In the past, loads of rumors were circulating about a new Ducati naked bike and finally, thanks to these spy shots, we can confirm the existence of the Streetfighter 848.
We don’t believe the sighting happened by chance: it’s probably part of a commercial strategy since insiders are saying that this less powerful streetfighter will officially debut at the 2011 Eicma in November.
These shots have been taken just outside Ducati’s HQ in Bologna, Italy, and the first thing we’ve noticed is that the maker has decided to opt for a yellow/mustard colour – not listed in the current SF catalogue – which in the past has always been the tint of choice for smaller sports bikes such as the Ducati 749 and 748.
We’ve also spotted some differences with the current production line such as the swingarm’s screw-nuts – the 1098/SF has six screws while the 848 has one less – and the front fork.
In the 848 in fact this bronze- tinted unit differs quite a lot from the S version and it rather reminds us the one mounted on the latest Monster 1100 EVO.
As we thought the aesthetic approach hasn’t varied much but the mechanical adjustments are what makes the real difference.