Ducati Hypermotard 950 and SP motorcycle comparison test

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The art of irreverence

L-Twin of 937 cm3, 114 hp and 9.8 mkg, 200 kg full made, from 12,690 euros

What is a Hypermot ‘? If we say it’s a mix of supermot ‘and angry roadster, we are very far from reality. In fact, to understand what it is, you have to try it. And when we tried it, we have a hard time making it, so much this machine encourages us to be stupid. The hypermot is thus a concentrate of coonitude … a mixture of con and cool. Patented word the Hideout. This was already the case during the test of the hypermotard 796. So what does this new 2019 vintage give, pushed in 950 and even more the SP declination? Direction the island of Grand Canaria for the test drive and the circuit of MasPalomas for the track test. Because speed on the road is bad – eh Chantal – so we – even more – let off steam on the track !

Prototype of the 2005 Milan Motor Show designed by Pierre Terblanche, the Ducati Hypermotard was marketed a year later. A hybrid between a super-bike (enduro mounted on road tires) and an edgy minimalist roadster, the machine is intended to be a pure frame of fun and dynamic efficiency. It already appears in two versions, the 1100 Hypermotard and an S version with high-end Swedish cycle part. Both are powered by the 90 ° "Desmodue" V-twin, cooled by air and oil, developing 90 hp and 105 Nm. A block modernized in 2009, which adopts in 2013 the Testastretta 11 ° with liquid cooling and goes down to 821 cm3. Three years later, the twin goes to 939 cm3.

Warning ! For 2019, the Bologna firm is always announcing more exclusivity in fun and sportiness. That said, no manufacturer would tell us that the machine was less fun and less sporty and probably even less Ducati. And to drive the point home Ducati officially presents its machine as intended for hooligans….!

Optimized in particular in the cycle and engine part, the novelty is thus even more faithful to the initial project: the kidding. It is coupled with an over-equipped SP version to go to the end of the concept. And the red icing on the cake, even A2 licenses are entitled to delirium, but limited to 35KW (47.5 HP).

Ducati Hypermotard 950 test

Discovery

With its Hypermotard, Ducati revisits the supermotard spirit by dynamising the engine, chassis and finish. We are indeed far from the "supermot ‘mounted in slick", a single cylinder enduro prepared, efficient, but raw of formwork. Here, everything is in the care of construction, finishing and technological achievement.

Ducati Hypermotard 950

Wanted closer to its original ancestor, the 950 takes care of its style. All in tight curves and angles, the machine gives off an attractive sportiness. Airy, slender, the Hypermotard takes on a minimalist structure. Cut in diamond (top view), the front resembles a raptor beak, with a front light incorporating daytime running light (DRL). Beveled shoulders frame the 14.5L tank and flesh out an athletic silhouette. The Hypermotard is built for efficiency. Thus, the long and narrow one-piece saddle, barely convex for the passenger, leaves free of any movement. Bolted to the frame, it runs towards a barely dressed front face, framed by the silencers again in the high position. Infinitely better for style, less for the masses. But the visual relief is much nicer. Note the manifolds going up towards the exhaust, aligned like a 916 ….

Ducati Hypermotard 950 fuel tank

Also back to the full trellis frame. The profiled assembly of the machine again rests on a steel tubular rear loop painted in gray. A sharp contrast to the red main frame of the same metal with variable section. By reducing the thickness of its tubes in some places, it weighs a kilo less than the old model. The geometry evolves slightly, with a caster angle passing 25 ° (-0.5 °), for even more agility, because the wheelbase remains at 1.493 mm and the caster at 104 mm.

Swingarm of the Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

An essential element of the Hypermotard, its carrier engine seems almost disproportionate as the machine is slender. The block is an optimized version of the 937 cm3 11 ° Testastretta twin. There are specifications of the engine block Multistrada 950. The twin cylinder has been optimized with new pistons, a compression ratio passing to 13.3: 1 against 12.6: 1 before, a new profile of the exhaust cams, 53 mm injection bodies and new mapping. Its hyper square bore-stroke ratio of 94×67.5 mm, favoring rapid revs, is unchanged. The boiler develops 114 hp at 9,000 rpm and 98 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. Barely rising values. However, 80% of the engine power is available from 3,000 rpm.

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP engine

This mechanism is of course under electronic control and not just a little. A Bosch 6-axis inertial unit instantly detects the machine’s roll, yaw and pitch. This artificial intelligence thus directs at best and according to three driving modes (Sport, Touring, Urban), the disconnectable traction control (DTC), the ABS with effect on the angle and the deactivatable anti-wheeling. The latter is the first to be turned off…. necessarily. The more pranksters will regret not being able to switch off the ABS on the track. The Hypermotard 950 is quick to swerve, but can therefore do so under assistance. Or not, up to you. Finally, the whole is customizable on multiple values.

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP engine

Obviously sporty, the Hypermot ’is equipped with an oil bath clutch with auto-servo and anti-rebound function. In the event of a virile downshift causing excess return torque, a limited-slip chainring reduces the pressure on the discs so as not to block the wheel. The system also reduces lever effort.

Clutch of the Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

The Hypermotard 950 is fitted with a new Marzocchi fork with fully adjustable 45 mm (- 0.5 kg) aluminum legs and 170 mm travel. The rear shock absorber is signed Sachs, adjustable in preload. Via a screw we adjust the compression and rebound together. It manages the movements of the magnificent aluminum single-sided swingarm over 150 mm. The latter highlights the rear wheel, freed from the exhaust. 17-inch trident-type 3-spoke aluminum rims are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires, in 120/70 and 180/55. We also appreciate the angled valves.

Rim of the Ducati Hypermotard 950

To slow things down, two Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers with radial mounting and 4 pistons attack 320mm discs up front. They are actuated by a radial brake master cylinder with adjustable lever in 5 positions. Opposing single piston clamp grips a 245mm disc.

Difficult to integrate all the hose cables and other essential wires on such a sleek machine. So, it will be necessary to deal with the fairly visible presence of these, especially on the left side without forgetting a radiator at the bottom, quite exposed. Which in no way limits the very good overall finish. Quality of materials, assembly, equipment…. the Italian is sublimely naked.

Ducati Hypermotard 950 engine

The Hypermotard announces 4 kg less on the scale than the previous model. Standard 200 kg and 198 for the SP model, all full. Reduced frame and exhaust tube thickness (-1kg), magnesium cylinder head cover (-1.5kg), new rims and forks (-0.5kg) and other trifles limit the weight. The passenger footrests are also easily removable.

Perhaps more anecdotal, the Multimedia System (DMS) allows the user to answer phone calls, select and play music, and receive SMS notifications via Bluetooth technology. As if with such a machine, we wanted to knit! Finally, the valve adjustment is programmed every 30,000 km.

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP test

SP version specifics

To go further in performance and finish, the SP model is fitted as standard with an up and down quickshifter (up and down shifting on the fly), optional on the standard HM 950. Fully adjustable, 48mm fork and Ohlins piggy back shock absorber enhance the suspension. Their greater travel of 185 and 175 mm (+30 and +25 mm) gives 47 ° of angle (+ 3 °). The forged aluminum rims are signed Marchesini and fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP v3. Finally, carbon elements (front fender and belt cover) complete the sport picture. It slams, it throws, for fans of the best of the best.

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

In the saddle

The Hypermotard concept does not bother with accessibility. Better to be tall and beefy, the other said. Coming from enduro machines, its style is of the high perched type. The saddle peaks at 870 mm as standard, 890 mm for the SP version. It’s high, but the crotch arch has been reduced by 53mm where the saddle meets the tank. My four-foot-eight adapts very well to this aerial base, my foundation less than its firmness. My two feet touch the ground, but the support is still limited. On board the 950SP, my heels left the ground. Leg flexion is acceptable, without an extreme position. On the other hand, one always believes to be sitting on the engine, even the front wheel. In addition, the thighs are flush with the top of the tank, the knees are almost level with the handlebars. Disconcerting at first, the effect passes quickly and becomes natural.

Steering damper of the Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

Large and more open, the almost flat handlebar with variable diameter accommodates the hands in light support. On the right stalk, we find the starting system with sliding cursor button. A button of the same type is used to control the information on the left stalk. The levers are adjustable in spacing via discreet knobs and press radial master cylinders. Finally, the profiled metal brackets of the mirrors add extra elegance..

Flashing of the Ducati Hypermotard 950

In front of you, a new 4.3-inch TFT screen appears to be close to the pilot, while still being quite low. Very readable despite everything, it mainly revolves around a tachometer, a tachometer and the gear indicator light. Too bad, no fuel gauge, a weird oversight on a machine of this price !

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP speedometer

In the city

The basic concept is dedicated to the pleasure of piloting. So it is not in town that we will get the quintessence of the Hypermotard 950, but on the other hand it awakens the hooligan that lies dormant in all of us. When the twin wakes up, its syncopated chant always delights the ears. It cracks at the slightest blow of gas and the original silencers unreservedly trumpet the major argument of the model: it will beat !

Hyper agile, hyper toned, it is difficult to keep a hooligan between the walls. Even in Urban mode, the mechanics chomp with impatience. However, this mapping makes the beast more human. If the go-arounds in the traffic generate a few jerks, the handle-admission connection is satisfactory..

Testing the Ducati Hypermotard 950 in the city

Clutch and gearbox are flawless, serving a twin little inclined against to go down under 2,000 revs in third, at 40 km / h. Decidedly not very docile, even temperamental, in the city, although pointing very correctly, the Hypermot ’wants free. Wheelies in town can get expensive, take off.

Motorway and expressways

No V max, but the Testasretta 11 ° is not the shy type. Considering the number of Germans in the Canaries, the motorway must be of the same type. We hang without thinking a nice 190 km / h, without awakening Horst Tappert‎ and Fritz Wepper (Derrick and his assistant….). There is a way to go further, but there is so much better to do without taking into account the lack of protection.

Test of the Ducati Hypermotard 950 on the fast track

In legal terms, the mechanics growl nicely at around 5,300 revolutions per minute. Either right at the level or curve of torque and power intersect…. Yek yek yek…. A hit of three and you’re aiming for the moon. You have to take care; The volcanic mountains are waiting for us, don’t make them wait.

Departmental

Okay, now the hostilities are starting. The hyper sinuous layout is ideal for testing this yardstick for insolence. Easy, the Hypermotard 950 is the sassy offspring we wanted. And its desmodromic twin provides emotions that many nostalgic people have been waiting for. Fat, a little rough to savor each stroke of the pistons, it does not suffer from any inertia. And the soundtrack that accompanies the crew reconnects with the vocalizations of the greatest Italian tenors. But better.

Road test of the Ducati Hypermotard 950

Full at all speed, he jostles his pilot on each frank rotation of the handle. Particularly demonstrative after 4,500 turns, it tows nastily without stopping up to more than 9,000 rpm. On these troubled roads, difficult to pass the 4. However, we do not play the selector, as the extension is sufficient. We thus benefit from ample, fleshy stimuli, reflecting the character of this entire mechanism. We would also like to benefit from the up & down quickshifter of MS. Petty, Ducati reserves it for the SP version. A pity !

The Ducati Hypermotard 950 on the road

The Hypermotard 950 will serve you best if you put it in Sport mode. The engine gives the best of itself and, above all, reduces the assistance to the lowest. Better, turn, if it is not already done, the anti-wheeling. Thus, more restraint on the raises, let the "hyper violence" of the hooligan express itself.

In terms of behavior, it is immediately the liveliness of the steering gear that we note. Slightly falling at low speed, it is especially particularly precise when the pace picks up. You can really keep your eye on the bike on its path. Perfectly neutral, once entering a curve, the Duke ’is stable, but still alive. We do not completely domesticate a mount of this type. That’s what makes all the fun. And its hyper reactive cycle part allows a lot of improvisation. Especially since this position on the front gives the pilot a lot of control and downforce.

Ducati Hypermotard 950 on the road

Well suspended on its long-travel elements, the Hypermotard 950 logically admits mass transfers sensitive to braking. But perfectly managed by a well braked hydraulic system. No rocking horse, only a behavior full of life and typical that one tames before playing fully with it. Hyper sensitive to the pressure on its wide handlebars, the Bolognese hooligan goes from one angle to another like a supercharged tumbler. The flawless grip of its Diablo Rosso 3 and their ogive profile further optimizes an unusual liveliness.

Virolos with the Ducati Hypermotard 950

It’s hard to ride cool on this machine. Hyper rigid, the Ducati is no less comfortable in suspension. Its quality elements fly over the shortcomings of bitumen. But everything with it is conducive to teasing the curve with vigor, relaunching vigorously and attacking the next turn with enthusiasm. No, in fact, we can’t ride easy. The liveliness of the machine and the moderate comfort of its saddle require a committed piloting so as not to suffer from this hyper dynamic mount. Insolence is his daily life, no need to try decorum.

Circuit

The Maspalomas track, bordering the ocean like a small Phillip Island, receives the evolutions of the Hypermotard 950 SP. For the occasion, the machine is even better equipped: titanium line and Termignoni exhausts (+8 hp), Ohlins steering damper…. the Ducati is presented to us at the peak of its form.

Test of the Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP on the track

Already a small sassy strike, the machine now borders on depravity. First of all in sound: it belches the bass yelping of the unit. Part cycle then. Optimized, it makes up an even more rigorous and precise machine. But while remaining alive. It therefore does not have the absolute efficiency of sportswomen, this slightly cold edge of stopwatch killers..

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP accelerating

No, her thing is super fun and she is good at it. Camped on its excellent Supercorsa SP, the Hypermotard gives nothing but pleasure. Its twin full of life communicates it to the whole machine. It is the festival of wheelies and controlled cross curves. The throttle also allows excellent control over all phases of piloting or messing around. And the efficient engine speed range, from 4 to over 9,000 rpm, allows you to get the most out of the Italian block. We will still avoid large circuits, less favorable to its hybrid ergonomics.

The Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP on a curve

And then there is this extraordinary vivacity of the front axle, flying over the passages of chicanes. He positions the machine to the millimeter, changing its trajectory with pressure from the wrists. And always remains neutral on the angle. It also allows curvy entries in the wild. And all the more so since the SP is equipped with an up & down shifter, avoiding any parasitic movement of the usual clutch release. Its crystal-clear operation is a real plus, especially when downshifting, making the twin growl powerfully..

The Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP in a corner

Under the assaults of the front calipers, the Swedish fork remarkably collects mass transfers. You can also hold the brakes on the angle for a long time. When the pressure is reduced, the fork manages its hydraulics perfectly to better prepare the virulent exit of the Ducati. We regret all the same that the Hypermotard’s tank does not better hold the outer knee in the turn. A more pronounced cut would be welcome. But what a pleasure !

The Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP on the corner

Part-cycle

Light, incisive, fun and upscale, the Hypermotards 950 and SP combine this efficient ease with the unruffled rigor of their chassis. In standard or SP, the adjustable suspensions offer performance and comfort. The mass transfers inherent in this model are very well managed.

Shock absorber of the Ducati Hypermotard 950

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Ohlins shock absorber

Braking

Perfectly modular, the pressure of the front calipers also allows powerful and enduring decelerations. The rear piston is also effective on the road to optimize cornering passages.

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP brake

Comfort / Duo

Do not search, these notions are quite relative to the handlebars of Hypermotards. The first is correct and it does not matter. The second is almost irrelevant as the Ducati is tasted solo. We can take a passenger, of course, but no grab handles, a significant flexion of the legs and a mischievous engine will quickly overcome his hopes or his endurance..

Ducati Hypermotard 950 seat

Consumption

Count 6.5 to 7 liters per 100. Volcanic character and fuel economy are not very miscible concepts..

Ducati Hypermotard 950 fuel cap

Conclusion

You were an orphan of the first Hypermotard of the name? Do the current sports roadsters seem stupidly efficient to you? Ducati has the answer to your beginner neurasthenia: the Hypermotards 950 and 950 SP. Obvious to take along, they are a feast for the senses and sensations. Lively, insolent, they contrast brilliantly, elegantly and perform well with the current retrograde frigidity. Do you like life? So prepare € 12,690 for the standard, but € 16,390 for the SP…. yes, happiness comes at a price, but life has none. However, the "basic" version seems to us to be quite sufficient and effective. The SP adds dreams, high-sounding luxury, but not necessarily essential. That leaves you plenty of room to raise the shifter to 216 € and the steering damper to 650 € …

The Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

Okay, there are other nasty bugs out there in the fun machine segment. Another Italian for example, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 at 9,499 €. Yes, it’s cheaper, but it’s not the same cam either. Cycle part, electronics, finishes and construction are not of the same level. There are many comparably priced roadsters, but the Hypermotard is too far from it in philosophy. However, there is this Yamaha MT-10, of which I have a moving memory in presentation. At 13,999 € in standard, 15,999 € in SP, she is indeed the only one, in my opinion, to be able to approach the Italian stallion. Almost alone in this segment of absolute fun, the Ducati Hypermotard 950 and its SP variation, obviously masters the art of irreverence. Stylish, but insolent, rigorous, but lively, the Italian bombshell is back. Bring in the children, hide Chantal, it will dump excess fun !

Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

Video test

Highlights Hypermotard 950

  • Strong aesthetics
  • Personality and engine availability
  • Lively cycle part
  • Quality of suspensions
  • Multiple electronic assistance
  • Sports abs
  • Precise selection
  • Superb sound
  • Quality of finishes
  • Overall dynamic efficiency
  • Pleasant instrumentation

Weak points Hypermotard 950

  • Selection of motor modes that are too long
  • Outer leg little maintained in hips
  • Non-disconnectable ABS
  • No serial quickshifter
  • Hard saddle
  • A bit high price

Highlights Hypermotard 950 SP

  • Strong aesthetics
  • Personality and engine availability
  • Excellent up & down shift
  • Lively cycle part
  • Quality of suspensions
  • Multiple electronic assistance
  • Sports abs
  • Precise selection
  • Superb sound
  • Quality of finishes
  • Overall dynamic efficiency
  • Pleasant instrumentation

Weak points Hypermotard 950 SP

  • Selection of motor modes that are too long
  • Outer leg little maintained in hips
  • Non-disconnectable ABS
  • Hard saddle
  • High price

Ducati Hypermotard 950 and SP technical sheet

Test conditions

  • Itinerary: winding roads with variable surface, dry, circuit
  • Weather forecast: sunny, 20 ° C
  • Motorcycle mileage: 220 km
  • Problem encountered: ras

Test equipment

  • Scorpion Exo 2000 Evo Air Helmet
  • Vanucci Nubuck Jacket
  • Vanucci Speed ​​Profi IV Gloves
  • Jean Vanucci Armalith 2.0
  • Dainese Laguna Seca suit
  • Dainese Torque D1 Boots

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