Need help with decision - Ducati.ms

mdemers883 · Jun 9th, 2008, 9:29 am

Ok, so I've narrowed down my bike choices to two. It comes down to the Hypermotard and the Speed Triple. Right now I'm leaning towards the Hypermotard. I've been on dirt bikes racing moto-x since I was 12. I've been on streetbikes since I was 16. I've ridden Harley's and sportbikes. I'm looking to get back into something sporty, but not a killer on my wrists. I don't do much highway riding since it bores me to death, so wind protection isn't a big deal for me. I'm 5'6" so I'm short (if I got a hypermotard I'd need to get that linkage to lower it).

I know this is a ducati site and I'm in the hypermotard forum so of course the opinions may be a bit biased, but I also know you guys are very objective as well. I love the looks of both bikes, they are both very sharp in their own way. I also like that they are both bikes that you don't see at every stop light. They also both have unique engines. One being a torquey twin with a throaty exhaust note. The other being a liquid cooled triple with a nice exhaust note as well (especially with the arrow exhaust.)

I live in North East Florida, so it's pretty flat and straight, but I can find some turns here and there. A majority of my riding will be short trips, as in 100 miles a day when I do go out for a ride. Also, I will have my fiance riding on the back fairly frequently. Right now I'm leaning towards the Hypermotard due to the looks, the fact that it's a ducati, and I love the uniqueness of the bike. Just looking to get some input from you guys as I know you all have a lot of experience with the hypermotard and some of you may have even owned a speed triple in the past.

Thanks!

broop · Jun 9th, 2008, 10:47 am

I have owned both bikes and love them. I grew up motocross and cross country racing and continued to ride dirt well into my 40s. The Hyper is the most fun road bike I have ever owned. I have had it long enough that the "honeymoon passion" has subsided and I am into every day life with it. The Speed Triple is a great bike but lacks the attitude, personality and sheer fun of the Hyper.

I have a 1098 and a BMW K1200S that both remain parked most of the time in favor of the Hyper.

Good news is that there is no bad decision here.

mdemers883 · Jun 9th, 2008, 12:07 pm

Glad to hear that you are still enjoying it after the "newness" has worn off. I agree with you on no matter what I choose I'm getting a great bike. I'm still a bit torn, but leaning more towards the Hypermotard. I think I'll like it even more if it's a bit lower.

Motard-Menace · Jun 9th, 2008, 12:53 pm

I also have owned both bikes you speak of. I had an 06 S3 that I purchased in the summer of 05. It was a great bike in many regards. The 1050 motor is a horse and it did sound great with an M3 stubby pipe on it. Handled very well and was pretty comfy. After about 2 years ownership I saw the HyperMotard. Sold the S3 3 months before the Hyper even landed in the US just to make room in the garage. Put the deposit down on the HM shortly after selling the S3, haven't looked back.

I have had the HM since last summer and its still fun to ride. I'll give you a little personal comparison on both bikes good and bad.

1. The HM vs. S3 for pilot comfort is a tie. I do believe the HM's pillion comfort is a little better if you care. That said I heard the S3 lowered their passenger pegs to make a little more room for the pillion rider though. The HM's pillion portion of the seat is a little larger though and a tad better for the rider.

2. Carving & cornering: I give this one to the HM, it holds it lines better and is more flickable in the end. The S3 is no slouch but the HM wins here as it will with many sportbikes even. Hands down.

3. Motor: Depends on what you want here. Both have gobs of torque, the HM making its a little lower which translates into better off the line acceleration and the front wheel lifting a little easier in 1st,2nd & 3rd (if you like that sort of thing) but the triple's motor has no problems with 1st gear power wheelies either and does have a better top end. I personally love the twin engine and with an exhaust I think the HM sounds better then just about anything on two wheels. I've been fortunate enough to compare the 1098 with Termi's vs. the HM with full Termi and the exhaust note on the HM is better IMHO. The triple also has a very unique exhaust note in its own right just doesn't sound as mean though. Really can't go wrong with either power plant.

4. Distance traveling. Both are not great for this as the wind protection is shoddy on both at best. You do have a little more leaned into the bike feel on the S3 so I suppose its a tad better but not enough to make a difference + with the right rear sets you could have that feel with the HM if you want. Either bike is fine for a 40-50 mile super slab jaunt that doesn't wear you out. But thrive more in the curves where the HM is the winner. Gas tank capacity would be the HM's limiting factor here compared to the S3 which wins that category. For me though 110-120 miles at a crack is plenty and I'm ready for a quick rest. The only downside is making sure you have the petrol stops planned if going for distance.

5. Components & fit and finish. I give this one to the HM. The new S3 did fix the front brake issue with Brembo's on their new models but overall components and finish go to the HM again in my opinion.

6. Urban warfare: I'm going to go with the HM again in this category. It is great for urban riding with a nice tall perch to see around you, throws less heat at you in traffic, has a better set up for some luggage if needed and just thrive in this atmosphere which I what I think it was really designed for. Urban use with a few canyon or track weekends thrown in.

Overall after reading this you can see I give the HM a little better marks and maybe I am slightly biased since I have one but honestly I loved the S3 too but wouldn't sell the HM to get another one if that tells you anything. Of course the HM is a little more expensive but not enough to really limit it as a choice between these machines if you as me. Goodluck and you really can't do wrong by having either one in your garage.

mdemers883 · Jun 9th, 2008, 1:04 pm

Great post. That's EXACTLY the type of comparison response I was hoping to get. You touched on all the points that concerned me and went into detail on them. I couldn't have asked for a better response. I'm def leaning more towards the Hypermotard. The fit, finish, and exhaust is a tough one to beat.

shat · Jun 9th, 2008, 1:13 pm

I too live in Florida aka HEAT! My buddy just picked up a Triumph Tiger, an '06 which he loves....except.....the HEAT (off the engine that hits his calves unless he rides bowlegged.) Might want to consider that aspect and how the S3 manages radiator exhaust.

GHEZZI · Jun 9th, 2008, 6:05 pm

Was about to chime in with my opinion (good intentions) until I read Motard-Menace's comments, so I better shut up as I've never owned a speed triple, only ridden the nephews 955i a short distance to set up suspension.

What I do know is this. Had a pillion for a 300klm ride on a 40C day (104F), as well as HER bottom getting a little too warm, the underside of the pillion grab handles also cop a fair amount of heat and HER pinkies got slightly roasted.

Oil temp hit a high of 123C (253F) @ 200kph

The lady in question was a new acquaintance and did a good job of keeping her puppies to herself. Drats, I must learn to brake harder.