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Exiles from the supersport and superbike classes, the Ducati 848 and Suzuki GSX-R750 represent two different middleweight takes on the high-performance sportbike.

The Ducati 848 shares identical lines with its flagship superbike, the 1098.

Stopping is achieved via Brembo two-piece 4-piston brake calipers grabbing 320mm discs.

Super Bike Tires demonstrates how to change a rear tire on an Ducati 848 without a stand.

In terms of current American roadracing rules these two bikes don't directly compete against each other, although on the spec charts, streets and sales floor they do, with only $2896 separating their respective MSRP's.

"The front end inspires significantly more confidence than most other bikes and it makes the 848 an excellent weapon for turning fast laps," said our man Ken Hutchison.

The engine comes online much earlier than the Suzuki's and treats the rider with a strong, steady stream of power from as low as 4000 revs.

The 848's riding ergos work in unison with its phenomenal chassis and stump-pulling engine to make fast laps come with relative ease.

The 848's riding ergos work in unison with its phenomenal chassis and stump-pulling engine to make fast laps come with relative ease.

Once turned, the Ducati is as stable as Warren Buffet's investment portfolio, however, its solidity can quickly be compromised under acceleration out of a bumpy corner due to its lack of a steering damper.

2008 Ducati 848 vs Suzuki GSX-R750 dyno chart courtesy of Mickey Cohen Motorsports.

Twin ram-air intakes feed the 848cc 848cc L-Twin engine.

The rear stand pin-input size is smaller than the 1098 as is the 46mm rear wheel nut.

Ducati sportbike ownership is just $13,495 away. Borrow, beg, er... steal? maybe not, but buying the Ducati will be one decision you won't regret.

Looks familiar doesn't it? If it was red we'd probably think it was a 1098.

Instrumentation on the 848 is comprised of the same digital readout that graces all 1098s, and D16RRs.