I've owned a 748s and a 998s- the 848 is lighter than the 998 and makes comparable hp. Longer service intervals too, but no dry clutch... The design returned to the tamburini style of the 916/996/998 and away from the disastrous 749/999 styling which almost sunk Ducati... As far as affordability, it's an Italian super bike; plan to spend 2x as much maint as you would for a CBR/RR. High insurance, too and not designed with distance, comfort cruising in mind. Corse edition with termignoni pipes... Winning!

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'10 E83 Msport 6spd *slicktop*