Commuting on the Hyper - Ducati.ms

jbernard · Feb 9th, 2011, 10:40 am

So I need to start riding my bike more (Hyper)! The weekends are too short so I've decided to start commuting to work on it on Friday's (weather permitting; I'm a Cali native and totally spoiled; I hate the cold and rain!).

My commute to work is 110 miles round trip! Yah, it sucks but it's part of living in the Bay.

The commute is comprised of about 25-30 miles Freeway and 25 miles cutting through a fun ass canyon (Niles Canyon) and City. The bummer is that I need to cross a bridge (Dumbarthan). It's hella long and windy as F*ck!. I hate this part of the ride (I've done in about 5-10 times).

I'm debating selling the Hyper for a 848 or 1098 (Ducati Only). The sport bikes are more suitable for freeway and bridge + I do love these bike just as much as my Hyper. It's hard to make a decision cause I like both styles equally. Perhaps I should just sack up and ride the Hyper and deal (I've had it for about 3 yrs now)...I don't know! I know I can get a windscreen for the Hyper to help block wind, but I don't really like the look. My Hyper is sick; I just put a full Termi on it! 2 bikes are not a possibility.

Not really asking a question...just venting other who have the same interest as me.

WakeDude · Feb 9th, 2011, 10:55 am

Keep the Hyper, it is much more comfortable for commuting!

You might not like it but I have included an optional windscreen, some member had it on his Hyper for some time. I believe it is the biggest you can get.
TwistedThrottle.com : MRA Highwayshield (style "HI") windshield for naked sport bikes, cruisers, enduro, and dual sport motorcycles - MRA.HI

-Alex

ADHD · Feb 9th, 2011, 11:29 am

What about the windscreen for the commute and remove it for the weekend warrior stuff?

disgo duc · Feb 9th, 2011, 11:40 am

i think the windscreens are a waste of time..had one for ahwhile and all it did was adjust the wind underneath my helmet acually making it worse..then the tab broke off where it was mounted so i sent it back..i love the superbikes as well so a year later after i bought the hyper i bought a used 1098s..so now i have both..and glad i did..im happy now even though i had to snack ramen noodles and water for a year to afford both..jus keep looking for a 1098 or 848 used on craigslist and cycletrader i found mine for 11k w/1900miles and lots of extras.goodluck!

flynbulldog · Feb 9th, 2011, 12:11 pm

I honestly don't think the SBK is going to make the wind effect any better - hell, it may be worse???

I think you need to see if you can somehow get on an SBK and try the bridge (on a windy day) and see if it really makes a difference.

I can tell you this; after a long day's work - when you're really tired and just want to get home - the Hyper is going to be a lot better than a race bike for commuting.

But hey, if you really just want to have an SBK for a while and you're using this as an excuse... just go for it - you only live once

mangler7 · Feb 9th, 2011, 3:38 pm

My hyper is my daily driver. It gets very windy coming out of high mountain tunnels. I had same issue with wind until i learned one trick ....tuck your chin into your chest a bit and find the sweet spot for aerodynamics of your helmet.

Even though I am tall and ride upright, the majority of the push around 85mph was on my helmet. Try it out. It might be a major difference for you also.

Raiden · Feb 9th, 2011, 5:04 pm

I guess the wind screen works if your short like me. I'm 5'8" and mine helps noticeably. It only takes like 5 to 10 minuets to remove. I commuted with my bike all last Spring and Summer about 80 miles round trip. It was great because I could park on the job-site and not have to worry about parking in the city. The only thing that would make it better would be getting the Howard Stern show in my helmet, that's the only part I missed about commuting with the car.

1198freak · Feb 9th, 2011, 5:54 pm

I both a hyper and an 1198. The Hyper is much more comfortable for long rides, but the lack of wind protection gets tiresome quickly. I put a Fabbri windscreen on mine, I dont think it looks bad, and it helps with wind protection. Up to around 80 mph I have no wind issues at all. Also, at higher speeds, I think it may even add a bit of stability to the front end.

jbernard · Feb 9th, 2011, 6:13 pm

Raiden - that is another huge factor for commuting on my bike...No Stern! I can't imagine a drive w/out it. So F'ing Stoked he signed for another 5 yrs!

1198Freak - I actually really like that windscreen. I'll probably end up getting one.

BaBaBooey to you all!

Chouch · Feb 9th, 2011, 6:14 pm

110 miles is a hell of a long commute ! It's about a full tank, every day...

Maybe a good alternative to the Hyper or a 1098 is the 1200 Multistrada.
It sure does better at protecting you from the wind, the riding position is great, and would make each part of your commute feel like a breeze.