The Ducati Hypermotard is the tallest bike I have ever ridden. I'm 6'3 and I was almost on tip toes when I came to a stop at the lights or when filling up for fuel. The engine, an all new 821cc Testastretta unit is very flexible and delivered its power nice and quickly when pulling away, but I found it ran out of any real puff when nearing the 90mph mark. This isn't such a bad thing when you look at the design of the motorbike, evident by the size of the fly screen on the clocks. This is not a bike to be thrashed down the motorway, but more one designed for flicking through country lanes and diving around corners. At lowish revs the throttle seemed a little snatchy, which complicated things a little when wanting to hold a constant throttle through some of the faster bends in Hertfordshire, but I didn't notice any of these type of problems when powering out of roundabouts or picking up and driving through the power range. This bike came with an aftermarket Termi exhaust which gave the bike a very distinct sound. The riding position was very forward with hands attached to very straight bars. The brakes were good, which is to be expected and the clutch was a lovely light affair. I was thinking whilst riding around if I would like to own one and I think I would, but only as a second bike. There are a few little niggles. Its not even remotely practical, has the aforementioned problem with a snatchy delivery on a constant low throttle, but the biggest niggle is the old fashioned filler cap that comes completely away from the bike. From the start, let me be clear. The Hyperstrada is mechanically identical to the Hypermotard. The only differences I could spot where a deeper more sculpted seat, a large clear screen and mountings for the panniers on the rear sub frame. The thing that made the most difference was that seat. It puts me a lot lower and further back on the bike which helped, or should I say allowed me, to move my feet a little further back when riding, which made the riding position a little more practical and comfortable. The whole point of the Strada range is to provide bikes to go touring on and cover some big miles. Sadly, for this purpose the seat and tank range are a bit small and the amount of weather protection is nominal at best. A bad bike? Not at all, but there are much better options within this class, even within Ducatis own range that are much better suited to the purpose.
Good write ups... Still thinking of a hypermotard as my commute bike... Tad expensive for what they are though which puts me off a bit... May go for a Monster instead...
Definately. However, once you chuck on those panniers its a little wider than the handlebars, making filtering.....interesting. If you don't filter, then no problems
Lots of Hypers in London, suggests you're probably right. Matt, did you try switching modes? I've read that the throttle response is a lot smoother in touring mode.
Nope, I kept it in Sport mode. If I was able to use it for alot longer and in different traffic conditions, I would certainly have played around with the modes :smile:
I often think the Hypermotard would suit my riding nowadays but the set height is too damn tall :frown:
The throttle is very snatchy on Sport mode. So much so that most journos reckoned it would only make sense on track. Its much better in the other modes. I really wanted to like the Strada as a do-it-all bike, but i just don't think its seating position is quite right for big miles. I suspect backache would become a big problem.
superb bikes , my mates just bought one and I even fancy a 990sm just based on the engine and agility of the thing
hmm interesting I have the Hyper SP and its awesome....snatchy in sport mode not on the SP .... i read the journos' said RACE mode for the track not road as i have to admit it does wanna pull your arms off if you open the throttle and your not quite prepared seat height is an issue but if your 6'3 then I am surprised your on your toes...I am 5'10 and i am on my toes but i cope and wont pay 250 quid for a mere 20mm less.... fuelling below 4000 revs need sorted and i guess something will be introduced to smooth it out i agree the fuel cap is erm cheap .... its fantastic in the twisty bits and loads of fun..huge grin factor i need an after market can on it just for the sake of it..... it turns heads, it does what it says on the tin i am not prone to try and give a MCN type review I simply love it, the looks and the buzz of riding it I grin from ear to ear every time yep am sure there are better bikes in the same class BUT its all down to what flicks your switch and lets be honest there is little between most bikes in every class.... its been parked next to a very tasty KTM and I over heard a group of 5 bikers admiring both all opt for the Hyper SP I can't comment on the strada but highly recommend the SP but then I am bias....I LOVE IT
I waited for the Hyperstrada to come out before changing my bikes, I was shocked at the cost, for just £1000 more I bought a brand new Multistrada 1200 ABS, no brainer for me. I had high hopes for a "mini multi", if it had been effectively a Multistrada with the smaller engine for around £9000 then I would have gone for it. Very happy with my Multi12
As people keep going on about a mini-Panigale here, there's every chance you'll see a smaller Multi using the LC engine. There certainly seems to be a market for it.
Yep your right, I bought the low version Strada and love it, most versatile fun bike i've owned. Does what it says on the tin.
Lower the seat Instead of paying through the nose at a dealer just go to Kai's and have them lower the seat.... late the response as I have been offline for a while oh I just had the ecu update done at Manchester, took about 15 mins and has reduced the stuttering that occurred around 4000 revs and seems better all round. Now need a termi system and be keen to see what that setup does to the fuel management etc
I use my Hypermotard 1100S to commute into London every day, a round trip of about 80 miles. It's great! Plenty of power, will cruise along, great seating position. Yes the bars are a little wide for filtering quickly but you get used to it. Yes there's little protection from wind blast and rain but you get used to it. I often chuckle when I see people riding sports bikes stopped at the lights standing upright and shaking the cramp out of their wrists!
Thinking of getting a hyperstrada .i have heard that luggage starts to to rattle loose after a few months .have you had any probs at all with yours? What did you have previously .did you test anything else? Sorry about the qs
If the luggage doesn't rattle to begin with, but does later, there must be some bolt or other that can be done up tighter or changed for one that doesn't come loose. It can't be a big issue.
Has anybody got the Sp with a screen and done any touring? I love the upright supermotos but I equally like to head overseas for mini tours. I don't need something where I can do 500miles everyday of a tour, but when we head to Germany that first stint and return home is exactly that, 500 miles door to door. part of me says just get a multi, the other part still wants something slightly smaller and more flickable for local thrash abouts and Sunday hooning. i have my R1 for track and that's unlikely to change, unless for another jap bike, probably an 08/09 zx10 as they're cheap. nowadays my road bike needs to be relatively comfy but be able to take me on long trips if I want.... Decisions decisions
