Ducati Hypermotard
Ducati has a legendary racing heritage, and is renowned for combining stunning looks with race-winning performance. Generally powered by large V-twin engines wrapped in trellis-style frames, Bologna's latest, the Hypermotard, sticks firmly to tradition. Its 1,078cc Desmodromic engine is kept in place with tubular steel, and the whole package is achingly beautiful.
A late entry into the supermoto category, the Hypermotard is based around the Multistrada premise but has been pared-down for more agility, and above all, more excitement. A vision in red, it's as skinny as a supermodel - and only marginally heavier. The torque figures may not be as impressive as some on the market, but weighing in at just 179 kilos, its power-to-weight ratio is formidable.
Hop on board and the riding position feels immediately natural. A bit like riding a BMX, your knees are up, your back's straight and you're high off the ground. Where you lose aerodynamically, you gain in comfort and extra vision above cars and hedgerows. Turn the key and it's pure Ducati. It takes some effort for the starter to crank the engine, but once running the crackling and popping from the high-level pipes is unmistakeable. And that's just with standard cans. Slip on some Termignonis and you'll be ringing up for an ear appointment in no time.
Upside down Marzocchi forks and an Ohlins monoshock give a firm, but supple ride to instil the greatest of confidence on the bumpiest of corners. Raucous acceleration is tamed by Brembo four-piston callipers at the front biting on twin 305mm discs, and in the hundreds of miles I covered on the test bike, two-fingered operation was always more than enough. The S model even gets the monoblock caliper as used on the 1098 to go with its copious carbon fibre extras.
Out on the open road, the high-spec componentry makes the Ducati perfectly poised. Flying round the glorious countryside that surrounds our fair city, it never shook its head once. Nor was there any high-speed weave. If only all bikes were set up like the Hypermotard. Low rev throttle response is excellent; the gearbox lost its clunkiness as the bike warmed up, and the new dry clutch is easy to use with its reduced lever pressure. Flicking this supermoto from ear to ear on windy roads and pulling torque wheelies on the straights is about as much fun as you can have without resorting to modern chemistry. Petrol may cost money, but adrenaline is free.
The Hypermotard is also full of quirky designs, my favourite of which is the hand guards. Not only do they keep the wind off and neatly house the front indicators, they also have unique flip-out mirrors attached to the bar-ends. I initially dismissed them as a gimmick and a bit of a pain, but they're actually as useful as they are aesthetic. Flipped out they are super wide for a great view of the road behind you, without being partially obscured by a reflection of your arms. Flip them back in as you filter through traffic, and you're back to a narrow-barred waif for carving your way through. Add to that the fact you don't need a pair of Mickey Mouse ears on stalks and you realise you've got a pretty cool look.
The dashboard is fully digital, and despite its simple appearance it offers every function you could wish for. A lap timer is included, while a triangular light flashes at the top of the display at 8,000 rpm to tell you you've hit peak power.
Even the wheels are gorgeous. Black forged Marchesini rims with Pirelli Diablo Corsas are shown off a treat by the single-sided swingarm. The only thing I didn't like was the Chinese writing on the underside of the fuel filler cap. You buy a Ducati, you expect 100% Italian. Having said that, it works exactly as it should, and if it keeps the cost down then maybe it‘s not such a bad thing.
Supermotos are immense fun and this one is no exception. It's hair-raising, heart-stirring and spine-tingling all at once. Test ride a Hypermotard and its handling, attitude and sheer wheelie-ability will leave you laughing like an idiot.
Article written: September 13, 2007
The Ducati Hypermotard was kindly loaned by Riders of Bath Road, Brislington. For more information about test rides, call Riders on 0117 958 8777.
OUR STEER ON THE HYPERMOTARD
Price: £8,000 (S model £9,250) (@ Jan 2009)
Engine: 1,078cc, air cooled V-twin
Top speed: 135 mph (est)
Power: 90 bhp at 7,750 rpm
Torque: 76 lb/ft at 4,750 rpm
Weight: 179 kg
Seat Height: 845 mm
Fuel capacity: 12.4 litres
by Jon Bennett
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