My Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S ride and review

[OrangeEnvy]

Hey folks,

I got a chance to test ride a 2008 Ducati Hypermotard this past weekend - the 'S' version. This bike is FUN! FUN! FUN! It might be tough to keep your licence if you owned one though. It's a real challenge to keep things legal. It's a tad pricey at an MSRP of $17,995.

I want one!

EDIT (link change)Here's the link (http://www.canadianmotorcyclerider.ca/articles.php?id=4520846250374027045).

[J_Scott]

Thanks for putting the effort into the review. ;)

Where's the 950/990 Adventure reviews? with your Forum name I thought you would have some of those reviews for the Katoom :D

[OrangeEnvy]

Haven't been able to get my hands on any KTM's so my forum name is still 100% accurate :)

That Hypermotard was super fun though! I was really psyched to get to ride it. I've been a big fan of the looks of the bike since it was introduced and it's had a spot as my computer wallpaper several times since then. Needless to say - I jumped at the chance to throw a leg over it.

I also got to take out the new 696 as as well - on the same day.

That bike should sell, sell, sell - I really had a lot of fun on the 696. You feel a lot more like you're part of the bike on the 696 because you're hunkered down in it. Plus it won't cost you 18,000 to take one home.

Why can't every weekend be a demo weekend!

[J_Scott]

Haven't been able to get my hands on any KTM's so my forum name is still 100% accurate :)

That Hypermotard was super fun though! I was really psyched to get to ride it. I've been a big fan of the looks of the bike since it was introduced and it's had a spot as my computer wallpaper several times since then. Needless to say - I jumped at the chance to throw a leg over it.

I also got to take out the new 696 as as well - on the same day.

That bike should sell, sell, sell - I really had a lot of fun on the 696. You feel a lot more like you're part of the bike on the 696 because you're hunkered down in it. Plus it won't cost you 18,000 to take one home.

Why can't every weekend be a demo weekend!

The only problem is the 696 is a bitch to work on, all the panels have to come off for any work to be done. Great bike, but difficult for service compared to the old ones.

[OrangeEnvy]

Can you elaborate on that in a PM or here for me? I'm going to be writing something up on the 696 too and that would be nice to include information.

Thanks,
Dan


The only problem is the 696 is a bitch to work on, all the panels have to come off for any work to be done. Great bike, but difficult for service compared to the old ones.

[J_Scott]

Basically, from what I heard getting at anything in that engine requires panels to come off. And from a tech/mechanics point of view, that's easy, but time consuming, which is going to result in more cost to the consumer. The old monster (ie the 695 pictured below) you just need to lift up the fuel tank and prop it up with a handy little tool and everything is accessible.

http://thekneeslider.com/images/monster696.jpg

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2007models/2007-Ducati-Monster695e-small.jpg

I'm no authority on the issue, but this is what I've heard.

[OrangeEnvy]

Thanks - I'll look into that some more before writing up my review.

I'm working on some technical stuff for the site at the moment (jack of all trades!) so it'll be a maybe a week or so for the 696 review.