DUCATI  HYPERMOTARD


Replacing the original air-cooled 1100 and 796 versions, this second-generation Hypermotard has an 8v, liquid-cooled motor, a more forgiving riding position, ABS, traction control and electronic riding modes. Ducati are hoping these changes will broaden the appeal of their bad boy take on the supermoto.
There are a few minor niggles, like a built-in blind spot in the mirrors and an overly-aggressive throttle response in the sportiest of the three riding modes. There’s also the classic quandary of working out how to sit on a supermoto – hang off or leg-out? But overall it’s fast, fun and easier to live with than before.
It’s still an impractical toy, although a larger 16-ltire fuel tank helps and there are lots of touring accessories are available.
The new 821cc, 8v, liquid-cooled engine (a ‘stroked’ 796 unit) lacks the lowdown grunt of the old 4v, air-cooled 1078cc motor – there’s no substitute for cubes, after all. But there’s still plenty of smooth, predictable power. Producing 110bhp, it’s more powerful than the 796 and 1100 Hypermotard. There’s plenty of oomph to play with at low speeds, which is perfect for wheelies and mucking about. The real-world speed of a bike like this, with no wind protection, is around 80mph, so big bhp figures aren’t needed. The throttle response is excellent in its Urban and Touring riding modes, but in Sport mode it’s too aggressive and more suitable for the track. Water-cooling has made the old oil cooler redundant and there’s a wet, cable-operated slipper clutch. Intervals for the valve-clearance service are increased to 18,000-miles.
Unlike the previous model, you’re sat further back from the front of the bike and the pegs have been brought forward, too. This less aggressive riding position is more natural and comfortable on the long haul. The old twin exhaust cans have been replaced with a single side-mounted unit to reduce weight and impormve handling. A longer swingarm makes the Ducati less ‘slappy’ riding across bumpy terrain and new 43mm Kayaba forks and Sachs rear shock give a plusher ride. New cast aluminium monobloc Brembo calipers are a big improvement – not that the lightweight Hypermotard ever struggled with braking power. It’s agile, flickable, stable in fast corners and you get a good feeling of grip from the tyres and through the chassis. The Hypermotard lets you have loads of fun, road or track. It only weighs 3kg more than the original model, despite the extra weight from the new radiator, hoses, electronics and ABS system.
Unlike the original Hypermotard, this model comes with lots of toys. A new ride-by-wire throttle system allows an eight-stage traction control system for the first time, as well as three riding modes. In each mode there’s varying levels of power, throttle response, traction control and intervention from the Bosh 9MP ABS system. Conventional mirrors on stalks replace the old flip-out bar-end mirrors and the impractical 12-litre fuel tank makes way for a 16-litre item.
Build-quality and attention to detail is superb. Modern day Ducatis are reliable, despite their reputation from the dark days of the 60s, 70s and early 80s, where dodgy electrics would leave you stranded on the side of the road. Check our online reviews of the original Hypermotard to see owners’ comments
2007 – Hypermotard 1100 introduced.
2009 – 5bhp more powerful and 5kg lighter, the Evo/Evo SP versions are launched.
2009 – Cheaper, new rider-friendly Hypermotard 796 hit showrooms.
2013 – 110bhp, liquid-cooled 821cc Hypermotard replaces 1100 and 796 models.
Hypermotard SP: 171kg, lighter wheels, Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa SP tyres, fully-adjustable Ohlins shock and 50mm Marzocchi forks, radial master cylinder, more ground clearance, taller (890mm) seat, carbon fibre mudguard and cam belt covers, magnesium cam belt covers and sportier riding modes.

Top speed	125 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Max power	110 bhp
Max torque	65.8 ft-lb
Weight	175 kg
Seat height	870 mm
Fuel capacity	16 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	17 of 17

Engine size	821 cc
Engine specification	8v, V-twin
Frame	Tubular steel trellis and cast ali single-sided swingarm
Front suspension adjustment	Non-adjustable 43mm Sachs forks
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload/rebound adjustable single rear Sachs shock
Front brakes	2 x 320mm discs with four-piston Brembo monobloc radial calipers. ABS
Rear brake	245mm single disc with single-piston Brembo caliper. ABS
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17