The Bottom Line
Pros
Loads of fun to ride, with great acceleration and handling
Wheelie-happy personality keeps you on your toes– in a good way
Comfortable passenger seat makes for happy pillion
Cons
Small, forward-tilted saddle gets uncomfortable after a while
3.3 gallon fuel tank requires frequent refills
A bit pricey at $14,495
Description
MSRP: $14,495 ($11,995 for non-‘S’ version)
1,078cc air-cooled L-twin with desmodromic valves
90 horsepower at 7,750 rpm, 76 ft-lbs of torque at 4,750 rpm
-hlins suspension with aluminium single-sided swingarm and fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock
Dual semi-floating front disc, radially mounted 4-piston Brembo monobloc brakes
Seat height: 33.27 inch
Fuel capacity: 3.3 gallons
2 year unlimited warranty
Guide Review – 2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S
It’s a bit of a climb to get up onto the Ducati Hypermotard’s 33.3 inch tall saddle, but once aboard you’ll see a view over the handlebars that’s blissfully devoid of distractions. save a couple of fluid reservoirs and a small, MotoGP-style instrument cluster. The lack of obtrusive bodywork is part of this supermoto ’s charm, though you’ll also find that the Hypermotard’s narrow seat is pitched a bit forward, forcing you to make intimate contact with the tank. This certainly ain’t a cushy sport touring bike like Ducati’s milder-mannered Multistrada.
But the snarling, air-cooled 1,078cc L-twin makes up for many of this bike’s ergonomic shortcomings. The front wheel lightens up under medium acceleration, and a stronger tug at the accelerator lifts the front end with ease. Wide handlebars and an upright seating posture might take some getting used to, but passengers report that the wider rear section of the seat is surprisingly comfortable. Novelty features like outward folding mirrors look cool, but their vibration at higher speeds makes it just as easy to tuck them in for a narrower profile. which comes in handy during lane-splitting (if it’s legal where you live, of course. )
Despite its quirks (and inconveniences like a small fuel tank), the Hypermotard grows on you the more you ride it. The ‘S’ version we tested had supple but responsive -hlins suspension. cool carbon trim and lighweight Marchesini wheels with powerful Brembo brakes. but those amenities came at a $2,500 premium. Though it carries the haughty Ducati name, the Hypermotard– either in regular or ‘S’ trim– is a hard-edged hooligan bike at heart, and those who enjoy a bit of naughty riding should be thrilled with the its irresistible invitations to play naughty on the highway.
User Reviews
Reviews for this section have been closed.
- 2005 Ducati Monster 620 Dark – Used 2005 Monster 620 Dark at Motorcyclist…
- Ducati’s (Damn) Desmo Demons – Ultimate MotorCycling
- 2009 Ducati Streetfighter S – Used 2009 Streetfighter S at Motorcyclist Magazine
- Ducati Sport 1000 Price Owners Guide Books
- Motorcycle Specs
