thinking about the Hypermotard 796 but...

[407guy]

Hi everyone. New guy here. Kicking some tires around with the Hypermotard 796. I sat on one this past weekend and like it a lot but for one thing: it’s a tad tall for me in the saddle. I did not test ride it as I didn’t have my gear with me.

Poking around this site and others I’ve been trying to gain some knowledge on how I can lower the bike 1”.

I’ve read the Ducati low seat only lowers the 796 by 5mm. So that is not an option unless I just want to waste almost $300.

The dealership told me they could lower the front at the forks and also make some sag adjustment. Do you think that would be able to lower it 1”?

Any other alternatives?

I have read about the adjustable links from other Ducati bikes but the info is a bit scattered for me (at least for me to understand). And I have read about the Sargent seat as well but I haven’t been able to find anyone post about this seat specific to the 796 and how much it lowers you to the ground. It may be lower overall but if it’s wider, you lose that “gain” since your legs have to be wider in the saddle.

I don’t want to start spending a lot of money to experiment. At this stage, a “lot” of money would be north of $500.

Briefly, in my garage now is a 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide (FLHX) and a 2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF. The Ducati would replace the Kawi.

Thanks for any info.

[Mr Mike]

Did you see this ?

Short and Hyper Part ii

[HyperPete]

I do wonder why people need to lower bikes!? not that I'm against it, each to their own.

But, I see the design of the bike would be comprimised if its lowered. I've had more bikes that had me on tip toes at stops, a lot of them were one foot-tip-toes I'm only 5'6", I've just learned to slide off getting one foot down early, or ride the rear brake slowing (to lights?) balanced while you consider a leg down.

I did have issues with my GS1200 with ESA set on high with a full tank, actually couldnt get back on it but rode it off the center stand (found that more funny than serious at the time)

My Hyper 796 seems to ride so nice I would think you'd be scrapping the pegs and header pipe if you lowered it... my theory is I get the bike to ride not to park or stop...
But, good luck, 796 is a wonderful ride!!

[Dollar Down]

I can understand 407guys concern. Being vertically challenged myself, I found my DRZ was not too tall to ride , but too tall to have full confidence when trying to manouvre the bike in tight spots.

I found that lowering the bike for a short while was pretty useful while getting used to the bike , and I raised it again about 6 months later. The bike definitely felt better at it's natural height , and by then I was comfortable with the added inch of seat height that the lowering link had reduced!

With a new rider on the Hyper , I think confidence would be the best mod to have, so a few months of suspension lowering might be $$$ well spent!

[407guy]

Originally Posted by Mr Mike

Did you see this ?

Short and Hyper Part ii

Cool, thanks for the link. “Custom” leads me to think $$$. However, I’ll get in contact with her on her experience lowering the bike.

Originally Posted by HyperPete

I do wonder why people need to lower bikes!? not that I'm against it, each to their own.

But, I see the design of the bike would be comprimised if its lowered. I've had more bikes that had me on tip toes at stops, a lot of them were one foot-tip-toes I'm only 5'6", I've just learned to slide off getting one foot down early, or ride the rear brake slowing (to lights?) balanced while you consider a leg down.

I did have issues with my GS1200 with ESA set on high with a full tank, actually couldnt get back on it but rode it off the center stand (found that more funny than serious at the time)

My Hyper 796 seems to ride so nice I would think you'd be scrapping the pegs and header pipe if you lowered it... my theory is I get the bike to ride not to park or stop...
But, good luck, 796 is a wonderful ride!!

Admittedly the HM796 will be a commuter bike for me. It will probably never see the track; only the possible weekend ride in the “twisties” of central Florida. LOL.

Good theory though, “bike is to ride not to park or stop”. Got me thinking.

Originally Posted by Dollar Down

I can understand 407guys concern. Being vertically challenged myself, I found my DRZ was not too tall to ride , but too tall to have full confidence when trying to manouvre the bike in tight spots.

I found that lowering the bike for a short while was pretty useful while getting used to the bike , and I raised it again about 6 months later. The bike definitely felt better at it's natural height , and by then I was comfortable with the added inch of seat height that the lowering link had reduced!

With a new rider on the Hyper , I think confidence would be the best mod to have, so a few months of suspension lowering might be $$$ well spent!

For me I just want to make sure I can maneuver the bike in and out of parking spots and my garage. If I can’t move the bike while sitting on it, with my feet, that does me no good – at least in my opinion.

I tip the scales at 5’6” and about 160lbs.

Thanks everyone. Keep the info coming.

[ktrides2]

Yea, I got lots of info for you, on phone right now, I'll get on the computer on my lunch break.

[NYSport]

I thought the Hyper was too tall when I first started looking at them in late 07. I really liked the bike so I took a test drive, 5 minutes of getting comfortable with the height then pure fun. As mentioned above, one foot down works fine. If you want this style of bike, any brand, you will have to deal with a relatively high seat, it's just the nature of the beast.

[ktrides2]

My Internet is down at work, so still on my phone. Real quick though, I don't think you need a link and shock like me for just an inch.

I was able to get 2" from shaving the seat. That with adjustments from melli should work for you. When I get my Internet back, I'll get you the info on how to do the seat. it's pretty easy and cheap.

[Renegadevt]

You could simply customize the seat by removing some of the foam and reduce the hight that way. Any suspension changes to reduce seat hight will result in less lean angle, not a good thing if you are going to push her hard.

[CAlexio]

Originally Posted by Renegadevt

You could simply customize the seat by removing some of the foam and reduce the hight that way. Any suspension changes to reduce seat hight will result in less lean angle, not a good thing if you are going to push her hard.

totally agree. Do not lower the hyper... do the seat mod which is really cheap, or learn to ride with tiptoes... it's really no big deal with such a great steering lock angle as this bike has.

one other peace of advice... get the 1100, you'll tire of the 796 quickly.