[SnS_12]

As far as I can remember right from my childhood days I only had one dream/goal in life to own a super bike one day. I had no other goal as clear as this and that is why even in my early college days I had no clear vision as to what career path I would choose and all I knew was that I have to start saving up to buy myself my dream bike. Even, when I started earning back in late 2003, I would do weird calculation in my brain on the amount of money I can earn and save and the timeline in which I would be able to afford to buy myself a super bike. But, as reality would hit the journey would take forever and with a lots of ups and down I finally woke up from my dream world and actually started taking my professional career seriously and eventually landed up in the position where I am today and I am forever grateful to my guiding angels and my father for that.

My first bike my 1999 RX 135, was bought (he paid for it entirely) by my father in 2004. Even though I had started working in late 2003, the concept of saving money was still alien to me and the cost of the bike was almost 3 months earnings back then. My childhood friend had seen this bike at the Yamaha dealership when he took his father’s RX 100 for service and subsequently told me about it. I had a test ride and immediately fell in love with the torque rush from the bigger engine and went to my father with a prayer to buy me this bike. I thought since its a used bike he would agree as it was much lower than buying a new bike. But he refused and said that he would like me to buy my first bike from my own money. That really broke my heart and almost a week passed when on a Saturday my dad asked me if that bike is still around and if I want I can buy it and he will pay for it. My immediate reaction was like it’s almost a week it won’t be around and must have been sold buy now. He still said no harm in checking if its still available and that’s what exactly i did and too my surprise the bike was still available and I landed on the following day which was a Sunday and bought my first bike a RX 135. The most memorable thing was the day I got it was 14-11-2004 and I couldn’t have had a better children’s day ever

Later on through the years I got my RD 125 and RD 200 and finally my first big bike came in late 2012 the Ninja 650, which I then sold after using for 18 months before buying Bluebird (Busa) in 2017. Over all these year I have learnt one thing that something that is destined for you and meant for you will eventually happen and that is the story behind Bianca, my old new Ducati 848 EVO Corse.

You may wonder why do I use the word old new Ducati and that is because this is a 2012 model the same year I got my Ninja but Bianca was never used and was properly stored for all these years as if waiting for me to come and take her home one day. The story behind the bike is that there were four Italian made 848 EVO’s sent by Ducati, Italy to be used by Ducati riding school down in South India and these bikes got caught up in the infamous Chordia scam and got stuck in Delhi customs. My friend who was supposed to maintain these bikes at the track for Ducati eventually got these bikes from Delhi customs in auction and got all the four bikes to Mumbai, and he had planned to sell them. There were two Red and one Dark Stealth and one Arctic white. The Dark stealth he decided to keep for himself and the other three were available for sale. I had seen all the four when they had arrived at his workshop and though I had a desire to buy one I never thought back then at it would be a reality one day.

Eventually one red was sold to someone in Mumbai and the other Red and White were put up for sale and I guess they were put on even Facebook marketplace but people joked that these can’t by zero mile bikes and that the speedo might have been changed and what not. However, the Red and Dark Stealth found a caring home eventually and only the Arctic was left. That is when my desire to buy it was reignited and started giving it some serious consideration. My only worry buying one was the challenge of riding it in traffic which these bikes absolutely hate and the heating issue. However, the biggest draw for me design wise was the single sided swing-arm and the delicious under tail exhaust system. Even if the bike missed the entire engine i would have gone for it and would have displayed it in my living area of my future home. But then the thought of owning a Ducati of this era and that with zero miles in India is something that would never ever happen in a lifetime is when I decided to finally freeze it and tell my friend that I am buying it.

Unlike, the Busa I told my father up front that madness No. 6 is coming home and like always he struggled to find logic behind my buying decision. He was like all your bikes take you from A to B and how different this would be and I was like this one is really different and you guys really have to see it to believe it. My wife and my mother were not completely sold as it was a decade old bike and they really didn’t care if it had any kms or not. My wife even asked me can’t you get this paint scheme on a new Ducati instead of going for a old one

None, of them had seen the bike and I had decided to collect the bike and take it straight to Sumant at OCD Detail Studio (that is my temple) to give it some much needed TLC. So, I collected the bike on 14th April (same date when I collected my RX 135 two decades ago). My friend got the front suspension oil changed, new engine oil and oil filter, along with all the hydraulic fluids changed for the clutch and front and rear brakes and the cooling system cleaned and filled it up with new coolant. Also, I installed a new Sprint air filter which i got through Lanesplit and was the last piece they had in stock. Collected the bike and took it to the fuel pump for its first full tank and then to OCD for the top shelf Nano Graphene coating just like I did on the Busa. The bike was ready the next day, which was the 15th and I rode it home for its first unveil in front of the family.

When I rode Bianca for first time on the 14th there were a lot of things going on my mind as the bike is really intimidating at first and very demanding in terms of riding posture. Also, i was prepared for my bum to go sore in no time and my legs to get tandoor with the engine heat. But, surprisingly the heat management on the 848 EVO is liveable and much better then my expectation. Also, the seat is quite comfortable if I may say so and its only the weight on the wrist and the hard clutch that gets on to you. The clutch on this is a real challenge to use in stop go traffic and its surprising how hard it is despite being a hydraulic unit and Bhpian No_fear’s elder brother told me even the dry clutch is same in feel. Also, this engine doesn’t like to be ridden in traffic and with the hard clutch i managed to stall the bike twice. Eventually, I learnt that the clutch has to be released very gently and it needs very precise throttle inputs in traffic and with forward leaning riding position this is one bike which commands you’re 100% attention at all times or it will come and bite you in the a$$ and especially the insane midrange this L twin motor produces which can really catch you off guard. No wonder Valentino Rossi struggled to put down the power during his stint with Ducati.

Technical Specification of the bike is as below:

Capacity: 849cc

Bore x Stroke: 94x61.2mm

Engine layout: Desmo L-twin

Engine details: DOHC, 8v, liquid-cooled

Power: 140PS (103kW) @ 10,000rpm

Torque: 72.3lb-ft (98Nm) @ 9750rpm

Weight: 194 kg (wet) / 168 kg (dry)

Some pictures before we move to part how the unveiling in front of the family went off:

The picture clicked in 2017 when the bikes had arrived from Delhi customs.



Old fork oil being replaced



Without the front end and front fairing



Sprint filter courtesy Lanesplit



Fuel injectors taken out to be cleaned





New Pirelli DR4 rubber





Don’t miss the magnesium cam covers. Top quality stuff as essentially this is a race bike with headlight and taillight.









Wash before delivery day











The MotoGP replica mutli-function dash of that era mounted on the magnesium front sub frame. Don’t miss the KM reading at delivery for a decade old bike.



Happy me with my new lid and new ride.



What could be the odds a full white house at OCD.



It all started with a dream like this kid has in his eyes. Don’t miss the Italian flag on his T Shirt.







Proper race bike. Nothing to cover below the seat. Maybe the exposed area keeps the seat and my bum cool in traffic?



848 decals everywhere



The keen eye will notice the tank is in a yellowish shade. This is one of the reasons why I took it to Sumant as this bike was right on the top at the Delhi Customs and the room was transparent and the tank was exposed to sunlight leading to this over the years. I was given the option to re paint the tank but i wanted to maintain the originality of the bike as much as possible.

[SnS_12]

Pictures of Bianca and my new lid the next day after Sumant and his team from OCD worked their magic..

[SnS_12]

Pictures continued…



The single sided swingarm. A engineering masterpiece



Asked Sumant to apply a small portion of PPF to just protect this OE sticker from peeling off.



New rubber waiting to hit the corners







With those high underseat exhaust pipes setting a new high standard for PUC’s

[SnS_12]

With the PUC done it was finally time to take Bianca home and unveil it to the family. Since, it was Vishu (one of the two harvest seasons in Kerala) only a cousin my wife and my parents were at home. This cousin was present when Bluebird (Busa) had arrived and had taken some amazing pictures of the whole delivery and pooja process. So, for a change I didn’t had to click pictures all the time. I parked the bike and went had a quick shower and changed into some comfortable shorts and t shirt as the weather is really hot. Family was joking at least put on a jeans to take good pictures but for me comfort was more important. My wife, cousin and mom came down to see the bike first and then followed by my dad. My dad was getting ready to go to work unlike the time for the Busa when he came back from work to witness the surprise delivery. This was the first bike after the RX that he knew about before seeing it in person. Also, i was joking that my father at this age is going to work and his son is chilling at home and buying motorcycles .

Wife was really happy to see the colour combination but was still not happy with the fact that its a old bike. My cousin was awestruck looking at Bianca and mom was happy as always and had a smile on her face. My father on the other hand was trying to understand why I keep buying uncomfortable and expensive motorcycles. But, he was part of the pooja and waited to take a few pictures before proceeding for work.

Some pictures from the unveiling:













































Mandatory cake to celebrate any occasion in the family



The packed house. I should call this place “The Bank” as this is where my money is parked

[SnS_12]

2012 Ducati 848 EVO Model Highlights


The 848EVO Testastretta Evoluzione engine

The 848EVO is powered by a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine that produces 140hp (103kW) @ 10,500rpm and a high-accelerating 72.3lb-ft (10kgm) of torque @ 9,750rpm.

The 94mm x 61.2mm bore and stroke breathes through 4 valves per cylinder fed by revised inlet port shapes and racing-style elliptical throttle bodies, which have an equivalent diameter of 60mm. The EVO’s piston crown and combustion chamber shape improves burn efficiency, while the 13.2:1 compression ratio and performance-driven camshafts provide 13mm of valve-lift and 257° of inlet duration.

Electronically injected and ignited by Marelli, the super-efficient power unit then exhausts through a lightweight 2-1-2 system equipped with a catalytic converter and up-rated to twin lambda probes for smooth mapping and Euro3 conformity. Terminating in twin under-seat silencers, the system delivers that unmistakable signature sound of the Desmo 90° L-Twin.

The highly advanced 848 engine was the first Ducati Superbike to introduce vacuum die-cast crankcases, formed using Vacural® technology, a process that achieves a significant weight saving and ensures consistent wall thickness and increased strength.

Chassis

The 848EVO chassis and suspension are the result of a ‘performance-first’ priority approach to development, in which the goals are always to achieve lightweight with high strength and rigidity to manage the highpowered Testastretta Evoluzione engines. Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the lightweight Trellis frame features 34mm main section tubes with a material thickness of 1.5mm.

Producing a front subframe in magnesium underlines the attention to weight-saving detail Its construction provides secure support for the headlamp, instruments and fairing, and the weight-saving around this high, forward position contributes considerably to overall ‘feel’ and control of the machine.

The dual construction technique used for the single-sided swingarm allows the main operational components to use individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, while lightweight, fabricated aluminium sections are used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component. The 848EVO swingarm is then presented in a sophisticated black-anodised finish.

The lightweight front wheels used on all Ducati Superbike models substantially reduces the moment of inertia, enabling a faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances. The 848EVO is equipped with Y-shaped, 5-spoke wheels finished in black and mounted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres.

The 848EVO features fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks with radial brake calliper mountings, which provide superior road holding and precise feedback. A control-enhancing steering damper maintains perfect frontend stability, inspiring supreme control and confidence alongside the increased power output.

The lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm enable a compact and weight-saving rear suspension linkage system, which features separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and fully adjustable Showa single shock suspension unit. This ‘tandem’ design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame. The 848EVO Corse Special Edition raises the specification even higher with a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock offering enhanced feel for performance-hungry sport riders.

Monobloc brakes

Ducati Superbikes have always been famous for their incredible, track-derived braking performance and the 848EVO is no exception. Featuring Brembo’s powerful Monobloc calliper racing technology applied to 320mm discs, the EVO’s incredible braking capability is a result of Ducati’s continual quest for responsible performance.

Machined from a single piece of alloy, the callipers achieve a higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The resulting increase in hydraulic efficiency not only delivers incredible braking power, but also provides an enhanced and precise ‘feel’ at the brake lever. The twin Monobloc callipers each have four 34mm pistons that grip 320mm discs to help generate planet-stopping braking.

The 848EVO Corse Special Edition takes that Monobloc braking experience to the next level with full Superbike-style 330mm front discs.

Aerodynamic bodywork

Carefully designed for aerodynamic efficiency and to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the Superbike bodywork enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the correct riding position.

Its race-developed fairing design ensures perfect integration with the cooling system by providing efficient flow through the advanced, large surface area coolant radiator, which is assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies and oil coolers. Aerodynamically shaped air ducts positioned just below the headlamps are precisely calculated to provide ample air delivery to the pressurised airbox.

The lightweight bodywork contributes considerably to overall performance by reducing weight, protecting the Testastretta Evoluzione engine’s power output, and assisting the rider to effortlessly ‘tuck in’ from the wind stream and reduce drag to achieve maximum straight-line track speeds.

Instrumentation

This pure racing digital instrumentation originating from Ducati’s MotoGP project has no switches or buttons to compromise its clean, minimalist lines. Instead, information additional to the default read-outs is managed from the left-hand handlebar-mounted switch gear, allowing the rider to scroll through and select from various menus.

The display, which has a bright white LED back lighting presents rpm and speed, with the former displayed across the screen in a progressive bar graph. Optionally, the rpm and speed can be displayed in numeric values. Additionally, it displays lap times, DTC level selected (if activated on the Corse Special Edition) time, air temperature, coolant temperature, battery voltage, two trips and a trip that automatically starts as the fuel system goes onto reserve. Warning lights illuminate to signify neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention selected (if activated on the Corse Special Edition) and scheduled maintenance. The instrument display is also used as the control panels for the DDA (available as an accessory by Ducati Performance), DTC and DQS systems as well as listing lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.

Superbike lights and indicators

The horizontal twin headlamps are modernised interpretations of the iconic 916, restyled and updated with the latest lighting technology. Two polyellipsoidal units light the way with a powerful beam while maintaining an aggressive look to the front of the machine in pure Ducati Superbike tradition. The rear light employs a specially designed strip of LEDs enhanced by a high diffusion lens shaped into the sleek lines of the tailpiece. The same LEDs are intensified for brake lights.

The directional indicators also use the latest in LED technology for illumination. The frontal indicators are beautifully integrated into the rear view mirrors, which come with an optional spacer kit enabling an extension of 30mm over the standard mirror stem length.

[SnS_12]

Initial impressions (Less than 100 kms of riding)

Negatives

a) Clutch is one big pain to operate in traffic and needs precise throttle inputs to avoid stalling.

b) Mirrors are absolute rubbish. Even at its highest setting I can’t see the traffic behind me.

c) Turning radius is tricky as while trying to take a sharp right to enter the petrol pump my left hand hit/touched the inside of the fairing before the bike could turn completely.

d) With 15.5 litres the fuel range is average and will need regular top up. On my regular Sunday ride on the Busa I have fuel left even after returning from the ride. On Bianca I will have to top up before starting my return.

Positives

a) The design of this bike is pure art and one can admire it from every corner for hours together.

b) Brakes are absolutely phenomenal and such powerful brakes on a light bike is a match made in heaven. This is what I was trying to achieve on the Busa and I am surely going to enjoy late breaking on Bianca.

c) Engine on this bike is something else especially the way it makes its power and where it does. I have not gone over 5k rpm yet as I have to run in the engine but have got a taste of what is on offer. Its going to be a riot when I get to open the taps and the pops and bangs from the OE underseat exhaust are a aural treat which adds to the overall experience.

I am glad that I took the plunge and went for this particular 848 as owning a Ducati from this generation (one of their lightest superbike) is an opportunity which doesn’t come knocking on your doors ever so often and a zero mile bike especially in India. I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have had this opportunity to enter the world of Ducati Superbikes with an 848 EVO with no electronic aids like the current gen bikes and not even ABS and only your right wrist actions keep you upright and alive after each corner and this is what delivers one of the best and pure sport bike riding experience.

A picture from the Ducati catalogue which was given to me by the dealership in Bandra when I went to checkout the Panigale in 2016 and gave me the catalogue as a momento and who knew then that a Ducati will indeed join the garage in the future

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[DevilzzzzOwn]

Originally Posted by SnS_12

Pictures continued…


Attachment 2442386

What a beautiful machine and a well written piece.

And Jeez. This photo gives me nightmares. How much heat reaches the tushy of a pillion? And how does the pillion sit squatted on the rear seat? Reminds me of a frog or a grasshopper, ready to jump with all that energy stored, ready for a rebound. And the height over the rider is just insanely dangerous.

Maybe these bikes are not supposed to have a pillion at all. But I am sure, the riding experience more than makes up for this faux pas.

I have spent the past 2 hours listening to exhaust notes of the Ducati on YT and not a minute went by where I got bored.

Beauty of a machine.

Ride safe.

[Axe77]

Superb write-up buddy and loved reading the entire thread. I assume the seller would have pre-registered this well before BS4 migrated to BS6. But I suppose that also means the original 15 year life cycle of the vehicle would have started from that prior date.

If it’s possible wouldn’t it be worthwhile to maybe repaint that yellow’d tank so it matches up with the rest? A really unique purchase indeed and I’m so happy that each of these exotic beauties finally found a home and will get restored (to the nominal extent required) and ridden instead of simply rotting away like what happens to such import seized vehicles.

Enjoy the ride buddy and do keep us updated on how she performs.

[SnS_12]

Originally Posted by DevilzzzzOwn

What a beautiful machine and a well written piece.

Thank you…

Originally Posted by DevilzzzzOwn

And Jeez. This photo gives me nightmares. How much heat reaches the tushy of a pillion? And how does the pillion sit squatted on the rear seat? Reminds me of a frog or a grasshopper, ready to jump with all that energy stored, ready for a rebound. And the height over the rider is just insanely dangerous.

The heat below the seat is not much but the Pillion has to be extremely careful not to grab the end pipes by mistake while getting on and and off the bike and while they are seated. Further, you need to be extremely fit to get on that seat and hold on for your dear life. Plus, anyone over 50kg seated behind will just ruin the riding dynamics with that hight centre of gravity just like ADV riders feel with loaded panniers.

Originally Posted by DevilzzzzOwn

I have spent the past 2 hours listening to exhaust notes of the Ducati on YT and not a minute went by where I got bored.

Beauty of a machine.

Ride safe.

The stock exhaust sound heavenly and a typical Desmo sound track. I have already had one rider complain to me because once you cut the throttle there is pop and bang from the exhaust and it hits the face of the person tailing me. He thought I was doing it on purpose and asked me to ride on the left side of the road and do all that. I was just giggling listening to me in my helmet

Just imagine what will happen with Titanium Termi’s

Originally Posted by Axe77

Superb write-up buddy and loved reading the entire thread. I assume the seller would have pre-registered this well before BS4 migrated to BS6. But I suppose that also means the original 15 year life cycle of the vehicle would have started from that prior date.

Thank you buddy..

My friend registered them in 2017 (same year I got Bluebird/Busa) as we were migrating from BS III to BS IV. So, even though its a 2012 model the registration 15 year period starts from 2017(beauty of getting bikes from custom auctions). That is why all the four bikes have 848 number series.

Originally Posted by Axe77

If it’s possible wouldn’t it be worthwhile to maybe repaint that yellow’d tank so it matches up with the rest? A really unique purchase indeed and I’m so happy that each of these exotic beauties finally found a home and will get restored (to the nominal extent required) and ridden instead of simply rotting away like what happens to such import seized vehicles.

Enjoy the ride buddy and do keep us updated on how she performs.

My friend gave me the option of painting it but I want to maintain the originality. Also, the history/story behind this bike is fascinating like my other bikes and the yellow tank is a part of it so unless I get a new factory tank in the same Arctic shade I think this will stay on.

On restoration front I have to change the timing belt and front fork oil seals and dust caps and those parts are expected shortly. Other than that it has new rubber and new battery and fluids. So, nothing else needed to ride it normally.

I will keep posting regular updates on this thread and lets see how long I can avoid the temptation of buying some delicious aftermarket accessories.

[Abhyjith K.A]

Fantastic story! Beautiful bike. Actually happens to be my favourite generation of Ducatis style-wise. Timeless. And you indeed are lucky to have such an exclusive piece with such an interesting backstory. Preserve it as original as possible and enjoy a lot of happy miles on it!

Regards
A.

[AtheK]

Congratulations Sachin on Joining the hot side, the bike looks phenomenal. The heat part will kick in once the first few months of ownership pass by 😀

Why don’t you get the tank wrapped in white, that way you will maintain the original paint and the bike will look uniform as well, totally your call, just my few cents.

That 959 catalogue reminds me of certain some one

Originally Posted by DevilzzzzOwn

What a beautiful machine and a well written piece.

And Jeez. This photo gives me nightmares. How much heat reaches the tushy of a pillion? And how does the pillion sit squatted on the rear seat? Reminds me of a frog or a grasshopper, ready to jump with all that energy stored, ready for a rebound. And the height over the rider is just insanely dangerous.
.

As you rightly said, no place for a pillion here, no point even bringing that angle into the picture.

Sachin you could have been one of the very few people who would have done justice to this bike in upkeep, and I am glad it is in safe hands now. Wish you miles and miles of happy and safe riding and looking forward to see the white and blue in person soon.

[no_fear]

Bianca's sister and the sister's hot supermodel cousin send their greetings from Delhi NCR





On a serious note, the 848 holds and matches the current gen V4 in terms of looks and design aesthetics. Old school rocks!! You need to spec out the 848, add some bling and let her shine.

[SnS_12]

Originally Posted by Abhyjith K.A

Fantastic story! Beautiful bike.

Thank you…

Originally Posted by AtheK

Congratulations Sachin on Joining the hot side, the bike looks phenomenal. The heat part will kick in once the first few months of ownership pass by 😀

Thank you brother. I would pray that the bike remains hot in the looks department only

Originally Posted by AtheK

Why don’t you get the tank wrapped in white, that way you will maintain the original paint and the bike will look uniform as well, totally your call, just my few cents.

If i come across the right shade of wrap then might consider. People have actually asked why is the tank in a special colour.

Originally Posted by AtheK

Sachin you could have been one of the very few people who would have done justice to this bike in upkeep, and I am glad it is in safe hands now. Wish you miles and miles of happy and safe riding and looking forward to see the white and blue in person soon.

Thank you brother for your kind words. These are very special breed of bikes which demand very special attention when it comes to riding or upkeep. Sadly, most Italian exotics end up in the wrong hands in India and don’t have a promising future and I am glad I could save one and provide it with a deserving home.

Originally Posted by no_fear

Bianca's sister and the sister's hot supermodel cousin send their greetings from Delhi NCR

Haha. The three OE sisters have to catch up for a photo shoot soon and I guess the best and most doable location will be somewhere in Rajasthan considering how often you and your brother land up there to ride.

If you had not created that whatsapp and invited me then these bikes would have still be looking for a home.

Originally Posted by no_fear

On a serious note, the 848 holds and matches the current gen V4 in terms of looks and design aesthetics. Old school rocks!! You need to spec out the 848, add some bling and let her shine.

On the bling suggestion my bank balance was never so excited to go on a diet. I better remember to read the values of all those mouthwatering accessories as £/€ on the internet and not click buy thinking the price is in ₹

[katsumoto]

Hey man... It was you, who bought busa and made a shocker announcement to your dad by letting him see the delivered bike and nearly gave him a big shocker, Right?

That was an old thread and I vaguely remember it was a Blue Busa. But in the garage picture you are showing a white one so I was confused... And later i can see it was a blue in your garage and probably that white one should be from others to OCD.

Any way, Great addition, Congrats.