Ducati Hyperstrada ; Any Info / Opinions?

[Brakelate]

So, while "window shopping" online last night I found myself repeatedly directed to the same local "European" bike dealership, who covers; KTM, Ducati, Triumph, MotoGuzzi and even Piaggio scooters.

I was soaking in the new KTM 1290 Super Adventure, now that they have hit the showroom floors. I then became distracted with the multiple variants of a bike that I would LIKE to Like, the big Multistrada. Still too pricy, too exotic for me.

Then I bumped across a "Plain Jane" model, in White, that I had previously overlooked somehow, until now. The model is a "Hyperstrada"... a 800cc-ish bike that slides in between the smaller, more practical bikes, and the top shelf 1200cc machines such as the HyperMotard and Multistrada. All, with some interesting goodies on it, that morphs it into a machine that leans more towars a blend between a Large Supermoto, or a Mid-Sized "Adventure Touring (Road)" machine, that still retains the nice motor, single sided swing arm and beautiful wheels.

All looks good, with the only "wobbler" in my love it or hate it category, being the seriously large (WIDE) factory side bags. Great for being on the open road for a weekend, a bit too ugly (Gives it a Huge Hips look) for a day in the canyons or for daily duty, splitting lanes. Other than that, it is all there.

Price: I also was turned off the price, as it was up in the high $13k range. Fine, for it's level of equipment, but up in that price range you get a machine, similarly, equipped, but with a much larger motor and of Japanese build quality. Then after following links around, I found that they have it on Sale for just under $10k!!! NOW we are talking. That plunks it right dead center in the middle of all of those bikes, with a do it all attitude; Sport Touring bike with factory bags and "enough" motor, yet removable bags, wide bars, enough clearance to ride like a Supermoto or a light Adventure Touring type of bike. ALL with the fancy Ducati name and beautiful components that are synonymous with that brand marque.

Odd, how I have NEVER seen on of these, on print, or in person. Yet, it seems to "bridge" a very special gap between many segments and sizes of bikes, all with style and that Ducati sound, paint and rear drive. VERY INTERESTING. I am just starting to look into it, but wondered if anyone else had any first hand opinions, knowledge or heard any mumblings of this machine in the inner circles of the local "Ducatisti". For the price of a Scrambler, 690 Duke, or the local New, Old Stock VFR1200f or a new VStrom 1000, this thing makes it's way right in the middle of that big mix, with everyone's "Pro's" and "Con's" being formed on which way each of us leans towards how we might feel about a brand, the looks or it's intended use once put into service.

So, check this out!

http://8868.motorcyclesforless.net/vslp ... hotos-full

[Tetge]

At 450 pounds wet, it is not a supermotard, but, it is lighter than a V-Strom, for sure. The bike in the ad is a 2013 so that might explain the discount, although no one knows about freight and set up which was about an additional $2000, at Berts. But, I have to admit, it is on paper, a trick setup as it has 110 HP and lots of torque (on the Ducati site they show a dyno chart). It also has big 17" rims with some tire that I have no idea about, but which may be an adventure tourer type tire.

The write up here http://www.sportrider.com/sportbikes/du ... -crossover did not indicate that it would be of interest to me, although it does have a center stand. But, it has slippery tires and lacks cornering clearance and has a muted exhaust note, which could be fixed only by spending more money. And, the semi soft bags are ugly and wide, and they said that they were in the way when getting on the bike.

[SonicVenum]

Looks pretty sweet! I agree that those bags are wide, but I suppose you can store those away for when you decide to take a trek to the southern tip of the Americas.

[xbacksideslider]

I wish that I had something useful to say but I am ignorant; I just don't follow the touring or adventure touring segment, all piggish. If I want to go a long ways, I take a cage. Got long distance MC riding out of my system in 1971 when I took off cross country with $300 in my pocket riding my '71 Commando with a friend on his four speed Honda 450 black bomber. A four day ride two years ago with Frank Forster and the Moto Melee tour de NorCal reminded me that my ass doesn't like it.

[Tetge]

I wish that I had something useful to say but I am ignorant; I just don't follow the touring or adventure touring segment, all piggish. If I want to go a long ways, I take a cage. Got long distance MC riding out of my system in 1971 when I took off cross country with $300 in my pocket riding my '71 Commando with a friend on his four speed Honda 450 black bomber. A four day ride two years ago with Frank Forster and the Moto Melee tour de NorCal reminded me that my ass doesn't like it.

And, yet, by my standards you have remained a long distance rider to this very day. But, apparently, you do not consider a one day ride up to 300 miles, or so, as long distance. I find 100 mile rides long, although they can be done if there is at least one stop at a bar included.

That is all, other than a rumor that Brakelate may be coming to the LA area this Sat and Sun and bringing his full race DR-Z SM and his riding gear. I have heard rumors that he want's to add a KTM to his list of kills. As I said, this is currently just a rumor but I did tell my brother about it, and, he may even now be adding a turbo to his Triumph Daytona as a wee antique 500 twin is over matched when it comes to riding with THE Brakelate.

Just saying.........

[SonicVenum]

Anyone coming into So Cal from the East would be wise to avoid the 10 fwy due to that little bridge collapse thing that occurred east of Palm Springs.

[jhwalker]

Anyone coming into So Cal from the East would be wise to avoid the 10 fwy due to that little bridge collapse thing that occurred east of Palm Springs.

I heard that they are now calling it a 30 minute backup... ??? Who knows??

I did not know that bike existed. Sounds cool.

[SonicVenum]

Yeah, I think they opened up the westbound lanes now. I read an article that claimed there are MANY So Cal bridges in need of repair or retrofit. The one that failed just happened to be on a major artery.