2013 Ducati Hypermotard
Ignition
DUCATI HYPERMOTARD -> STAR BOLT -> HARLEY-DAVIDSON BREAKOUT -> BMW INVADES INDIA -> JEREMY McGRATH
`F Three versions of Ducati's all new 821cc Hypermotard-standard~ SP and touring oriented Hyperstrada-replace the 1078 and 803cc versions
2013 DUCATI HYPERMOTARD
CW FIRST RIDE
COMFORTABLE AND A LOT SPORTIER, THANKS TO A NEW CHASSIS, LIQUID-COOLED V-TWIN AND A FULL SUITE OF ELECTRONICS
Blake Conner
ALTHOUGH AWESOME ON tight, twisty backroads, the first-gen Ducati Hypermotard was uncomfortable.
Not so this new 2013 Hypermotard; its riding position is more relaxed, thanks to a taller handlebar and more than 3 extra inches of space between the bar and seat. Additionally, footpegs moved forward by almost 3 inches create a more upright riding position.
Redesigned in every way, three new models—the standard Hypermotard, the sportier Hypermotard SP and the luggage-equipped Hyperstrada (which arrives later this year)—are designed to be more refined and less maintenanceintensive, and are powered exclusively by a liquid-cooled 82icc V-Twin that replaces the air-cooled 1078 and 803CC motors. Major service intervals are now scheduled at 18,000 miles, a milestone for Ducati.
Ducati’s designers threw every trick at the Hyper’s engine. The eight-valve Testastretta V-Twin has a reduced bore/stroke ratio of 1.30 from its 88.0
x 67.6mm dimensions, as compared to the 1078’s 1.37 (98.0 x 71.5mm). This design, with its short 11-degree-overlap interval valve timing and high 12.8:1 compression ratio, produces smooth power, improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and good torque. Ducati claims 110 horsepower at 9250 rpm and 65.8 foot-pounds of torque at 7750.
The ride-by-wire throttle allows differing levels of power output and throttle response. On the standard Hypermotard, the modes are: Sport (no hp, “High" throttle response), Touring (no hp, “Medium” throttle response) and Urban (75 hp, “Low” throttle response). As part of the Ducati Safety Pack, each mode provides the appropriate ABS and traction-control settings. ABS is switched to Level One in Sport (maximum braking performance allowing some rear-wheel lift) and Level Two in Touring and Urban (maximum braking stability and prevention of rear-wheel lift). Traction control has eight settings.
The Hypermotard SP is similar but its modes are more aggressive: Race (no hp, “High” throttle response and Level One ABS applied only to the front wheel, with no rear ABS); Sport (no hp, “Medium” throttle response, Level Two ABS with some rear-lift control); and Wet (75 hp, “Low” throttle response and Level Three ABS with maximum
Questions? Comments? email us: intake@cycleworld.com
BY THE NUMBERS
26,000
UNITS SOLD; Over 26.000 Hyper motards have been sold since the 2007 release of the 1100. The 796 was added in '10.
PICK YOUR HORSEPOWER:
Ducati offers many levels of V-Twin power. Ultimate: Panigale R. Maxicruiser: Dlavel. Monster motard: Hypermotard.
240
PERCENT
INCREASE IN VALVE-CHECK INTERVAL: Ducati’s sec o n d - g e n T est asir e 11 a 11-degree engine goes 18,000 miles between valve-clearance checks, up from 7500.
braking stability and rear-wheel lift prevention).
All three Hypermotards feature a new tubular-steel trellis frame, with a subframe constructed of die-cast aluminum and a technopolymer between the rails. But the major suspension components, along with the wheels and brakes, are what really differentiate the two non-touring models. The standard Hypermotard has a 43mm KYB fork and a Sachs shock, offering 6.7 inches of travel in front and 5.9 in back, plus cast aluminum wheels and Brembo M4-32 monoblock brakes with four-piston calipers. The SP has a 50mm Marzocchi fork and an Öhlins shock, delivering 7.3 inches of front travel and 6.9 in back, as well as lightweight forged Marchesini wheels. Although the calipers and discs are identical on each bike, the SP has a radial-pump master cylinder. Other SP upgrades include a tapered aluminum handlebar (in place of steel), magnesium cam covers and carbon-fiber front fender and cam-belt covers.
With the different suspension setups, the seat heights vary by almost an inch. The seat on the standard Hypermotard is set at a claimed 34.2 in., whereas that of the SP is 35.0. Optional low seats are available for both, reducing height by around 3A inch. The different suspension also alters the wheelbase, the SP at 59.2 in. and the standard Hypermotard at 59.0 Rake (25.5 degrees) and trail (4.1 in.) are identical due to different offset at the triple-clamps.
On the street, the new Hypermotard proved far better than the bike it replaces, its modern engine possessing excellent fueling, broad power and the ability to alter its character to suit conditions. The Hyper is like other nakeds, but it’s not as extreme as bikes, such as the KTM 690 SM.
Ridden in anger at the Ascari circuit in Spain, the SP liked to be picked up by the scruff of its neck and pushed hard. The high seat might limit the fun for some, but the extra cornering clearance and top-quality suspension were most appreciated on the track. The
eagerness was a huge improvement, and the broad power allowed the bike to be short-shifted up a gear before leaning in, which eliminated an upshift midway through a few of Ascaris long lefthanders. Lastly, the new, cable-operated slipper clutch provided great stability under extreme deceleration when calling for multiple downshifts in quick succession.
The standard Hypermotard is available in either Ducati red or Dark Stealth for $11,995, while the $14.695 SP comes only in red/white/black. CUB
long-travel suspension ate up any undulations, and the wide handlebar made it easy to flick the bike through tight esses. Overall chassis stability was good.
Just as impressive was the performance of the engine.
Sport mode was perfect to get reacquainted with the course, with a bit more TC and ABS and softer initial throttle response. Things really got fun in Race, with its sharper throttle response. Our only complaint: The throttle action was too light. That stated, the engine’s
RIDDEN IN ANGERAT THE A5CARl CIRCUIT IN SPAIN, THE SP LIKED TO BE PICKED UP BY THE SCRUFF OF ITS NECK AND PUSHED HARD.
