All Tests – Hypermotard 2013 test: the Italian renaissance – ” rainy ” launch, bright future?

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Hypermotard 2013 test: the Italian renaissance

All Tests - Hypermotard 2013 test: the Italian renaissance - '' rainy '' launch, bright future?

Ducati is offering a brand new Hypermotard in 2013. Liquid-cooled 821 cc engine, new chassis, advanced electronics and better ergonomics: the Bologna Supermot ‘has it all, including the rain that invited itself at its launch !

“ Rainy ” launch, bright future ?

With a saddle perched at 870 mm, the Hypermotard is not much more accessible than its SP version. A low saddle (-20 mm) is available as an option but this will not be enough for short and medium legs to calmly put both feet on the ground.

It is therefore safer to carry out maneuvers next to the machine rather than above it. Likewise, it is better to unkick before jumping on the back of the beast because afterwards, catching the side hidden under the footrest can be problematic..

While less sound than the Termignoni pot which fitted our test SPs, the small original silencer gives the Testastretta 821 a character as "wet" as the roads we are about to travel, that is to say! The slightest rotation of the right handle instantly results in a sharp rise in speed: mamma mia…

Before setting off, Site takes care to adjust the distance of the brake lever (clutch not adjustable). This time, young and old alike will find their ideal setting. Note in passing that the Hypermotard SP offers an additional position (5 against 4) and that its small notched plate allows you to change it in the blink of an eye..

The adjustment of the mirrors is less obvious … If the location of the mirrors will be much more practical for slipping into traffic – they were mounted at the ends of the handlebars on the old model – their size and cut offer only ‘a partial view of what’s going on behind.

It is in "Touring" driving mode (between "Urban" and "Sport", see our technical point on the next page) that we begin our little tour. The first portion of the road being perfectly straight, we took the opportunity to test the motor behavior of the Hypermot ‘…

The relative flexibility of the twin is confirmed. In sixth gear, the motorcycle cruises smoothly at 70 km / h at a steady speed of 3000 rpm. She even agrees to leave small villages on a net of gas from 55 km / h.

But it is past 3500 rpm that the new engine block really begins to tow. "Sport" mode engaged, the accelerations are very convincing and remain perfectly dosable thanks to a finely tuned ride-by-wire !

By accelerating to the maximum on the first report, the grip of the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II is – finally – caught failing. A warning light flashes on the instrument panel as the DTC momentarily takes over from the pilot. The automatic moderation of the throttle opening is both efficient and discreet: the Hypermotard marks a new point.

Softer in "Touring" mode, the pickups become very wise in "Urban" mode so that losing the rear becomes strictly impossible, even in the tricky conditions that we encounter. However, one can wonder about the interest of this last mode, this machine is intended for a clientele with a minimum of experience….

Very quickly, the Spanish roads take on the air of roller coasters. And very quickly also, the direct and precise nose gear of the Hypermotard makes us more angry against this terrible weather! Ducati was right in announcing that the Hypermot ‘had lost none of its agility.

The gain in stability, on the other hand, could not be duly verified. Indeed, the return of the rain shortens our walk! Our 70 km route – which was already not very long – is practically halved but we fully understand the choice of the opener: no need to continue the test in these conditions.

If the Hypermotard did not have the opportunity to use his "license to shudder" (see our where Nicky Hayden plays James Bond), he however took advantage of this short outing in the wet to reveal the cards unseen from his game…

The suspensions, for example, made this ride incredibly enjoyable. The behavior of the Kayaba fork (not adjustable) and of the Sachs shock absorber (in "factory" setting) on ​​the rare dented parts of the course was exemplary..

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict their ability to negotiate large curves at a sustained pace, to resist muscular pin outs or to endure late braking on the angle….

The study of braking is also limited. Straight as an "i", it is possible to dip the fork and take off the rear wheel. But above all, this highlights the quality of the Pirelli’s grip in the wet, even if the "road" factor is not to be underestimated in this equation….

The attack of the front brake, which one could have qualified as shy in the dry, appears pleasantly soft here. Like what, the rain has its good sides! We must also salute the Bosch ABS system which intervenes in a very punctual and measured way: "professional work" in short.

Both powerful and agile, the new Hypermotard could not show all its qualities – and its faults? – to attack. However, its gain in comfort is palpable, especially in terms of welcoming the driver, and this should help it compete with roadsters, including the Streetfighter 848 which is popular in France..

The pleasant saddle – over the 40 km made in one go … -, the approval of the suspensions and the 16 liters of tank capacity will also stick to the road vocation of the Hyperstrada, the sister who will land in the dealerships Ducati one month after the Hypermotard … Will there be time for its presentation? Stay connected !

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