Honda RC51 and Ducati 848 at Nelson Ledges June 7, 2014

There's nothing like two twins ploughing in unison around Nelson Ledges Road Course. In this session, before 'checking-out' at the end, I follow behind Mike who's riding an 03' Honda RC51; I'm on my 2009 Ducati 848. We started near the end of the group at the beginning of the session and was able to execute quite a few passes. Hang on, it's a fun ride!

[@Pillokun]

OMG that track looks scary as hell.

[@Track848]

Yeah, it was pretty rough back then; it has a new owner now and we're all waiting for it to get updated, and hopefully totally revamped!

[@onlyoneromeo]

is the 848 faster than the rc51? if so would you say its a lot faster?

[@Track848]

+romeo martinez Yes in my opinion (in stock form), the 848 is quite a bit 'faster,' although the rider's capability has a lot to do with it. The horsepower and torque numbers are similar, but the RC51 weighs about 60-70 lbs more than the 848. If both bikes weighed about the same, it would be a much closer match.

[@onlyoneromeo]

+Track848 thanx. and how is maintenance on the 848? do you have to do the dreaded belt change every 5-6 thousand miles like the older ducs?

[@onlyoneromeo]

+Track848 thanx. and how is maintenance on the 848? do you have to do the dreaded belt change every 5-6 thousand miles like the older ducs?

[@Track848]

+romeo martinez The manual recommends checking the timing belts at 7,500 miles and replacing at 15,000 miles...