My first ride on my new Hyper! - Ducati.ms

ducatimike · Jun 5th, 2009, 7:07 pm

I sold my two 916's this past month and found a sweet 08' Hyper "S" and picked it up yesterday. I took a long ride today on some roads that would have given my ST fits. Very curvey, hilly, bumpy, and narrow.

All I can say is "wow". I had so much fun. I couldnt believe the feeling of riding briskly. You feel so part of the bike and connected to the road. I am very impressed with the suspension. I went on some very bumpy roads and just sailed over the irregularities. I have never felt so planted but at the same time comfortable on any bike I have ever ridden.

This is my kind of riding. As I get older, I no longer enjoy going on the more common fast roads as the cops are out ticketing everyone. I am finding the uncommon roads much more fun and more scenic. The Hyper is perfect for that kind of riding.

The bike feels so light and agile. It didnt take me long to feel very comfortable with it. I am used to riding dirt bikes, and I think that is why I like this bike so much. I also think it has a very comfortable riding position. I like the upright seating, it doesnt put strain on my back or my wrists. On really twisty roads with slow corners, the ST4 can be a bit of dinasour. I have come in too hot a few times and it can give you a scare. On the Hyper it is so effortless to throw the bike into the turns. It almost redefines the riding experience. I love being out front of the bike. It puts the weight on the front wheel, much like a dirt bike.

Changes coming are mirrors going up on the bars as I will lane split. I am thinking of even shortening the bars by 1" on each side as the bars seem a bit wide for me. I could use a little more punch, although I am very impressed with the motor. It has a very smooth power delivery. I may put on an exhaust and do what ever is needed to get a few more ponies out of her.

So I have no regrets at all with this bike. Its kinda like have a younger girlfriend. It makes you feel alive.

Mike

Antigrav · Jun 5th, 2009, 7:28 pm

You nailed it, and it keeps getting better...

crabman · Jun 5th, 2009, 7:58 pm

Post up your thoughts on the shorter bars if you do it. Im thinking of doing the same thing but I haven't heard anyone comment on it.

I said some of the same things you have said, what a great bike!!

MotoDuc · Jun 5th, 2009, 11:13 pm

The one line of your post which really grabbed me was the "Its kinda like have a younger girlfriend. It makes you feel alive."

That's the most perfect analogy I've heard yet. Many times have I tried to explain to others what this bike is like, but never felt like I got my point across. Maybe it's just me but your thought of it being liek a younger girlfriend hit the nail on the head!

Northumbrian · Jun 6th, 2009, 8:10 am

Ducatimike... That was awesome, I linked with every paragraph ! my background similar, dirt bikes, riding backroads you hit the nail on the head with every sentence.
not sure about the "younger girlfriend bit"..... i really wouldnt know !

Activator · Jun 6th, 2009, 8:27 am

My description of the Hyper was that it's like crossing Kiera Knightly with a Ferrari. That about sums it up.

ilsrwy27 · Jun 6th, 2009, 2:25 pm

The Hyper makes me feel like I felt when I was 15 riding my first dual sport bike...
A girlfriend that's half your age will make you feel even better though

**CDONA** · Jun 8th, 2009, 2:01 pm

Ahh yes, another voice of experience singing with the choir. 10-4