[Magsz]

Hey guys,

I'm all over the place with my desire for a new bike so I wont get into that too much. I have however, narrowed part of the playing field down to these two.

I'm curious to see how people regard the 1100S versus the 950. From what ive read, the 950 is as "close" to the original insanity that is the 1100s.

My issue that im having is that I really dont want to spend 17k on an SP version and I really do believe if i buy a base model 950 i'm going to end up with some buyers remorse or FOMO (fear of missing out, gotta have the latest and greatest etc). Yes, its not rational but please humor me. Bikes are luxuries so I can afford to ruminate about stupid shit.

Super excited to hear the opinions of the hive!

 

[fipenna]

Hi Magz,

I recently traded my 2014 1200S for a 2019 950S. So although I don’t have a comparison with the Hyper (and I’ve never ridden one), I can say a little from this 3 weeks since I got the 950.

Main differences of the 950S vs the 1200S are:

• feels a lot “thinner” and lighter (even though on paper it’s not much)
• I feel a more nimbler handling
• sounds different, a more “rational” sound in comparison with the more “irrational” 1200
• the engine doesn’t scare you on every full acceleration. The 1200 could scare the s.... out if you every time you gabe full throttle even after an year riding it. The 950 doesn’t let you down, but doesn’t dirt your pants. With the 113hp it has and its lighter weight I believe it can easily ride along the bigger brother but would be smoked on a drag race. Vs a bimmer GS 1200 it could be a very good match.

Since the Hyper is a lighter bike, with the 1100 it could behave more like the 1200 than the 950, so it would depend on your driving preferences and desire for goosebumps..... but again, I don’t know the Hyper.

cheers

 

[egomexico]

The 950 is definetely a more advanced bike with many electronic features that are not available in the 1100 (starting with ABS).
But if you are looking for an adrenalin rush, I guarantee that the 1100 won’t disapoint you. It is the best bang for the buck if you are looking for a bike to have fun with.
It is also easier to service if you plan to do that yourself.

 

[spinoli1]

I have no direct comparison, no experience of the 950 (or any other w/c Hyper), am entirely biased and probably of no help to you. However, having owned and ridden (the tits off) my 1100S for 5 years now I am of the following, certainly flawed opinion:
1100/1100S/1100evo/1100evoSP = Proper Ducatista
950/950S = millennial (and we all know how we feel about them)
I'll just go get my fire-fighting suit ........

 

[Doug@Trackday.com]

... However, having owned and ridden (the tits off) my 1100S for 5 years now I am of the following, certainly flawed opinion:
1100/1100S/1100evo/1100evoSP = Proper Ducatista

Ahhh, the "last of the real Ducati's" theory.

Said among true Ducati enthusiasts each fall when the new models are announced: "the new bikes have too much electronic bull$h*t, this is the last of the real Ducati's."

I know it well, I still miss Dell'Orto's

 

[PhilBoncer]

I would go with the 1100S. That is the most fun bike I have ever ridden.
That giant aircooled mountain of torque is what it's all about.

fipenna put it well above about the 950 -- "the engine doesn’t scare you on every full acceleration. The 1200 could scare the s.... out if you every time you gabe full throttle even after an year riding it. The 950 doesn’t let you down, but doesn’t dirt your pants." It's a civilized machine.

But the HM is not supposed to be a civilized machine. The intent, and the fun, and the point, is that it is an unruly uncivilized hooligan bike that does "dirt your pants".

If you were asking about a bike that you would use for your daily commute, I'd definitely say the 950. But as a luxury, as a bike that you have for the fun of it. the 1100S is your baby, all the way.

PhilB

 

[t-bills]

I’ve not had any seat time on the WC hyper, but plenty on my 1100. I’ve also had a WC Multistrada during this time. The 1100 is as basic as it gets. Raw, and intense. Incredibly light. If you are looking for a bike that demands your full attention, this is it. If you are looking for a bike to hoon around on, this is it. I love it as a SECOND bike. If you are wanting a main bike that you can ride everywhere, carry stuff, and ride without full attention, maybe the WC is a better option.
Also, the desmodue is a staple for decades in the Ducati lineup. It may not be the last real Ducati, but it is part of a significant piece of Ducati.

 

[Magsz]

Good stuff guys. I had a feeling that most people would be recommending the 1100.

I'm still torn. While I laugh and smile when you guys mention the Millenials, I AM one. I dont mind the electronics as they really don't take away from anything for me. My first motorcycle was purchased in 2014 when I started riding and from day one I never had any poor opinions of rider aids designed to keep me from killing myself.

I also am very much aware that despite riding for six years, I am still a novice. I've never been to the track and considering I live in Florida I'm about as far away from a corner carving specialist as one could get.

I also have to admit that the Hyper is more of an emotional purchase for me than anything else. Its actually a third bike for me and something that I wanted with the hopes and dreams of one day perhaps taking it to the track or traveling northbound to some real roads to hoon around on.

I have two test ride DAYS (my dealer is awesome) under my belt on the 950 and nothing about it really struck me as deficient in any way minus not having a fuel gauge. Yeah, im spoiled lol!

Keep the thoughts coming guys, I appreciate the discussion.

 

[t_bare]

Good stuff guys. I had a feeling that most people would be recommending the 1100.

I also am very much aware that despite riding for six years, I am still a novice. I've never been to the track and considering I live in Florida I'm about as far away from a corner carving specialist as one could get.

Keep the thoughts coming guys, I appreciate the discussion.

I'm in Florida. We have some curves, and we have a couple of tracks Ride the 1100, I Double Dog Dare You!

 

[Magsz]

I'm in Florida. We have some curves, and we have a couple of tracks Ride the 1100, I Double Dog Dare You!

View attachment 981791

GORGEOUS shot, GORGEOUS bike!

Whereabouts in Florida are you located?

 

[t_bare]

Tampa

 

[Desmo749]

Tampa

View attachment 981815

Very nice!

 

[duc96cr]

The 950 is prettier.

 

[Desmo749]

Good stuff guys. I had a feeling that most people would be recommending the 1100.

I'm still torn. While I laugh and smile when you guys mention the Millenials, I AM one. I dont mind the electronics as they really don't take away from anything for me. My first motorcycle was purchased in 2014 when I started riding and from day one I never had any poor opinions of rider aids designed to keep me from killing myself.

I also am very much aware that despite riding for six years, I am still a novice. I've never been to the track and considering I live in Florida I'm about as far away from a corner carving specialist as one could get.

I also have to admit that the Hyper is more of an emotional purchase for me than anything else. Its actually a third bike for me and something that I wanted with the hopes and dreams of one day perhaps taking it to the track or traveling northbound to some real roads to hoon around on.

I have two test ride DAYS (my dealer is awesome) under my belt on the 950 and nothing about it really struck me as deficient in any way minus not having a fuel gauge. Yeah, im spoiled lol!

Keep the thoughts coming guys, I appreciate the discussion.

just my opinion. I currently have a 2008 1100S and had a 2013 Hypermotard 821 SP. It is not the same as 950 but motor is similar. Both are great bikes. I love my 1100. It has lots of low end torque versus 821 comes alive at higher rpm 6K. The 1100 sits lower and seat is flat as compared to 821. While I enjoyed the 821 the 1100 is the bike because of torque and it is very light and very flickable. It is easier to maintain but it is old specs for valves 6K vs 18K on 950. That might be something to consider if are planning allot of miles on bike. Prices for 1100 are relatively cheap. It is allot bike for money and it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. There are allot of cheap modes to wake 1100 a little more. I don’t miss my 821?. I vote for 1100?

 

[Desmo749]

just my opinion. I currently have a 2008 1100S and had a 2013 Hypermotard 821 SP. It is not the same as 950 but motor is similar. Both are great bikes. I love my 1100. It has lots of low end torque versus 821 comes alive at higher rpm 6K. The 1100 sits lower and seat is flat as compared to 821. While I enjoyed the 821 the 1100 is the bike because of torque and it is very light and very flickable. It is easier to maintain but it is old specs for valves 6K vs 18K on 950. That might be something to consider if are planning allot of miles on bike. Prices for 1100 are relatively cheap. It is allot bike for money and it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. There are allot of cheap modes to wake 1100 a little more. I don’t miss my 821?. I vote for 1100?

 

[hypermo]

Good low mile 1100s and Sp models are 6k or less right now it is a pure raw bike easy to work
on and if you go with the 08/09 model even the ECU can be tuned at home with free software.
I said I would never sell mine but since I picked up a 2018 Super Duke 1290 I have only been
out on my 1100s once so I may be selling it. A lot of members here have sold 1100 hypers and
ended up buying one again it's a special unique bike. I sold my 998 kept the Hyper sold my
Sport 1000 kept the Hyper it's just a pure fun bike. This review is pretty spot on when it comes
to the 1100s.

Reviews | JPCycles.com

Reviews

www.jpcycles.com

 

[egomexico]

I'm curious to see how people regard the 1100S versus the 950. From what ive read, the 950 is as "close" to the original insanity that is the 1100s.

I think that even Ducati R&D team knows that the 1100 was the "real deal".
There wouldn't be a reason to try so hard to get as "close" to the 1100 as possible with the new Hyper if not.

1100/1100S/1100evo/1100evoSP = Proper Ducatista
950/950S = millennial (and we all know how we feel about them)
I'll just go get my fire-fighting suit ........

Ahhh, the "last of the real Ducati's" theory.

Said among true Ducati enthusiasts each fall when the new models are announced: "the new bikes have too much electronic bull$h*t, this is the last of the real Ducati's."

I know it well, I still miss Dell'Orto's

I guess there are too many sick fundamentalists (including me) in this forum.

The 1100 is as basic as it gets. Raw, and intense. Incredibly light. If you are looking for a bike that demands your full attention, this is it.

I agree with this description!

Prices for 1100 are relatively cheap. It is allot bike for money and it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it.

I agree!
Like I said: Best bang for the buck!

Question:
Have you test ridden a 1100?
Maybe that's the mandatory task to complete next after test riding the 950.
You will be able to differentiate "Raw Hyper" vs "Tamed Hyper". They are both a handful for someone self designated as "novice", but in a different way.
Forget our impressions. The only impression that counts is your's.

 

[Magsz]

Jorge,

You're absolutely, 100% right on the money with your closing statement. Unfortunately, I dont have access to an 1100 so test riding one is not in the cards. Hence, why I solicited the forum to try and get some intel, or at least ,second hand information to attempt to sway myself in one direction or the other.

I like my nernies...i really do. I think im being honest about my skill level as well. I like to push the bikes hard but I fully realize that the nernies/nanny's are keeping me alive lol. I really do want to get my ass onto a track to learn a bit more about aggressive riding and I was hoping to do that with the hyper. If i dumped my 2018 KTM SDR I'd probably cry. lol.

 

[hypermo]

As someone who owns both a 2018 SDR and an 1100s Hyper you will find that you are hitting the rev limiter a lot on the
the Hyper and begging for it to give you more than it has to give until I picked up the SDR I was always happy with the
torque of the Hyper but it just cant give you the Torque you are use to with the SDR. The thing that it will do that the SDR
can't do as well is the Handling in corners the Hyper will let you change your line at will the SDR is more locked on rails
like a Super Bike. The Hyper 1100s is a smaller lighter bike with top end components for its time Monoblock brakes
forged wheels etc but no electronics at all no ABS etc. When you own both its like having the original Hooligan and
the new Hooligan. I have been on the new 950 I would say for me the SDR is more like the 1100s than the new
950 is. You just cant get the torque that you get from the SDR in many other bikes the 1100s tries but you will not
get that 1301cc water cooled performance from an air cooled 1100 and you cant expect it too. But for the prices that
the are now it's a lot of bike and fun for 6k 1/3rd the price of a new SDR.

 

[ClarkLife]

3rd bike? 1100EvoSp hands down. I've ridden all variants of the hyper and multi. My 1100 makes me giggle every single time I ride it. If you don't do wheelies, you will... lol. You can also put the 1100 on a serious diet and drop crazy amount of weight. Some stacks, exhaust, and tune and it's an absolute riot.

IT'S NOT A SUPERBIKE. You won't be beating many sport bikes in drag racing. Hell, I couldn't get it under a mid 11 in the 1/4 mile because it just wanted to wheelie. That being said, for sheer fun around town, or hunting bikes in the corners, It's my absolute favorite. My trips to Deals Gap wouldn't be the same without this bike. The brakes are actually too good, as in one finger endo's. Top speed is maybe 135 on mine with smaller front sprocket and it's a windy 135. It makes the most glorious sounds and is so mechanical that it's a nice change from what I get to ride in terms of modern bikes.