In 2013 Ducati released the updated Hypermotard along with that something even more wild, a genuine touring version: the Hyperstrada.
By this time the market for big, touring-friendly supermotards had already dwindled, as consumers started moving towards sport touring bikes and ADVs. This didn’t stop Ducati though, and as other manufacturers shifted their attention to other more lucrative models, Ducati soldiered on in this niche market. While the Hypermotard is still available, the Hyperstrada – effectively a niche model within a niche market – lasted only 4 years.
With all the touring kit already added, it actually presents itself as pretty good value on the used market today. The fact that it only survived a few years and that it was not produced in large numbers means they are getting harder to find, but unlike other rare Ducati’s, this one is actually affordable.
The Good
Well, it is a Ducati afterall, and they rarely get styling wrong. The first Hypermotard was designed by Pierre Terblanche – the same guy who took so much flak for designing the 999 – and is arguably his best work. It is however worth noting the fact that not everyone loves the whole supermotard concept, so it will always be a little polarizing at its core… but we certainly fall on the side of the fence that thinks it is absolutely gorgeous.
The Hyperstrada is simply an evolution of that design, and the touring add-ons don’t look out of place at all. It is really easy to get a touring model wrong if the luggage or windshield look tacked on, but Ducati did a great job of blending these items seamlessly with the original design. If you saw this before you saw a Hypermotard, you might even think it is a stand alone model.
Performance wise the Hyperstrada does not disappoint with its liquid cooled 821cc Testastretta L-twin good for 110 hp. Not quite up to the spec of modern sport tourers, but more than enough to be fun. And fun is what the Hyperstrada is all about. It has sharp, agile handling thanks to its steel trellis chassis which helps the bike carry its weight particularly well. It comes into its own along winding back roads, and even with the addition of all the touring equipment, it still only tips the scales at a pretty reasonable 450 lbs.
The Bad
Like most “L-twin” Ducatis it runs pretty hot. So much so that its commuting ability is compromised to a degree, especially in hotter climates. Even though it is a smaller Ducati twin, it is still a desmo, and maintenance costs have proven to be fairly high over the years.
Most people who want to go on longer rides, or tour, will want to share the experience with a passenger. If you do that on the Hyperstrada, the experience you share may not be a good one. It is still a motard, which means it is relatively compact and has a single dirt bike-esque seat. So the passenger accommodations are, to say the least, sparse. It is more of a touring bike for those who want to do solo rides, which is fine, but it is important to understand its limitations. The stock KYB forks are non-adjustable, which was a surprising miss even back upon launch in 2013. The rear Sachs shock is adjustable, which is important because the stock settings won’t work for most riders. Setting the sag and tuning the suspension is crucial if you want to get the most out of any bike, even more so on the Hypermotard.
Who’s It For
It is important to approach any used Hyperstrada with a degree of caution, while prices are dropping, if the deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is. This is an Italian motorcycle and every Italian motorcycle will have quirks that are unique to it, you need to be able to accept that fact.
What makes the Hyperstrada so interesting is the fact that it is for everyone and no one at the same time. It is a jack of all trades that can appeal to just about anyone, but it just never caught on with anyone. Today it just represents great value on the used market. Back when it was new prices were steep, which was one of the main reasons they sold so poorly.
The first generation of the Hyperstrada – yes, Ducati managed to squeeze in two generations over the course of its short 4 year lifespan – is now 10 years old, so prices are finally looking realistic. As long as you are willing to live with an engine that stays pretty hot, and like us, you like the design, then this might be the perfect fit for you. Even for a Ducati this is a pretty unique model, and that only adds to the appeal.
Specifications
Price Range | $5,500 - $7,500 |
Engine | 821cc Testastretta L-twin |
Power | 110hp |
Torque | 66 lb-ft |
Weight | 450 lbs (wet) |