The frontward seating position takes a little getting used to, but it does grow on you as you build up urban kilometres, and I do admit that most Hypermotard buyers will be somewhat slimmer and more flexible than I and thus adapt to it within, say, 4 seconds of taking off. Despite my relatively massive morphology, it was refreshing for me (1.80 m / 115 kg) to just step over the bike, without having to stretch a groin muscle or be forced to step on the left peg to climb aboard.

A fun ride
This bike is a fun generator – and it works. The 90 hp engine leaps forward at any rpm, just pull the trigger. And a few minutes spent playing with suspension settings will produce a smooth ride, even on bumps, where the extra suspension travel soaks up irregularities almost as well as on a dual purpose machine.

If you are looking for style and performance in a perfect handling package, and can afford the $17,995, go for it.

Speaking of dual purpose, the Hypermotard will not feel at home off road, but will be a source of great enjoyment on the track, with a comfortable sit-up-and-beg position and a wide handlebar to facilitate corner entry for novice riders. The brakes are a two-fingers job for even the hardest retardation. Bring extra fuel to the track, as the 12 litre tank needs replenishing often, on a bike that has the potential to make mincemeat of sportier but harder-to-ride bikes, on the track or even riding “The Pace” on a nice road.

So do you buy one?
The Ducati Hypermotard is not alone in the segment, with significant competition from KTM, Aprilia and a few other manufacturers. This Duc, the last work of famed designer Pierre Terblanche before he left Ducati, does everything well, adding the Italian firm’s legendary style, colours, looks and winning image to the attractive package.

So if you are looking for the style and the performance and can afford the $17,995, go for it. And if you can only come up with $14,995, the standard version, without the Öhlins shock and a few other baubles, should do the deed very well, thank you.


Fun to use power and torque
Easy shifting
Top class ride and road holding with Öhlins components



Rear view mirrors that lose their settings at high speed
Seat a bit hard
Riding position a little too forward for burly riders



None



Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux