If having fun while protected by a helmet is your primary concern, you should check out the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Adventure Motorcycle. Unlike traditional motards, often based on 450 motocrossers, the Hypermotard is based on an absurd idea that borders on the insanity threshold.
In 2007, Pierre Terblanche revealed the Hypermotard 1100, his final design for Ducati. A cornerstone in Ducati’s range, the Desmodue sports a 1,100cc Desmodue engine wrapped in beefed-up super moto apparel. The Hyper is Ducati‘s going-out model. While it is prone to fits of ecstasy, it never loses view of the fact that its members have won multiple world championships.
The 950 comprises several parts, including a 937cc Testastretta 11° engine, a classic trellis frame, a single-sided swing arm, an under-seat exhaust, and electronic rider aids. Although this may not be what someone expects from a Supermoto, it’s still pretty standard fare for a Ducati.
Aside from the engine’s bottomless torque, the Hyper’s unusual riding position and relatively high suspension travel are adapted well for navigating real-world roads. Ducati should release its grip more often.
2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Adventure Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Pricing and Variants
The base price of a Hypermotard is $14,995, with the 950 SP costing $18,695. The SP has a racing-inspired SP livery and an up/down quick shifter, in addition to forged Marchesini wheels, longer-travel Ohlins suspension front and rear, a carbon fiber mudguard, and a timing belt cover.
The 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 has shorter travel (6.7 inches for the front and 5.9 inches for the rear) and a lower seat height (34.2 inches) thanks to the Mar Zocchi forks and Sachs shock. Seat height on the SP has increased to 35 inches thanks to the 7.3-inch front travel and 6.9-inch rear travel provided by the Ohlins units.
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Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Adventure Motorcycle reportedly generates 114 hp at 9,000rpm and 71 lb-ft of torque at 7,250rpm. Compared to the Ducati motorcycles powered by the Testastretta 11°, the Hyper is tuned to have a more robust low end. Thrills can be had in any gear and at any speed because of the instantaneous throttle response and sufficient torque, both of which are virtually available from idle.
Redline gradually approaches as rpm rises, yet power slowly drops above a certain point. However, “box” shifting that involves only quick transitions is fun. The gearbox is silky smooth and requires just a light press of the lever thanks to the available short shifter better than 2022 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP (standard on the SP variant).
Although play is its primary function, the Hypermotard is not a toy. When in sixth gear, the engine can cruise along the highway with minimal resistance. If cruise control were an option, you’d use it, without a doubt. At higher RPMs, the engine only transmits vibrations through the pegs and bars, indicating when it is working hard.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Hypermotard reportedly generates 114 hp at 9,000rpm and 71 lb-ft of torque at 7,250rpm. Compared to the Ducati motorcycles powered by the Testastretta 11°, the Hyper is tuned to have a more robust low end. Thrills can be had in any gear and at any speed because of the instantaneous throttle response and sufficient torque, both of which are virtually available from idle.
Redline gradually approaches as rpm rises, yet power slowly drops above a certain point. However, “box” shifting that involves only quick transitions is fun. The gearbox is silky smooth and requires just a light press of the lever thanks to the available short shifter (standard on the SP variant).
Although play is its primary function, the Hypermotard is not a toy. When in sixth gear, the engine can cruise along the highway with minimal resistance. If cruise control were an option, you’d use it, without a doubt. At higher RPMs, the engine only transmits vibrations through the pegs and bars, indicating when it is working hard.
Brakes
For this price range, Ducati includes on both the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 and 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Adventure Motorcycle the Brembo M4.32 calipers, radially mounted master cylinders, and 320mm front discs.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Ducati claims the Hypermotard has a 41 mpg fuel economy.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The Hypermotard’s ergonomics are pretty close to those of a Supermoto. When seated, the rider appears to be “on” the motorcycle rather than “in” it, thanks to the wide handlebar and flat seat that elevate them above the front wheel. The seat height of the base model, at 34.2 inches, is a little high, but the chair’s narrow waist makes it feel manageable.
Despite the seat’s prominent edges, which may become less noticeable over repeated usage, the rider triangle is comfortable enough for all-day rides. The seat may not have much legroom, but it does have the usual passenger pegs. Pillion riding on this wheelie-happy beast would require profound courage.
Even if the cabins are barebones, longer trips are feasible due to the extremely quiet aerodynamics. Still, there isn’t a lot of storage for luggage.
Electronics
The Bosch 6-axis IMU controls the 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Adventure Motorcycle’s rider aids, which include traction control, cornering ABS, and wheelie control. There are three fully customizable riding modes on the Hypermotard: Sport, Touring, and Urban. Power modes allow riders to change the throttle responsiveness and output of their bikes. LED running lights and a 4.3-inch TFT display round out the technological offerings.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ducati provides a guarantee that lasts for two years and has no mileage limits.
Quality
The 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Adventure Motorcycle is a middle-tier Ducati motorcycle with high-quality components and an innovative design. The regular model’s tank shrouds lack a clear coat. Thus, carefully using the cleaning cloth may cause the Ducati stickers to peel at the borders. Otherwise, the fit and finish are excellent.
2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP Adventure Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, four valves per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid-cooled, magnesium head covers. |
Displacement | 937cc |
Bore X stroke | 94mm x 67.5mm (3.70 in x 2.66 in) |
Compression ratio | 13,3:1 |
Power | 114 hp (84 kW) @ 9.000 rpm |
Torque | 71 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 7.250 rpm |
Fuel injection | Electronic fuel injection system, Ø 53 mm throttle bodies with entire Ride by Wire system. |
Exhaust | Double under-tail aluminum muffler, catalytic converter, and two lambda probes. |
Transmission
Gearbox | Six speed |
Primary drive | Straight-cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1 |
Final drive | Chain, Front sprocket 15 & Rear sprocket 43 |
Clutch | Slipper & self-servo wet multi-plate clutch, hydraulic control. |
Chassis
Front Suspension | Ohlins fully adjustable, upside-down Ø 48 mm |
Front tire | Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP v3, 120/70 ZR17 |
Rear Suspension | Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins mono-shock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm |
Rear wheel | W shaped 3-spoke Marchesini forged light alloy 5.5″ x 17″ |
Rear tire | Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP, 180/55 ZR17 |
Wheel travel (front/rear) | 185mm (7.3 inches) – 175mm (6.9 inches) |
Front brake | 2 x 320mm semi-floating aluminum flange discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston 2-pad, radial pump with adjustable lever, with Bosch Cornering ABS. |
Instrumentation | Full-TFT color display |
Dimension
Weight in running order | 198 kg (436 lb) |
Seat height | 890 mm (35.0 in) |
Inner leg curve | 1980 mm (77,9 in) |
Wheelbase | 1498 mm (59,0 in) |
Rake | 25° |
Front-wheel trail | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Fuel tank capacity | 14.5 l (3,8 US gallons) |
Number of seats | Dual seat |
Equipment
Safety equipment | Riding Modes, ABS Bosch Cornering, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO |
Standard equipment | Power Modes, Day Time Running Light (DRL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO, Marchesini forged wheels, Tapered aluminum handlebars, Removable passenger footpegs, USB power socket, Carbon fiber components: front mudguard, timing belt covers. |
Warranty | 24 months unlimited mileage |
Others
Maintenance Service Intervals | 15,000 km (9,000 mi)/12 months |
Valve clearance adjustment | 30,000 km (18,000 mi) |
CO2 Emissions | 122 g/km |
Consumption | 5,1 l/100 km |