2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950/SP

[Hugh Janus]

The 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP ($18,695). Hard to argue with the special livery that distinguishes the SP model from the base Hyper. (Ducati/)

Ups

• For when pure riding excitement is the objective
• Rowdy engine character makes revving the throttle super addicting
• IMU-managed electronic aids help riders in case they get too carried away

Downs

• Relatively tall seat height may not suit everyone
• Practicality takes a back seat to good times

Verdict

Ducati made the Hypermotard 950 to maximize two-wheeled fun. With gobs of low-down torque, a helmet-over-the-front-wheel seating position, and long-travel suspension, the Hyper practically makes the morning commute as appealing as a blast down your local twisties.

A tall, motocross-style handlebar contributes to the upright ergonomics and offers a ton of leverage when flicking the Hypermotard around on a tight, twisty road. (Ducati/)

Overview

If laughing in your helmet is priority number one, the Ducati Hypermotard 950 is definitely worth a look. While true motards—or supermotos—are typically based on 450 motocrossers, the Hypermotard is based on what can only be described as an absurd idea. First introduced in 2007, the Hypermotard 1100 was Pierre Terblanche’s final design for Ducati. Dressing the 1,100cc desmodue engine in beefed-up supermoto clothes seemed daft, but the model has become a stalwart in Ducati’s lineup—and for good reason.

The Hyper is Ducati’s night out on the town. It may get a bit rowdy and a little giggly, but it doesn’t totally forget that it also wins world championships. The 950 uses the 937cc Testastretta 11° engine, a classic trellis frame, single-sided swingarm, underseat exhaust, and a full suite of electronic rider aids—not exactly the formula for a standard supermoto, but pretty classic Ducati stuff here.

The Hyper’s unconventional seating position and relatively long-travel suspension turn out to be pretty well-suited to tackling real world roads, and the engine’s bottomless torque makes it one of the most exhilarating twins to thrash this side of 150 horsepower. Ducati should let its hair down more often. Another round of negroni’s per favore!

The Hypermotard is one of the ultimate hooligan bikes. (Ducati/)

Updates for 2023

The Hypermotard 950 and 950 SP are unchanged for 2023.

Pricing And Variants

The Hypermotard is available in two versions: the base model ($14,995) and the 950 SP ($18,695). The SP has a racing inspired SP livery, an up/down quickshifter, forged Marchesini wheels, longer-travel Öhlins suspension front and rear, and a carbon fiber mudguard and timing belt covers. The base model has a lower 34.2-inch seat height with shorter travel Marzocchi forks and Sachs shock (6.7 inches of travel in the front and 5.9 inches in the rear). By comparison, the SP’s Öhlins units have 7.3 inches of travel in the front and 6.9 inches in the rear, bringing the seat height to 35 inches.

Competition

While there are plenty of hyper naked motorcycles out there, the Hypermotard is the only, well, hyper motard. For a truer interpretation of the supermoto, check out the KTM SMC R ($12,999). Its single-cylinder engine limits its all-around usability and it produces far less horsepower than the Hypermotard, but unlike the KTM 450 SMR—Mattighoffen’s legit supermoto—it’s street-legal. The KTM 890 Duke R ($12,949) is realistically the closest competitor in terms of providing wheelie-happy good times.

The Hypermotard uses Ducati’s 937cc Testastretta 11° engine. (Ducati/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Hypermotard produces a claimed 114 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 71 pound-feet of torque at 7,250 rpm. Compared to the other Testastretta 11°-powered motorcycles in Ducati’s lineup, the Hyper is tuned for increased bottom-end. The immediacy of the throttle response and abundant torque practically from idle mean thrills are available in any gear, at any speed. Redline sneaks up on you as revs build, though power begins to taper off at higher rpm. Short shifting through the ‘box is a pleasure, however. The gearbox is slick and requires only a light kick at the lever, and with the optional quickshifter (standard on the SP model), gear changes are lightning fast.

While good times are the goal, the Hypermotard is no mere toy. At highway speeds in sixth gear, the engine is smooth and unbothered. If it had cruise control, you’d definitely use it. Only at higher RPMs does the engine produce vibes through the pegs and bars to let you know it’s really trying.

Not everyone will take their Hypermotard to the track, but it’s cool to know what this bike is capable of. Look at that lean angle! (Ducati/)

Chassis/Handling

The Hyper has a classic steel trellis frame and, unlike the previous generation 939, has a matching subframe that mimics the original’s. Handling is characterized by relatively long-travel suspension. Suspension is fully-adjustable on the SP; the base model lacks compression damping adjustability on the rear shock.

On the base model, those long springs mean there’s significant weight transfer during hard braking. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing as it jams the front tire into the pavement and provides a ton of feedback. Handling is nimble, but riders will be rewarded for squaring off corners, braking hard on entry and getting on the gas at the exit, rather than trying to carry lots of corner speed and deep lean angles. In that way, the Hypermotard provides a different riding experience than, say, a SuperSport 950 or Monster. Tackling a stretch of twisties is more exhausting on the Hyper than its 937cc Testastretta stablemates, and one must exercise restraint on the throttle on corner exits since a steering damper doesn’t come standard. In slow speed corners, it feels natural to stick your leg out and push the bike down, dirtbike style.

More track antics. SP models get gully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear. (Ducati/)

Brakes

The Hypermotard 950 and 950 SP use radially mounted Brembo M4.32 calipers, radially mounted master cylinders and 320mm discs in the front—standard Ducati fare at this price point.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Ducati claims the Hypermotard receives 41 miles per gallon.

A long, moto-inspired seat offers plenty of room to move around and is overall comfortable. Even still, the Hypermotard is best for short, fun jaunts around town rather than longer commutes. SP models have a slightly taller seat height (35.0 inches versus 34.2). (Ducati/)

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The Hypermotard’s ergonomics emulate a supermoto. The flat seat and wide bar places the rider over the front wheel, giving the impression of sitting “on” rather than “in” the motorcycle. A 34.2-inch seat height (on the base model) is fairly tall, but a narrow waist helps it feel manageable. The seat has somewhat pronounced edges that can become uncomfortable over time, but the rider triangle is comfortable enough for all-day rides. The seat doesn’t offer a lot of room for passengers but passenger pegs are standard. Riding pillion on this wheelie-happy steed would require some courage.

Accommodations are fairly spartan, but aerodynamics are surprisingly smooth, so longer rides are manageable. Still, luggage space is limited.

The 4.3-inch TFT dash makes it easy to intuitively navigate Ducati’s menu options. (Ducati/)

Electronics

The Hypermotard has three fully customizable ride modes (Sport, Touring, Urban) and uses a Bosch 6-axis IMU to manage rider aids, including traction control, cornering ABS, and wheelie control. Power modes enable riders to set output (low and full) and throttle response (dynamic and smooth). A 4.3-inch TFT display and LED running lights round out the tech package.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ducati provides a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Quality

The Hypermotard is representative of Ducati’s midrange motorcycles, offering high-quality components and leading-edge technology. Fit and finish is high-quality, though the base model does not have a clear coat on the tank shrouds, which means the Ducati stickers can begin to peel at the edges if one isn’t careful with the polishing cloth.

Claimed Specs

	2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950	2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
MSRP:	$14,995	$18,695
Engine:	937cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.	937cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin; 8 valves
Bore x Stroke:	94.0 x 67.5mm	94.0 x 67.5mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	114 hp @ 9,000 rpm	114 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:	71 lb.-ft. @ 7,250 rpm	71 lb.-ft. @ 7,250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 53mm throttle bodies	Electronic fuel injection w/ 53mm throttle bodies
Clutch:	Slipper and self-servo wet, multiple disc; hydraulic operation	Slipper and self-servo wet, multiple disc; hydraulic operation
Engine Management/Ignition:	Ride-by-wire/TCI	Ride-by-wire/TCI
Frame:	Chromoly steel trellis	Chromoly steel trellis
Front Suspension:	45mm Marzocchi USD fork, fully adjustable; 6.7 in. travel	48mm Öhlins USD fork, fully adjustable; 7.3 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Progressive linkage Sachs monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable; 5.9 in. travel	Progressive linkage Öhlins monoshock, fully adjustable; 6.9 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo M4.32 4-piston caliper, dual 320mm discs w/ cornering ABS	Brembo M4.32 4-piston caliper, dual 320mm discs w/ cornering ABS
Rear Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 245mm disc w/ Bosch Cornering ABS	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 245mm disc w/ Bosch Cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Alloy wheels; 17 x3.50 in. / 17 x 5.50 in.	Alloy wheels; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 5.50 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Pirelli Diablo Rosso III; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17	Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP v3; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
Rake/Trail:	25.0°/4.1 in.	25.0°/4.1 in.
Wheelbase:	58.8 in.	59.0 in.
Seat Height:	34.2 in.	35.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.8 gal.	3.8 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	440 lb.	436 lb.
Contact:	ducati.com

Source

[Six30]

Proper motorcycle 

[Buckster]

Gay.

[Catteeclan]

Looks a very expensive play thing. Bloody love a rip on that.

[Buckster]

1 hour ago, Catteeclan said:

Looks a very expensive play thing. Bloody love a rip on that.

They are ridden by complete gammons usually. 

[Pedro]

That V shaped thing on the back where the light is looks kind of odd. It's a very cool bike though.