stoner onboard what can I throw onto the 848 to make it that wee bit quicker?
I know a visit to get the bike set up properly next door to DG is a must, but any add on suggestions would be grateful.
Your getting the business Martin so lets see the list

 

[239desmo]

what does my wee 848 require to get a wee bit more punch out of a corner to hang on to the bigger bikes on the straight.

A 1098 motor?

You kind of answered your own question when you said the wee bike could show up the big bikes.

Look at lap records on small twisty circuits and it's not 1000cc+ bikes that hold them it is 250s etc.

Would you not be better to spend the money on improving your riding and confidence on California Superbike days or similar?

I know you just want to justify buying some bling but that won't improve your riding ability.

 

[Scottch]

Think about your gearing Chiz.

In the past, I'd always went -1 on the front and +3 on the back to perk the Ducati's up a bit.

But by the far, the biggest improvement you can get is in yourself. Like Stewart says, CSS (fantastic) or similar will help you regardless of your ability.

Maybe even buy Keith Codes Twist of the Wrist books to break the monotomy of thrashing yourself into a pulp when you're offshore

 

[Freak]

There's plenty of folks out there on litre sportsbikes who are quick in a straight line but crap in the corners, your 848 hasn't got the outright power in comparison as we all know but the rider can make a hell of a difference!

Two trackdays after 30 years off you're going to be rusty! So spend the time wisely and think about lines, braking markers, turn points, corner entry speed, corner exit and so on, CSS is a great idea the books are good but are a heavy read, read TOTR2 first though.

Also stock gearing on Ducati's is usually high to aid with emissions, so as has been said mess with that also, and maybe get your suspension setup to be more focused for the track.

 

[239desmo]

Just a thought Chiz, how do your lap times now compare to your LC days?
Well ridden LC at Knockhill won't be far off the pace.

 

[bobsyeruncle]

when i had the 996 i went down 1 tooth on the front and up 3 at the rear.

On a recent trip to the IOM my 3 mates on their r1's ( 1 was the latest big bang version!) were blown away by the accelleration out of the corners on the 996 as they just couldn't keep up. Only on the long straights were they able to get past....only just mind!

 

[iang27]

Fit some Termis and a NEMESIS ecu with the 'track' map, I have read that this ecu makes a big difference when the cam timing has been adjusted and the bike set up correctly.

 

[dseered]

Change the gearing, fit a slipper clutch and as Freak says some rider training, even if its only some laps with a trackday instructor.

An 848 should beat most things round most UK circuits if ridden well, my old 749 would often embarrass bigger bikes into and out of corners only losing out on top end but by that time you are often coming back past on the brakes

Maybe £500 for these mods and you will see one hell of a difference !

 

[Chiz]

Just a thought Chiz, how do your lap times now compare to your LC days?
Well ridden LC at Knockhill won't be far off the pace.

In 79-80 the hairpin was a hairpin.
Now it is smoother & less tight.
Rider is 7kg heavier as well.

Lessons & more trackdays are a definite.
Gearing will get sorted as well.

 

[Grahame]

According to some in the know, for every pound lost on bike/rider = a one horsepower gain from your available power :beer: me treble nine is on a weight loss programme as is myself :beer: well, maybe :beer:

 

[69jme69]

According to some in the know, for every pound lost on bike/rider = a one horsepower gain from your available power :beer: me treble nine is on a weight loss programme as is myself :beer: well, maybe :beer:

bloody hell ive got a 100 horse 1098 then

 

[Steve748]

this will help as much as anything

 

[Mad Dash]

Chiz, ask Scott for his Keith Code twist of the wrist books... ooops forgot he gave them to someone else ages ago must give them back - but keep referring to them - fantastic.