From the stand point of specifications, the 848 is a super sport.
The 848 saves 44 pounds and gains 27 horses from predecessor 749, with lighter, stronger cylinder heads, engine cases, trellis frame and wheels. and after the popularity of last year’s Ducati all-white 848 and Monster 696 models, the Italian firm decided to extend the colour option across its range.
From the stand point of specifications, the 848 is a super sport. The Competitive Set you have listed up there are all considered super bikes, of which the 1098 is. From a pricing stand point, the Ducati is too high by about $3,000. Even as a long-time, and current, Duc-owner, I withdrew my deposit last winter on the first 848 in central California. While the horsepower is there, the bike is still 15 pounds overweight, too expensive, and therefore inadequate when compared to other super sports. The AMA (now DMG) and Ducati need to get together in order to allow 848s to compete in the US super sport class before I’ll buy one.
