By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 848 EVO (MY2011) vs MV Agusta F3 800 (MY2013)
Ducati 848 EVO vs MV Agusta F3 800: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
You'll feel the Ducati 848 EVO's front end talking back the instant it tips in, every shift in grip coming up through the bars. The MV Agusta F3 800 doesn't ask for that kind of attention at turn-in. It finds the apex and holds it, lap after lap.
So which one do you buy?
The F3 800 has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Edges it: F3 800
The F3 800 nudges ahead once you're on a closed course. The difference is better suspension and stronger brakes. Hardly a big enough gap to bank on.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: F3 800
The F3 800 is a touch more fun when the road starts bending. Put it down to harder acceleration.
What makes each one tick
848 EVO
Spirited riding suits the 848 EVO's V-twin, which pulls evenly up its torque curve and jumps at the throttle. There's no relief in stop-and-go traffic, where the forward lean loads your wrists and the under-seat exhaust builds heat. The firm suspension won't hide bumps. The steering snaps it into corners and it stays planted.
F3 800
There's a harsh, rattly edge to the F3 800's triple, and the hard seat passes every vibration straight through. The throttle still answers with a clean pull all the way through. The brake's bite point doesn't budge across a hard session.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The F3 800 has the lower seat: 31.7 in (805 mm) vs 32.7 in (830 mm).
- The F3 800 has the lower wet weight: 421 lb (191 kg) vs 430 lb (195 kg).
- The F3 800 makes more peak power: 148 hp (109 kW) vs 140 hp (103 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Call it even on commuting and running costs. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
848 EVO
What owners say
Strengths
- Iconic Italian design
- Precise, race-bred handling
- Soulful, charismatic V-twin engine
- Strong Brembo braking system
Trade-offs
- Excessive engine heat in slow riding
- Unforgiving ergonomics for street use
- Firm suspension on rough roads
- No ABS or electronic rider aids
F3 800
Strengths
- Finds The Apex On Its Own
- Clean Off The Brakes
- Drives Off Corners Early
- Theatrical Looks, Calm Manners
- Agile, supersport-scalpel chassis
Trade-offs
- Rough, Buzzy Engine
- The Seat Is Hard
- Valve Spring Risk
Known problems to check before you buy
848 EVO
- Rear brake pad friction material detachment (recall 12V-188) Recall 12V188000 On 2012 models, the rear brake pad friction material may separate from the backing plate, causing sudden loss of rear braking efficiency. Ducati issued a recall to replace pads.
- Hard starting due to low-capacity battery terminals Many owners report slow cranking and failure to start, especially when cold. Upgrading to heavier-gauge battery cables (e.g., Motolectric HICAP) often resolves this.
- Fuel tank swelling from ethanol-blended fuel The plastic fuel tank can deform and swell when exposed to ethanol, making removal difficult and potentially causing fitment issues.
- Voltage regulator / rectifier failure The stock voltage regulator is prone to overheating and failure, causing charging system problems and electrical gremlins. Upgrading to a more robust unit is a common fix.
F3 800
- Rear master cylinder failure The rear brake master cylinder can fail, leading to loss of rear braking.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 848 EVO | F3 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.7 in (830 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 430 lb (195 kg) | 421 lb (191 kg) |
| 848 EVO | F3 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 849 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin | Inline-three |
| Power | 140 hp (103 kW) | 148 hp (109 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,500 rpm | 13,000 rpm |
| Torque | 72 lb-ft (98 Nm) | 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,750 rpm | 10,600 rpm |
| Top speed | 166 mph (267 km/h) | 167 mph (269 km/h) |
| 848 EVO | F3 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 4.4 US gal (16.5 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 848 EVO | F3 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Steering Damper | Standard | Not offered |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
