Ducati has gone back to the drawing board with its supermoto inspired Hypermotard. The 2013 Hypermotard has been comprehensively improved, with revised styling, a spanking new engine, 3-way adjustable ABS, plus an 8-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system. The Hypermotard has done well to upgrade its electronic arsenal, for the outgoing model was long in the tooth on this front. The new Hypermotard is also available as an SP variant, which gets Ducati’s race livery, engine tweaks as well as spruced-up suspension and brake components.
The Hypermotard series has seen success since production began in 2007, grabbing the fancy of motorcycle enthusiasts around the globe with sharp, aggressive styling and nimble, hard edged nature. Ducati has toiled to raise the bar, and has shifted the goal post even further. The aggressive Hypermotard for 2013 looks much sharper, its roundish front beak-like mudguard now more aerodynamic, and other body panels are restyled as well, giving this 2013 model a fresher look. You also benefit restyled 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the SP variant gets Ducati’s 1199 Panigale-S inspired red pin striped 3-spoke forged aluminium Marchesini wheels. The SP additionally comes with a front mudguard and camshaft belt cover fabricated from carbon fibre.
The 2013 Hypermotard uses a 2-into-1 exhaust system with stainless steel tip, routed from its flank instead of a twin under-seat exhaust previously.
The bike now houses a four-stroke, 11 degree L-twin, 821cc, Desmodromic, Testastretta, 8-valve engine. This fuel-injected engine is liquid-cooled and generates 110bhp at 9250rpm, with peak torque 9.1kgm at 7750rpm. There’s a 6-speed gearbox, and wet, slipper type clutch that Ducati tells us provides lighter feel at the lever.
Both Hypermotard variants provide three riding modes, albeit with a slight difference. On the standard bike, peak power is 110bhp in Sport and Touring, while Urban mode drops power to 75bhp, making the Hypermotard a tamer motorcycle for city use. The SP comes with Race and Sport modes, again making maximum power of 110bhp and a Wet mode with 75bhp at the wrist for safer riding in low traction, wet riding conditions. Different riding modes also affect throttle response, which is Ride-by-Wire. ABS and traction control levels also fluctuate depending on which mode the bike is slotted into. This Hypermotard uses a high-tech, now Ducati typical dot matrix instrument panel displaying all and more, from speed to oil-pressure, air-temperature, average fuel consumption and journey time.
The 2013 Hypermotard deploys a 34mm diameter exposed tubular steel, trellis type frame with a single-side alloy swingarm. Its 43mm Kayaba made upside-down front forks travel 170mm, while a Sachs, fully adjustable monoshock does duty at the rear. The SP comes equipped with state-of-the-art lightweight, pressurized 50mm Marzochhi upside-down front forks with increased 185mm travel, while a high-end fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock absorber is at rear. The Hypermotard is a comfortable bike, with an upright riding position and rider friendly ergonomics. For 2013, the Hypermotard’s handlebar has moved forward and higher, with the rider footrests coming closer to the front wheel, giving the rider a commanding riding position that aids easier manoeuvrability.
The Hypermotard uses novel Brembo brakes with ABS. The Hypermotard is equipped with sticky Pirelli tyres that offer ample grip, riding in a straight line or when aggressively cornering.
The new Hypermotard is a practical and fun motorcycle, its 2013 upgrades certain to give its rivals stiff competition. This new Ducati is expected to roll into Indian showrooms later this year.
Price Rs 18lakhs (estimated)
On sale 2013
L/W/H 2110/860/1220mm
Wheelbase 1505mm
Ground clearance 210mm
Fuel tank capacity 16 litres
Kerb weight 194kg
Engine layout L-twin, liquid-cooled, four-stroke
Displacement 821cc
Power 110bhp at 9250rpm
Torque 9.1kgm at 7750rpm
Specific output 134bhp per litre
Power to weight 567bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed, 1-down, 5-up
Front suspension Adjustable,
Upside-down forks
Rear suspension Monoshock, single-side swingarm
Front brake 320mm discs (ABS)
Rear brake 245mm disc (ABS)
Wheels 3-spoke alloy
Rim size (f-r) 17inches
Tyre size (f-r) 120/70 x 17- 180/55 x 17 inches