[Ducati] Well, the Hypermotard doesn't suck...

[Warren Egger]

I spent most of Sunday riding the new Hyper, and guess what, it sucks not!
This is the motorcycle I was hoping for when I bought my KTM 525 with the
motard wheels. On any road at any speed under 90-100 mph, I don't believe
that any motorcycle could have an advantage over it. I can't find ANYTHING
wrong with this thing. As Dave Wright said, the seat is a bit tedious after
an hour or two, but other than that, it's PERFECT. I put just over 100 miles
on it out in the hill country west of Austin, from highways to little back
farm/market roads. The smaller roads are the most fun, but the bike is still
nice on mid-level highways. The engine is very smooth, and from off idle to
about 6500 rpm, I couldn't find any rpm range with vibration or disharmony.
Plenty of horsepower, and while I didn't take it over 6500 rpm, I've been
riding a fully broken in Multistrada 1100 around and I would expect the same
smooth tapering off of power at higher rpm. I've always been a 4valve kinda
guy because of the smoothness and long powerband, but the latest versions of
the DS two-valve motors are sweet, with a nice long smooth powerband and a
smooth tapering off of power before the rev limiter kicks in. In the saddle,
the bike just completely disappears underneath you. It feels planted, goes
where you point it, and just basically feels like an extension of your mind.
I had it on the back wheel, over dips/bumps in the road, around bumpy
corners, even had the bike fully in the air for a second, and it was always
solid and confidence inspiring. The front wheel felt stuck like glue in any
corner or bumpy situation. The brakes are amazing too... one finger on the
front and a firm boot on the rear lever and the thing just squats and scrubs
off speed. No complaints at all there. I rode it on the same roads that I've
been riding the 1100 Multi and my 1150 GS on, and the Hyper is fully
composed in conditions that would give some pucker factor on the others. I'm
simply amazed how well it works. It's the most fun I've had in forever. As I
said before, it completely disappeared beneath me and I've never felt so at
ease so quickly on any bike. This thing rocks. 
 
Cheers,
Wegs...