Interested in hypermotard

[Spectre186]

Hey guys,

I've always been interested in super motos because they seem to be very fun and practical on every day streets. My last bike was a 600rr and it seemed like I just had to wind it up too much to have fun on it. Is the hypermotard alot of fun just to ride around the streets with?

Anyways, the hypermotard looks and sounds amazing! I was wondering what sort of other bikes I should look at before making a final decision on the hypermotard.

Also, I was wondering how much of a handful the hypermotard is to ride, the engine is almost 2x as big as my old 600, and I think it weighs a little more as well.

Thanks alot guys.
-Ryan

[colacin]

I happen to have a 600RR in addition to my hyper...

I got the CBR after the hyper, so when I first got on it I was completely disappointed by the power. The hyper has soo much torque down low. You don't need to wind up the hyper at all and it actually doesn't wind up. I wish it had a couple grand more revs to play with. The hyper is fun at about any speed (under 90mph) whereas the CBR has to be going pretty fast to get in the power band. Once the wind blast picks up the hyper is a lot less fun, but you can definitely have a good time on it around town.

The CBR is much easier to ride slowly (crawling in traffic) because it doesn't mind being at 2k rpm and there isn't much reaction to the throttle down low. The hyper can be pretty jerky at less than 4k in first gear and the the throttle takes some getting used to in that range. You generally need to be slipping the clutch or you shake back and forth.

On the HM you can't just whack the throttle and expect the front wheel to stay on the ground and it can be a bit twitchy under acceleration.

I don't notice much of a weight difference between them, in truth.

Other bikes I would consider: KTM SuperDuke or SM990, Street Triple, Monster 1100.

Sort of random thoughts here- but I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

[unfast1]

I would just say after owning both. 0-120 MPH there is nothing like this bike. After that, it falls on it's face and dies. But I ride mine on the track pretty often and have very little trouble. Straight's, I get my ass kicked. In the right hands it's a missile on a short, tight track. On the street daily, nothing comes close. Change the seat and it's perfect. The torque is ridicules(sp) and makes you do dumb things.

[kismetcapitan]

The BMW HP2 Megamoto is also a good alternative to the Hypermotard. The BMW boxer has as much character and tradition behind it as the L-twin, plus it also has stump-pulling torque down low, 10lb/ft and 25 hp more than the Hypermotard.

[mountainrider]

I am fortunate to live in the mountains of NC. I just sold my Ohlins-ed out 600RR. I still have my Hyper.

I purchased my Hyper used last May, from a guy going through a divorce just 2 months after having bought it. This acquisition was decided by spending a day swapping bikes on a few of my favorite routes. The biggest difference between riding bikes on these roads and an olympic skier on a slalom run is being able to head back uphill at full-goose-bozo. 8 months later and I still can't get enough seat time on the Hyper!

I think I rode the CBR a couple of times over the summer. I originally intended it as a track bike but downsizing at work has made finding the time near impossible. The mountain roads right outside my garage are pretty accessible anytime the mood/opportunity strikes. I think the 600RR is a great track tool. Carving up gnarly twisty bits of asphalt is better done on the Hyper. Commuting in city traffic is better in a car.

FWIW, YMMV.

[DJP123]

I bought my hyper to ride back and forth to work and as a playbike
on weekends. I had my KTM 525 in supermoto form previous to buying
the ducati. The bike makes a great daily commuter for short distances
and is wonderful as a playbike.
I love the riding position which is so much like a true supermoto
but the bike has so much more to offer.
I love riding to work and parking along side the 30 or so harleys
at work. The hardcore hd riders love that italian v-twin sound.
I would say the superduke would be another bike to look at with
more horsepower and also more money than the hyper, but I
would go with the hyper with the unique look and feel over the ktm.

[sconly]

I love my Hyper, dont have to wind it up, everything happens in the first 4000rpm, its comfortable and while a lot of people complain about the fuel range I find that 100 miles (when my fuel light comes on) is just the right time to stop, take a break, stretch and gas up. lots of room to move around, the mirrors, while wide are very effective.

[Spectre186]

Thanks for the replies so far. I've started looking at some of the other bikes you guys have suggested. I need to look at them more in depth, but I can definitely tell there is some indescribable force pulling me to the HM.

The HM seems like its great right out of the box. Are there any must have mods? Also, have there been any reliability issues with this bike, or will it run forever as long as you follow the maintenance schedule?

I'm sure I'll find this out when I test ride one, but how comfortable is the riding position? Coming from the 600rr I'm sure it'll be way better.

I completely forgot about not having much wind protection, I'll just consider that a built in anti-speeding function!

-Ryan

[Borracho]

I can comment on the wind protection as I came off of a BMW 1200ADV; surprisingly, this does pretty good at moving the air flow around you.

While you still feel the wind, especially above 80mph; the front of the HM does a great job of deflecting it. I wear an Arai XD3 with a visor and I've yet to get it 'caught in the wind' as I did when riding other sport bikes. BTW; 6'1", 32" inseam.

I had a GXR and some other sport/cruising bikes in the past years and nothing is as fun as this bike. Out of the box, it's a great bike. I ran it stock up to my 600 miles service, only putting on the DP Race Seat. That said; I'm trickin the crap out of it now. One thing I might suggest at time of purchase is a Termignoni exhaust; either slip-on or full single kit. You should be able to swing a killer deal or even get it for free from the dealer at time of purchase.

Hope this helps; I was kind of all over the place rambling... Good luck!

[MarksFriggin]

Originally Posted by Spectre186

...Are there any must have mods? Also, have there been any reliability issues with this bike, or will it run forever as long as you follow the maintenance schedule?...

As far as "must have" mods go, I would say an exhaust and ECU upgrade are the least you should do. The stock ECU is very lean and seems to cause stalling problems with some Hypermotards... like mine.

I'd also suggest a Kyle throttle tube from KyleUSA.com to help with the above mentioned low speed jerkiness. I've found that those couple of mods have made the Hyper much more fun to live with.

I personally don't know about long term reliability but I think this basic motor has been around so long that it is proven to be pretty reliable.