[Fenton]

I don't know about "ridiculously overpowered" and Ducati's air cooled 1000cc L twin being used in the same sentence. Quoting 85-92hp is pretty mild. BTW, the motor is a wonderful street motor. I've got a mts.

 

[iamz]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Maybe they have realized the error of their ways. I did my part, filled out the survey and practically begged them to put the 620 in it.

 

[iamz]

I understand how business works. What you fail to realize or remember is that not only will they lose those sitting on the fence, but they place themselves deeper into the fray with the other so called premium or exotic competition. The textbook theory only works when you have little to no competition.

 

[Vigor_Mortis]

I like it a lot. Probably what the Multistrada should have been all along. Speaking of the Multi, this Hyper'tard seems to share many parts in common, so perhaps Ducati could get it into showrooms without years of development time.



If it does go into production, it would be nice to see a least a little flyscreen, passenger pegs, provisions for optional luggage, and a decent fuel tank range. There is a survey on Ducati.Com someplace (maybe in the Hyper'tard minisite) where you can tell 'em what you think.



I know it isn't really a supermotard, but so what? They had to call it something and it does share some significant styling trends with supermotards and other bikes that also borrow elements of style from that genre, like the KTM 950 Supermoto, BMW H2 (or whatever it is,) and Buell Ulysses.



I like the variety that manufacturers are putting out there. It's great for those of us that want choices (lots of choices) outside of the cruiser or repli-racer boxes. Those are fine boxes by the way, just not for everyone.

 

[bbtowns]

That's not been my experience with a Ducati ST4s. There are two dealers in Portland, OR., and they stock commonly needed parts. My wife dropped a ladder and broke the mirror off the bike, they had it in stock. Now a new model that doesn't share parts with previous models (at least in the body department), I wouldn't be shocked to hear about the problems you're bringing up.

 

[23063]

Basic motorcycle - wheels, frame, engine chasis, gas tank, fenders and controls - the way only Ducati can do. I may need more than just a hat with the name Ducati on it in my garage.

 

[pplassm]

I guess I'm lucky. My local Aprilia dealer is less than 10 miles from my house. In fact, he's the closest dealer of any kind. The Ducati dealer is about 5 miles further.

 

[33464]

Whats hideous about a Moto- Guzzi? Nice basic bikes, easy to work on, run forever. Just not for everyone.

 

[37035]

I agree that engine options are great, but also that it's ridiculous to suggest that the 1000DS engine is some mega-firebreather that will overpower the Hypermotard.



I also agree that the front end of the Hypermotard is infinitely more attractive than that of the Multistrada. I test rode a Multistrada S and loved it. However, to throw down $13,500 plus hardbags for I bike I love to ride but not look at is tough. At $10k, I might be willing to get past the looks. The Hypermotard has solved the looks issue and I don't think it will lose anything in the fun factor versus the Multistrada. However, I fear it may lose some of the all around practicality of the Multi. How about a Hypermotard with a slightly taller windscreen and some attractive integerated hardbags? Give me that and the Ohlins bits and I'll start saving my pennies. Until then, I'll make do with my lil' old M750.

 

[48644]

It’s all about perspective!

This dealership is about 10 miles from my house in backwoods Texas

http://www.advancedmotorsports.com/

 

[iamz]

Reference above posts; Ridiculous was too strong of a word for me to use. I don't disagree. But from my point of view, if you can wheelie the bike with a 620 or an 800, and do 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds, and travel at interstate speeds, anything more is unnecessary. The insurance companies don't seem to like 1000 cc bikes either. I can insure a 620 Ducati for about $180 vs about $400 or more for a 1000. It just gets on my nerves that a lot of folks don't realize how fun it can be to thrash the hell out of a smaller bike and push it to it's limits. Try riding a modern liter bike like that on the street and you won't be long with this world.

 

[28945]

More importantly, where's Schvetz's S2R1000 test?

 

[53331]

i,m sorry bro,too early in the morning,but check raptors and rockets..they were at the milan show...

 

[SeanAlexander]

Not if it's a wheelie contest. Mike E. can wheelie circles around me all day long. -Sean

 

[seruzawa]

I'm with you on this. The most fun times I can remember are on 35-40 hp bikes like the RD400s. Anyone who thinks you need 1450hp to go fast is a fool.

 

[37372]

I think it looks absolutely stunning, and if they produce it as close as possible to what the pictures depict it'll be a very popular model. I also think most of the suggestions to "improve" it would make it less desirable - it could be marketed as a fun scoot that's not super-practical for long trips or two-up riding (no hard bags or mounts, no heavier rear subframe and rear seat). I've only owned water-cooled Ducatis (748 and S4R), but it's hard to beat the overall advantages of the biggest air-cooled model - no large radiator, coolant lines, extra weight, etc. I think this'll sell well on looks alone - regardless of the engine size.



What else are they supposed to do? Sell 800 Monsters, ST3s, and 996s forever? But like everyone else I'm biased - I ride an MV Agusta Brutale, and this looks like a lighter, simpler, somewhat slower version of the same thing (only with Ducati exhaust sounds). I hope Ducati sells a zillion of them.

 

[Vigor_Mortis]

I agree that it is a fun bike and wouldn't need all the extra accomidations that a bike like the Multistrada has. The design could end up being pulled in too many directions and lose its fun appeal, if the factory bolts too much onto it.



But it might also be able to replace the Supersport in Ducati's line up. And the presence of at least rudimentary passenger accomidations might help it sell a little better. Especially if the rear pegs can be easily removed for cleaner look.



Many potential buyers will be looking for a single bike to own and ride, not just an addition to the stable. Here is a bike that could work for a single bike owner, provided there is the potential for versatility.

 

[Looking_4_a_Bike]

Sounds like everyone here wants to turn this into a Multistrada (spell check anyone?). Leave it as it is, big motor and everything! The smaller cc versions will role out soon enough.



KTM's V-twin is comming out with a knobbie tires enduro version of their supermoto... Is there a dirt bound Duc around the corner? How about that for expanding your product line! (Buell did it, Ktm went dirt to street) Paris Dakar? I called it here first... if its not produced some crazy guy (who I envy) will mod it and run it. DUC PARIS DAKAR IN 2007!!!

 

[37035]

Basically, many of us simply want the Multistrada to look better...to look like the Hypermotard. I see absolutely no reason why a marginally taller fly-screen and well-designed (read slim and with "invisible" brackets) hard bags would have any affect on the looks. It's like the Monster. Some guys ditch the rearpegs and put on racy rearsets, clip-ons and high pipes. Other guys put on a flyscreen and some soft luggage. In the end, they all look like Monsters. In this case, the options could easily come from the factory. If they delivered what I'm asking for, they could drop the Multistrada from the books. Guys who want to buy the Hypermotard as a hooligan bike can have at it and chop stuff off, just like Monster owners do. Guys who want to have a more versatile bike can option it out with luggage. Ducati would get two bikes for the price of one and both would be gorgeous and desirable.