Ducati have now revealed one of their newest machines to take on the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Triumph Tiger 800…. The Hyperstrada. A bike, Ducati claim, for those riders who find the current Multistrada ‘too powerful and intimidating’.
The Hyperstrada is probably better described as an extension to the Hypermotard family. ABS, DTC, windshield, side bags, dedicated ergonomics and a series of touring features offering a new choice for the budding tourer who doesn’t fancy the tyre shredding cababilities of the larger engined Multistrada and the SP version of the previous Hypermotard.
The original dirtbike-inspired look of the old Hypermotard has become more daring with the new model, thanks to the visibly higher ground clearance, the high and tapered tail and the narrow sides. This means that the bike can be used for urban commuting, B-road scratching, touring or for a day-out on the track.
Although maintaining the typical hand protectors of off-road models, the new Hyperstrada (as well as the new Hypermotard) offers redesigned rear-view mirrors in order to blend in perfectly with the model’s clean design and the need to use it in the city.
The Hyperstrada has also adopted a new 4-valve engine with a water-cooled cylinder, featuring a bore x stroke of 88 mm x 67.5 mm designed to achieve a perfect balance between usability and performance according to Ducati engineers: this is the new 821 cc Testastretta 11° engine which provides maximum power of 110 hp @ 9,250 rpm and torque of 89 Nm @ 7,500 rpm.
Ultimately, Ducati has managed to obtain a new engine that is ‘extremely enjoyable, performs excellently and which can significantly limit emissions of unburnt fuel’. Makes sense, as the Multistrada has never been what I’d call fuel efficient!
The new engine is equipped with an APTC oil bath clutch with ‘slipper’ function which can be activated with reduced force on the lever. All the models are now equipped with cable-clutch control; this has proven the best solution for this application in terms of build simplicity and reliability. The slipper function intervenes when the drive force is reversed and reduces the pressure on the clutch discs and so enables the vehicle’s stability to be maintained during aggressive changes typical in sports riding.
The rear suspension includes a Sachs monoshock which is easily adjustable in remote hydraulic braking in extension and preload, which gives the rider more control in being able to set the bike up just right for their personal needs.
The fuel tank holds 16 litres (4.6 litres more than the old Hypermotard), guaranteeing a greater range without affecting the bike’s fundamental and sinuous lines. I always thought that the old Hypermotard had a ridiculously small fuel tank, which rendered it totally useless for anything except city commuting, which ultimately isn’t what you buy a supermoto for!
I have to say I do like the new bike, I had a fondness for the old Hypermotard but it was simply too uncomfortable, too extreme for normal daily use due to the riding position and very poor fuel economy; and very expensive, which I’m guessing is why it’s never been a big seller for Ducati, unlike the Monster (which the old Motard shared it’s engine with).
The Hyperstrada will definitely sell here in the UK – not everyone wants a full on superbike with panniers and finicky manners around town, which essentially is what the Multistrada is; it’s a scaled down but very practical alternative to its bigger brother. The luggage looks to be of a good size and quality, the options list is pretty good; you can get bigger screens, extra power sockets, and various gadgets to make life that much easier on the road. The handling and brakes should be pin-sharp too, as it is with the majority of Ducati’s current range of bikes. Pricing seems to be reasonable too, with the base Hypermotard now costing just over £10,000 on the road. I definitely want a go on one – now, how long will it be before KTM brings out a baby Adventure model to compete….
Technical Specification and Features:
- Magneti Marelli electronic fuel injection system. Throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire system
- 6 speed gearbox - Ratio 1=37/15 2=30/17 3=28/20 4=26/22 5=24/23 6=23/24
- Tubular steel Trellis frame
- Front suspension: 43mm USD forks
- Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm.
- Front brake: 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston 2-pad, axial pump with adjustable lever, ABS 9MP as standard. Rear brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper
- Instrumentation: LCD display with DOT matrix area
- Dry weight 181kg
- Wet weight 204 kg
- Seat height 850mm (33.5in)
- Wheelbase 1.500 mm (59.1 in)
- Fuel tank capacity 16l - 4.2gallon (US)
- Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
- Service intervals 9,500 mi/12 months
Available Equipment:
Ducati Safety Pack (ABS + DTC), 50 l (13.2 gal) semi-rigid side panniers with incorporated supports, touring windshield, touring seat, passenger grab handle, centre stand, larger front and rear mudguards, engine sump guard, two 12 V power outlets. The bike is ready for fitting of anti-theft system, heated grips, and sat-nav.
Base Price (OTR) £10,650
