HyperMotard, All Season Bike? - Ducati.ms

Vboulderer · Feb 3rd, 2011, 9:22 am

hey guys

I took the opportunity to sneak the 1198 out of the Garage this past Sunday as the temps actually got above freezing.
It was nice to get a short ride in, but all the gravel, and sand from past plow trucks on the road made for a few tricky situations... I will not be taking that bike out again until spring.

I've always liked the HyperMotard but have never had the excuse to own one.. but being able to ride it All year would certainly justify it.

What do you guys think?

Liberator · Feb 3rd, 2011, 10:24 am

I typically ride the bike path to work during the winter (cycling) but it's been virtually impossible lately so I've been taking the Hyper. I'm a pretty new rider but I've been really amazed at the Hyper's quick recovery in a couple of hairy moments. I'm ginger as hell these days because of melt/refreeze cycle here in VA but the damn thing sure inspires confidence when it lets go and then instantly hooks up again. I guess I'm coming from the perspective of riding cycling race bikes with 23mm tires so I have that paranoia in my head.

Briefly washed out the front starting from a left turn lane when I hit some sand and it gave me a little front slide and hooked right back up. Was in the process of putting my left foot down but it hooked up even before I could. Coming through some of the remaining snow/slush on my street gave it a little gas for fun and she wiggled but really predictably. Done this sorta thing a few times coming out of the driveway as well with similar results. These are stock tires too (with about 2800 miles on 'em so they're scuffed up enough I suppose). I'd really prefer to have winter tires on her but I'm sure I haven't even begun to push the limits of bad weather performance (nor am I planning on it with the fools driving around here). Rode in today and the melt refreeze freaked me out but stuck to well traveled roads and it was cool.

**dieselndixie** · Feb 3rd, 2011, 10:26 am

Sure, as long as you live here in Texas!

Vboulderer · Feb 3rd, 2011, 11:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselndixie

Sure, as long as you live here in Texas!

na NY my man.

any other ideas?

DR14 · Feb 3rd, 2011, 11:34 am

If you're in New Paltz, you're gonna be stuck til spring like we are down here, I'm surprised you were even able to get out.
Try the Hypermotard demo they have at Rockwell Cycles at Bear Mt. in a few weeks and see if you like it. That will tell you anything you need to know.

Vboulderer · Feb 3rd, 2011, 12:09 pm

didn't know they had a demo day... good to know...
The roads clear up enough...
I think a set of heated grips and a wool base layer under the leathers and i'll be all good temperature wise.

now i just need the rite bike...

Liberator · Feb 3rd, 2011, 1:07 pm

I'd really like to hear from someone who's put dual-sport studded tires on and kept riding through winter. Doubt that's legal in VA but I think it is in states allowing studded car tires (but realistically, who's gonna catch ya?)

NikMusolino · Feb 3rd, 2011, 3:39 pm

This bike definitely deserves more than one set of wheels: I'd lyke a set of BST track carbons outfitted slick as well as magnesium or steel wheels with knobbied rubbers for the urganic stuff. So many fireroads in Rancho here where Iwish I at least had a front knobby...

Overall, I dig the Marschesinis straight for the ideal they're suited for. That is one sexxyrigid wheel

urban & circuit both, they're proper. This bike can be year-round, as long as Yer not faint of heart. Pockets should be well-appointed too!

Raiden · Feb 3rd, 2011, 4:15 pm

I don't even attempt to ride my bike in the winter. Sandy, salty, icy roads plus it's just to freakin cold. I go in my garage and stare at it while I drink beer. Makes Spring just that much better because I long to ride.

sick50ford · Feb 3rd, 2011, 6:16 pm

I rode the hype to work today after riding my new '76 honda 550 all week. It felt like I was strapped to a damn rocket ship. What a difference!