My Hypermotard Riding Impressions
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From: Arlington // Madison Motorsports, VA, USA
My Hypermotard Riding Impressions
I posted this on the MM forum but figured I'd post here and maybe dcsbn too.
So Coleman Powersports got a Hypermotard S from Ducati expressly for the purpose of giving demo rides. The dates for demo rides were supposed to be the 29th and 30th but when I dropped by they said they won't be giving rides to customers until Monday.
I figured I should get in there as soon as possible before someone crashed the thing. So Tuesday rolled around and I had to drop my sister at the airport before heading over there. When I arrived one of the salespeople was out with the bike already. Sure enough, when he got back he had laid the damned thing down. He said he slipped on some gravel trying to make a U-turn. Glad it was him and not me
The drop broke the left handguard which is also where the left turn signal and mirror are mounted. They just took it off and let me have at it. They sent out a salesman on a 999S to lead the ride, and another dude brought out a Monster S2RS for a demo ride.
Ergonomics
The first thing you notice about the bike is the height of the seat. Really I don't think a rider much shorter than 5'8" could really ride this bike. I can stand with both feet on the ground but I'm almost stretching to do so. Then again, I saw Chris Carr (who might be 5'6") horse around a CRF450 so maybe its not a big deal.
With my feet on the pegs the riding position is rather relaxed compared to my 600RR. I never realized my legs could be so free! You're sitting pretty upright on the bike but the bars are wide so you almost feel like you're holding a bar to do the bench press or something. The position made my delts a little sore but I'm sure it's something you'd get used to if you owned the bike.
The seat was fairly comfortable, but coming from a 600RR any seat is bound to feel good. I can say the seat is wider and more comfortable than a traditional dirt bike seat and if you wanted to take a passenger it wouldn't be as abusive on the buttocks (the Hypermotard has passenger pegs).
The last note on ergs was the mirrors. Seeing them in pictures I figured they'd be pretty much useless but the one mirror I did have did the trick rather well since it's at the end of the handle bar. It actually worked a little bit better in my opinion because it sits wider out than a regular mirror does.
Engine
The engine is an air-cooled 1100cc 4 valve V-Twin making about 90-ish horsepower but 76 ft-lbs of torque. I thought the bike would feel somewhat slow since it gives up about 25 hp to my 600RR but dayum! It feels a lot stronger than the 600's I've ridden until the 600's really start stretching their legs at around 10k rpms. The Hypermotard was making strong power from the get go, so much so that I couldn't really open it all up in low gears without doing a wheelie.
Only problem with all of this power is that it is really snatchy from closed throttle. I smoothed up my roll on but it still gives you a bit of a jerk, which is a bit disconcerting when the bike is leaned over. I'm thinking it could jerk you right into a highside if it was wet outside. Probably something I'd get used to though.
With all of that power I'd say this bike would have no problem keeping up with 600's on most small to medium-sized tracks but with a big straight it'd get blown away. I think it'd be perfect for stuff like Talladega GP, Beaverun, Summit Point-JC, and maybe Mid-Ohio. Too much giddyap for a kart track though.
I have to say that I thought this thing would need more power, but really it doesn't. I'm sure Ducati will make a more powerful version one day but for now I think it has all it needs.
Handling
For a bike that weighs about what the typical sport bike does it felt somewhat like the typical sportbike, just taller. It tips over into turns nice and quick, maybe a touch quicker than the 600's I've ridden but I didn't really get the chance to really lean it over during the demo ride. And of course I didn't attempt to back it in (since I crashed many times trying to learn how to slide a bike with 84 less horsepower). I'd also like to see how the bike would do on some light trail riding but then again the bike is too pretty to get all scratched up and dirty.
All in all I had a favorable, if limited impression of the handling.
Conclusion
Would I buy one? Yes. Will I buy one? Eh, there are a lot of new bikes coming out so it'd be a tough call. For 2008 the all-new 1000RR will be coming, as well as the KTM RC8. I really like the supermoto concept but I don't know that I'd want one of the big streetmotos like the KTM950 or Hypermotard (or the forthcoming Aprilia Hypermotard competitor). I still fancy the Aprilia SXV and Husky 510 and wouldn't be opposed to picking up a street-titled CRF450SM. I'm sorta leaning towards the smaller supermotos because I can do track days at kart tracks too, but they'd be even worse at track days on normal-sized tracks (not to mention riding around town). I guess it depends on how some future demo rides go.
Like Ruben Xaus, I give this bike the seal of approval. Definitely go try it out for yourself.
So Coleman Powersports got a Hypermotard S from Ducati expressly for the purpose of giving demo rides. The dates for demo rides were supposed to be the 29th and 30th but when I dropped by they said they won't be giving rides to customers until Monday.
I figured I should get in there as soon as possible before someone crashed the thing. So Tuesday rolled around and I had to drop my sister at the airport before heading over there. When I arrived one of the salespeople was out with the bike already. Sure enough, when he got back he had laid the damned thing down. He said he slipped on some gravel trying to make a U-turn. Glad it was him and not me
The drop broke the left handguard which is also where the left turn signal and mirror are mounted. They just took it off and let me have at it. They sent out a salesman on a 999S to lead the ride, and another dude brought out a Monster S2RS for a demo ride.
Ergonomics
The first thing you notice about the bike is the height of the seat. Really I don't think a rider much shorter than 5'8" could really ride this bike. I can stand with both feet on the ground but I'm almost stretching to do so. Then again, I saw Chris Carr (who might be 5'6") horse around a CRF450 so maybe its not a big deal.
With my feet on the pegs the riding position is rather relaxed compared to my 600RR. I never realized my legs could be so free! You're sitting pretty upright on the bike but the bars are wide so you almost feel like you're holding a bar to do the bench press or something. The position made my delts a little sore but I'm sure it's something you'd get used to if you owned the bike.
The seat was fairly comfortable, but coming from a 600RR any seat is bound to feel good. I can say the seat is wider and more comfortable than a traditional dirt bike seat and if you wanted to take a passenger it wouldn't be as abusive on the buttocks (the Hypermotard has passenger pegs).
The last note on ergs was the mirrors. Seeing them in pictures I figured they'd be pretty much useless but the one mirror I did have did the trick rather well since it's at the end of the handle bar. It actually worked a little bit better in my opinion because it sits wider out than a regular mirror does.
Engine
The engine is an air-cooled 1100cc 4 valve V-Twin making about 90-ish horsepower but 76 ft-lbs of torque. I thought the bike would feel somewhat slow since it gives up about 25 hp to my 600RR but dayum! It feels a lot stronger than the 600's I've ridden until the 600's really start stretching their legs at around 10k rpms. The Hypermotard was making strong power from the get go, so much so that I couldn't really open it all up in low gears without doing a wheelie.
Only problem with all of this power is that it is really snatchy from closed throttle. I smoothed up my roll on but it still gives you a bit of a jerk, which is a bit disconcerting when the bike is leaned over. I'm thinking it could jerk you right into a highside if it was wet outside. Probably something I'd get used to though.
With all of that power I'd say this bike would have no problem keeping up with 600's on most small to medium-sized tracks but with a big straight it'd get blown away. I think it'd be perfect for stuff like Talladega GP, Beaverun, Summit Point-JC, and maybe Mid-Ohio. Too much giddyap for a kart track though.
I have to say that I thought this thing would need more power, but really it doesn't. I'm sure Ducati will make a more powerful version one day but for now I think it has all it needs.
Handling
For a bike that weighs about what the typical sport bike does it felt somewhat like the typical sportbike, just taller. It tips over into turns nice and quick, maybe a touch quicker than the 600's I've ridden but I didn't really get the chance to really lean it over during the demo ride. And of course I didn't attempt to back it in (since I crashed many times trying to learn how to slide a bike with 84 less horsepower). I'd also like to see how the bike would do on some light trail riding but then again the bike is too pretty to get all scratched up and dirty.
All in all I had a favorable, if limited impression of the handling.
Conclusion
Would I buy one? Yes. Will I buy one? Eh, there are a lot of new bikes coming out so it'd be a tough call. For 2008 the all-new 1000RR will be coming, as well as the KTM RC8. I really like the supermoto concept but I don't know that I'd want one of the big streetmotos like the KTM950 or Hypermotard (or the forthcoming Aprilia Hypermotard competitor). I still fancy the Aprilia SXV and Husky 510 and wouldn't be opposed to picking up a street-titled CRF450SM. I'm sorta leaning towards the smaller supermotos because I can do track days at kart tracks too, but they'd be even worse at track days on normal-sized tracks (not to mention riding around town). I guess it depends on how some future demo rides go.
Like Ruben Xaus, I give this bike the seal of approval. Definitely go try it out for yourself.
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From: Arlington // Madison Motorsports, VA, USA
Re: My Hypermotard Riding Impressions (that one guy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by that one guy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">great write up. ive heard nothing but good things about this bike. i cant remember whats the cost on one of these?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Regular model is $11000
S model is $14000
There are also a bunch of upgrades you can buy from Ducati like cams, a racing full exhaust, slipper clutch, and sliders. I'd probably get the slipper clutch but I think I'd wait to see what aftermarket exhausts came out for it.
Regular model is $11000
S model is $14000
There are also a bunch of upgrades you can buy from Ducati like cams, a racing full exhaust, slipper clutch, and sliders. I'd probably get the slipper clutch but I think I'd wait to see what aftermarket exhausts came out for it.
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From: Arlington // Madison Motorsports, VA, USA
Re: My Hypermotard Riding Impressions (...rohit)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ...rohit »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">great write up, do you know if you can still go test them? I've never ridden a motard</TD></TR></TABLE>
I imagine you can as long as the bike hasn't been wadded up or something. You might wanna call them first to make sure they don't have an age requirment or something.
I've never ridden a motard</TD></TR></TABLE>I imagine you can as long as the bike hasn't been wadded up or something. You might wanna call them first to make sure they don't have an age requirment or something.
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From: No. VA
Re: My Hypermotard Riding Impressions (JMU R1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JMU R1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm sorta leaning towards the smaller supermotos because I can do track days at kart tracks too, but they'd be even worse at track days on normal-sized tracks (not to mention riding around town).</TD></TR></TABLE>
I get a little tired of the vibes on my normal supermoto... but that's it. Highway riding is no fun, but that's not too big of a problem, either.
As far as riding it on real tracks goes, we'll see. A 1 mile track wasn't a big issue and so far from what I've seen it teachs you to turn faster because you can't make up time in a straight line. I might do VIR South on it and if I do then I'll let you know how it goes.
I get a little tired of the vibes on my normal supermoto... but that's it. Highway riding is no fun, but that's not too big of a problem, either.
As far as riding it on real tracks goes, we'll see. A 1 mile track wasn't a big issue and so far from what I've seen it teachs you to turn faster because you can't make up time in a straight line. I might do VIR South on it and if I do then I'll let you know how it goes.
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From: Arlington // Madison Motorsports, VA, USA
Re: My Hypermotard Riding Impressions (ASteele2)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ASteele2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I get a little tired of the vibes on my normal supermoto... but that's it. Highway riding is no fun, but that's not too big of a problem, either.
As far as riding it on real tracks goes, we'll see. A 1 mile track wasn't a big issue and so far from what I've seen it teachs you to turn faster because you can't make up time in a straight line. I might do VIR South on it and if I do then I'll let you know how it goes.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You need to take that thing out to the Beaverun kart track.
I get a little tired of the vibes on my normal supermoto... but that's it. Highway riding is no fun, but that's not too big of a problem, either.
As far as riding it on real tracks goes, we'll see. A 1 mile track wasn't a big issue and so far from what I've seen it teachs you to turn faster because you can't make up time in a straight line. I might do VIR South on it and if I do then I'll let you know how it goes.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You need to take that thing out to the Beaverun kart track.
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With the little amount of seat time they gave you, what did you think of the front end feel? Is it too twitchy? Easy to load up for turns? How does it fare at higher speeds (headshake)?
Modified by marmaladeboy at 9:02 PM 7/6/2007
Modified by marmaladeboy at 9:02 PM 7/6/2007
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From: No. VA
Re: (marmaladeboy)
Herb - can you give me tips on front end loading for supermoto riding? I noticed in the long sweepers at the track that the lack of static weight on the front meant that I couldn't carry nearly as much cornerspeed as my F4 (the other turns it was mondo fast, though) otherwise the front would start to fold up.
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Re: (ASteele2)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ASteele2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Herb - can you give me tips on front end loading for supermoto riding? I noticed in the long sweepers at the track that the lack of static weight on the front meant that I couldn't carry nearly as much cornerspeed as my F4 (the other turns it was mondo fast, though) otherwise the front would start to fold up.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm having the same trouble with my front end on the Katoom. We have a big sweeper at Buttonwillow (Riverside), and regardless of how much speed I carry, the front end shakes like crazy. My other SuMo buddy told me that's just how it goes with the chassis geometry, and you just ride through it. I can't bring myself to do that, especially in a fast sweeper, so I stick to the small kart tracks with the 'tard.
I'm having the same trouble with my front end on the Katoom. We have a big sweeper at Buttonwillow (Riverside), and regardless of how much speed I carry, the front end shakes like crazy. My other SuMo buddy told me that's just how it goes with the chassis geometry, and you just ride through it. I can't bring myself to do that, especially in a fast sweeper, so I stick to the small kart tracks with the 'tard.
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Re: (marmaladeboy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">With the little amount of seat time they gave you, what did you think of the front end feel? Is it too twitchy? Easy to load up for turns? How does it fare at higher speeds (headshake)?
Modified by marmaladeboy at 9:02 PM 7/6/2007</TD></TR></TABLE>
I didn't really get enough time to really get into it so I couldn't tell you.
Modified by marmaladeboy at 9:02 PM 7/6/2007</TD></TR></TABLE>
I didn't really get enough time to really get into it so I couldn't tell you.
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Re: (chitownrida)
I would just like to say that I wrote the following review on another forum I frequent, and thought it would be valid here. I was going to start a new thread but saw this one. I wrote this review after riding the bike, and before reading the OP's review here. So here it is:
Okay finally I have some time to discuss the bike:
As all of you surely know there has been quite a bit of hype (no pun intended) surrounding this motorcycle, and a lot of Ducati enthusiasts have been saying it was more anticipiated than the 1098. So needless to say I was quite excited to be able to take this bike for a spin, and I completely expected to have a permanant smile plastered to my face for the duration of the ride. But perhaps my my expectations were a little too high, because honestly I was slightly disapointed.
The first thing you notice when you throw your leg over is how tall this bike is. My Speed Triple is a tall bike (taller than a GSXR 1000 or the like) and the Hypermotard made my S3 feel short and squaty in comparison. I can't really say this is a complaint as it is a motard, but then again how many Ducati owners are actually going to be getting this thing air born? Once in gear, this bike is very easy to dart around on in tight, slow situations despite it's high center of gravity.
Out on the open road: "Be careful, this thing has a lot of torque." Words of the salesman before I took the bike out. Torquey yes, is it the insane wheelie-beast that everyone makes it out to be? No. WFO in 2nd and 3rd provided virtually no front wheel lift at all (although it did completely unload the long traveling suspension.) The throttle is extremely sensitive, but the bike pulls very smoothly from low RPMs right up until redline. The bike handles bumps well, and feels very stable and smooth underneath you.
Hitting the twisties: Okay, it was just a short demo ride, so I didn't have the time to bring it through a canyon run or anything (Are there canyons in NH? ) But I did manage to find a couple nice corners to rip it through. Turn in seems to be a little slow (maybe due to the height? ) but again the bike feels extremely stable underneath you. I couldn't imagine putting a knee down on this thing, it seems like you would have to go soooooooo far. The brakes were crisp (perhaps a bit too sharp) and the front end seemed a little stiff (obviously needs to just be set up properly)
The controls: I like the hand guards on the levers. I like the folding mirrors. The digital display was nice. There was a control on the left bar that said "mode" and had an up and down toggle switch. Moving the switch did nothing. Maybe it was broken. I'm not sure. I didn't see any menu changes or anything like that on the digital screen.
Overall I think it is a cool bike. It looks unique, it sounds good, it has a smooth motor. I took the bike up to 80 and it was comfortable there. Everyone says "you can't do any highway riding with this bike." This isn't a normal motard, it's got the motor of any other bike out there, maybe it's the wind that bothers people, but i'm used to riding an upright naked bike anyway. The bike just didn't wow me like I thought it would. I guess overall it's the power to weight ratio, it's just not what it should be for a motard.
Final verdict: If you are looking for a motard to terrorize the town with stick with the KTM, Aprilla, Suzuki, or Honda etc... If you are a Ducati nut trying to fill the empty space in your garage....this is the bike for you!
FYI I rode the "S" model.
I think it's funny that some things we both said completely the same, and some opposite. haha.
Okay finally I have some time to discuss the bike:
As all of you surely know there has been quite a bit of hype (no pun intended) surrounding this motorcycle, and a lot of Ducati enthusiasts have been saying it was more anticipiated than the 1098. So needless to say I was quite excited to be able to take this bike for a spin, and I completely expected to have a permanant smile plastered to my face for the duration of the ride. But perhaps my my expectations were a little too high, because honestly I was slightly disapointed.
The first thing you notice when you throw your leg over is how tall this bike is. My Speed Triple is a tall bike (taller than a GSXR 1000 or the like) and the Hypermotard made my S3 feel short and squaty in comparison. I can't really say this is a complaint as it is a motard, but then again how many Ducati owners are actually going to be getting this thing air born? Once in gear, this bike is very easy to dart around on in tight, slow situations despite it's high center of gravity.
Out on the open road: "Be careful, this thing has a lot of torque." Words of the salesman before I took the bike out. Torquey yes, is it the insane wheelie-beast that everyone makes it out to be? No. WFO in 2nd and 3rd provided virtually no front wheel lift at all (although it did completely unload the long traveling suspension.) The throttle is extremely sensitive, but the bike pulls very smoothly from low RPMs right up until redline. The bike handles bumps well, and feels very stable and smooth underneath you.
Hitting the twisties: Okay, it was just a short demo ride, so I didn't have the time to bring it through a canyon run or anything (Are there canyons in NH? ) But I did manage to find a couple nice corners to rip it through. Turn in seems to be a little slow (maybe due to the height? ) but again the bike feels extremely stable underneath you. I couldn't imagine putting a knee down on this thing, it seems like you would have to go soooooooo far. The brakes were crisp (perhaps a bit too sharp) and the front end seemed a little stiff (obviously needs to just be set up properly)
The controls: I like the hand guards on the levers. I like the folding mirrors. The digital display was nice. There was a control on the left bar that said "mode" and had an up and down toggle switch. Moving the switch did nothing. Maybe it was broken. I'm not sure. I didn't see any menu changes or anything like that on the digital screen.
Overall I think it is a cool bike. It looks unique, it sounds good, it has a smooth motor. I took the bike up to 80 and it was comfortable there. Everyone says "you can't do any highway riding with this bike." This isn't a normal motard, it's got the motor of any other bike out there, maybe it's the wind that bothers people, but i'm used to riding an upright naked bike anyway. The bike just didn't wow me like I thought it would. I guess overall it's the power to weight ratio, it's just not what it should be for a motard.
Final verdict: If you are looking for a motard to terrorize the town with stick with the KTM, Aprilla, Suzuki, or Honda etc... If you are a Ducati nut trying to fill the empty space in your garage....this is the bike for you!
FYI I rode the "S" model.
I think it's funny that some things we both said completely the same, and some opposite. haha.
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Re: (GermanHondaSlayer)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GermanHondaSlayer »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Final verdict: If you are looking for a motard to terrorize the town with stick with the KTM, Aprilla, Suzuki, or Honda etc... If you are a Ducati nut trying to fill the empty space in your garage....this is the bike for you!
I think it's funny that some things we both said completely the same, and some opposite. haha.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Almost word for word. On the final verdict though I'd have to say that the Hypermotard is in good company with the other bikes. As far as the street legal supermotos go it would probably be my number one pick. The Suzuki is kind of slow and the Aprilia has a more aggressive maintenance schedule (although it would probably be the best performer in tight stuff). The KTM950 is heavier than the Hypermotard but maybe the 690 would be a good bet.
So really for a street legal motard I could only really see picking the 690 over the Hypermotard. If price is a consideration then you have to balance that out since the Hypermotard S is the most expensive of the bunch. But it's also the sexiest.
If street legality is not a problem and it were only to be a track day (kart tracks, supermoto track, and small road courses) weapon then the SXV, KTM, or Honda would be the no brainer. On a bigger track the Hypermotard would be better.
Final verdict: If you are looking for a motard to terrorize the town with stick with the KTM, Aprilla, Suzuki, or Honda etc... If you are a Ducati nut trying to fill the empty space in your garage....this is the bike for you!
I think it's funny that some things we both said completely the same, and some opposite. haha.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Almost word for word. On the final verdict though I'd have to say that the Hypermotard is in good company with the other bikes. As far as the street legal supermotos go it would probably be my number one pick. The Suzuki is kind of slow and the Aprilia has a more aggressive maintenance schedule (although it would probably be the best performer in tight stuff). The KTM950 is heavier than the Hypermotard but maybe the 690 would be a good bet.
So really for a street legal motard I could only really see picking the 690 over the Hypermotard. If price is a consideration then you have to balance that out since the Hypermotard S is the most expensive of the bunch. But it's also the sexiest.
If street legality is not a problem and it were only to be a track day (kart tracks, supermoto track, and small road courses) weapon then the SXV, KTM, or Honda would be the no brainer. On a bigger track the Hypermotard would be better.
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Re: (JMU R1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JMU R1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Almost word for word. On the final verdict though I'd have to say that the Hypermotard is in good company with the other bikes. As far as the street legal supermotos go it would probably be my number one pick. The Suzuki is kind of slow and the Aprilia has a more aggressive maintenance schedule (although it would probably be the best performer in tight stuff). The KTM950 is heavier than the Hypermotard but maybe the 690 would be a good bet.
So really for a street legal motard I could only really see picking the 690 over the Hypermotard. If price is a consideration then you have to balance that out since the Hypermotard S is the most expensive of the bunch. But it's also the sexiest.
If street legality is not a problem and it were only to be a track day (kart tracks, supermoto track, and small road courses) weapon then the SXV, KTM, or Honda would be the no brainer. On a bigger track the Hypermotard would be better.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You are 100% correct in your assesment of the other machines, but I really felt like Ducati forgot what they were building, and it's almost too much a street bike. I really woudln't want to thrash this thing because it's so expensive, but at the same time if I buy a Suzuki, it may be slower in comparison to the Hyper, but that's what I have my Speed Triple for. If I really wanted to I could probably afford my bike plus a cheaper motard, no way I could swing that with the Duc. And I just don't think the Duc could be my only bike. But lets face it, if I could afford 3-4-5 bikes even, the Hypermotard would probably be in my garage, simply on the sexy factor.
Almost word for word. On the final verdict though I'd have to say that the Hypermotard is in good company with the other bikes. As far as the street legal supermotos go it would probably be my number one pick. The Suzuki is kind of slow and the Aprilia has a more aggressive maintenance schedule (although it would probably be the best performer in tight stuff). The KTM950 is heavier than the Hypermotard but maybe the 690 would be a good bet.
So really for a street legal motard I could only really see picking the 690 over the Hypermotard. If price is a consideration then you have to balance that out since the Hypermotard S is the most expensive of the bunch. But it's also the sexiest.
If street legality is not a problem and it were only to be a track day (kart tracks, supermoto track, and small road courses) weapon then the SXV, KTM, or Honda would be the no brainer. On a bigger track the Hypermotard would be better.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You are 100% correct in your assesment of the other machines, but I really felt like Ducati forgot what they were building, and it's almost too much a street bike. I really woudln't want to thrash this thing because it's so expensive, but at the same time if I buy a Suzuki, it may be slower in comparison to the Hyper, but that's what I have my Speed Triple for. If I really wanted to I could probably afford my bike plus a cheaper motard, no way I could swing that with the Duc. And I just don't think the Duc could be my only bike. But lets face it, if I could afford 3-4-5 bikes even, the Hypermotard would probably be in my garage, simply on the sexy factor.
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From: Arlington // Madison Motorsports, VA, USA
Re: (GermanHondaSlayer)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GermanHondaSlayer »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
You are 100% correct in your assesment of the other machines, but I really felt like Ducati forgot what they were building, and it's almost too much a street bike. I really woudln't want to thrash this thing because it's so expensive, but at the same time if I buy a Suzuki, it may be slower in comparison to the Hyper, but that's what I have my Speed Triple for. If I really wanted to I could probably afford my bike plus a cheaper motard, no way I could swing that with the Duc. And I just don't think the Duc could be my only bike. But lets face it, if I could afford 3-4-5 bikes even, the Hypermotard would probably be in my garage, simply on the sexy factor. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah I feel a bit the same. Its cool but its too pretty to really horse around and risk rashing it up. I don't have a problem with the Hypermotard being my only bike, but that would make me really reluctant to try to slide it.
I'm actually considering doing what you said and getting a street supersport and one of the smaller supermotos like the Husky or SXV.
You are 100% correct in your assesment of the other machines, but I really felt like Ducati forgot what they were building, and it's almost too much a street bike. I really woudln't want to thrash this thing because it's so expensive, but at the same time if I buy a Suzuki, it may be slower in comparison to the Hyper, but that's what I have my Speed Triple for. If I really wanted to I could probably afford my bike plus a cheaper motard, no way I could swing that with the Duc. And I just don't think the Duc could be my only bike. But lets face it, if I could afford 3-4-5 bikes even, the Hypermotard would probably be in my garage, simply on the sexy factor.
</TD></TR></TABLE>Yeah I feel a bit the same. Its cool but its too pretty to really horse around and risk rashing it up. I don't have a problem with the Hypermotard being my only bike, but that would make me really reluctant to try to slide it.
I'm actually considering doing what you said and getting a street supersport and one of the smaller supermotos like the Husky or SXV.
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