2016 Hypermotard convert to Hyperstrada or other way round?

shorton · Jan 21, 2016

I love the look of the 2016 Hypermotard SP (SP). And I like the look of the Ohlins forks. But I really need more of a touring bike like the Hyperstrada (HS).

I'm new to Ducati and don't fully understand the differences between them other than the cosmetics. I haven't ruled out a Multistrada (MS).

Is it possible or even practical to convert the SP to be a HS? The specs have it listed as a slightly lower seat, which is attractive to me, too, having only a 29-30" inseam.

Maybe there woudl be advantages to going the other way? That is, getting the cosmetics/graphics of the SP for a HS?

My riding would be around town, short trips, maybe an occasional couple hour trip somewhere. I don't really see myself going on any extended journeys. I will never be off-road with it. I woudl never be on a track. Just an old guy who wants a bike. I don't care for pirate suits so the Ducati looks appealing.

Recommendations?

Thanks,
Scott

v10rider · Jan 21, 2016

You could. Most of the parts are interchangeable. So if you bought a strada and would like a SP look
- graphic kit
- seat
- front fender

shorton · Jan 21, 2016

Thanks. Can you tell me what a SP has that the HS does not have? And vice versa?

My concern is the SP may be setup more for racing, where I'd not do any racing and would miss out on a more "tourable" city bike).

Conversely, if the SP has extra features that are desirable, like the Ohlins, maybe that's a better path to take?

If they were dead same except for cosmetics, the decision woudl be easier. I'd likely buy an aftermarket windshield anyway, and some sort of rear bag (e.g. Givi). So the cost differential isn't too bad either way I don't think.

Trying to figure out what's best in my situation, for my riding needs.

BlueSwede · Jan 21, 2016

Main issue could be your comfort with the seat height. The SP is taller, but never mind the specs and try sitting on them, and also test riding. Either one is a fantastic bike to ride, and both can be good for shorter (and longer) touring.

shorton · Jan 21, 2016

After reading a couple of reviews, the specs on the Duc site must be wrong. The bike hsa more travel front and rear, appears to shar ethe same bodywork, so I agree, it must be taller. None of the dealers anywhere near me have one (SP).

v10rider · Jan 21, 2016

All depends on your needs. Is the longer travel and fully adjustable suspension worth it to you? Remember that the SP is taller than regular motard and strada. It is taller so you can have more lean angle for track days.

shorton · Jan 22, 2016

Won't be on the track, ever. Figure I'm pushing my luck on the road at all

. I think I'd be better off with shorter. Assuming the SP is too tall for me. Can't get to one to "see" though

appliance821 · Jan 22, 2016

The strada is more well rounded machine. The lower suspension results in more road feel and stability, while still being agile. The sp is 2.5" higher - I have a 30" inseam and can't picture getting a leg over that. The strada has different engine mappings resulting in smoother responses. It has electrical outlets (powerlet), comfy seat and wind protection resulting in a very good light tourer.

The SP is a specialized machine - the tall suspension is made for super agile handling but the vagueness inherent in the long travel calls for compressing into the corner via trail braking. Engine response is more abrupt. It's not tall sports bike, it's a motard with a big engine.

The idea that the SP can be made into a super strada is tempting, but I don't think it really works. The strada is still a hard edged machine but the differences really add up to machine distinct from the motards. I think that around town and shorter rides it will be just as fun but easier to deal with, and if you decide to take a tour, it's ready willing and able.

shorton · Jan 22, 2016

appliance821 said:
The strada is more well rounded machine. The lower suspension results in more road feel and stability, while still being agile. The sp is 2.5" higher - I have a 30" inseam and can't picture getting a leg over that. The strada has different engine mappings resulting in smoother responses. It has electrical outlets (powerlet), comfy seat and wind protection resulting in a very good light tourer.

The SP is a specialized machine - the tall suspension is made for super agile handling but the vagueness inherent in the long travel calls for compressing into the corner via trail braking. Engine response is more abrupt. It's not tall sports bike, it's a motard with a big engine.

The idea that the SP can be made into a super strada is tempting, but I don't think it really works. The strada is still a hard edged machine but the differences really add up to machine distinct from the motards. I think that around town and shorter rides it will be just as fun but easier to deal with, and if you decide to take a tour, it's ready willing and able.

Excellent input, thank you. That was exactly the input I was looking for.

Along those lines, if all I have to test ride is a "normal" Motard, the normal one is the same as the strada performance/behavior wise, right? Except for the seat and windshield.

v10rider · Jan 22, 2016

that's correct, the regular motard will be the closest in feel to the strada. same rear suspension travel but 0.8" more travel up front but no bar riser (the other way around for the strada....0.8" less travel but with bar riser)

shorton · Jan 22, 2016

Thank you.

porkrind · Jan 22, 2016

I'm gonna argue the other side, having ridden an SP...

appliance821 said:
TThe strada has different engine mappings resulting in smoother responses.

So does the SP. Same power and response modes as the Hyperstrada, in fact.

It has electrical outlets (powerlet), comfy seat and wind protection resulting in a very good light tourer.

True. The power outlets are a nice plus. The seat and the screen can be easily added though.

The SP is a specialized machine - the tall suspension is made for super agile handling but the vagueness inherent in the long travel calls for compressing into the corner via trail braking. Engine response is more abrupt. It's not tall sports bike, it's a motard with a big engine.

My limited time on the SP left me feeling like it was firmer and more controlled thanks to the uprated suspension regardless of travel. Plus, since it's adjustable, you can, you know, adjust it some. Look at how many complaints there are here about the 'Strada forks. The Ohlins forks are much better. There was no vagueness from my perspective. And I have a reasonable frame of reference as my previous bike was a KTM with 11 inches of much softer travel. The SP does not feel like that.

Engine response is not more abrupt as the modes and throttle settings are identical to the 'Strada.

shorton · Jan 22, 2016

Hmm. Interesting. Thanks for the counterpoint.

Now I'm worried about normal forks

v10rider · Jan 22, 2016

let me put it this way, if i had the budget for a brand new SP, i'd go for it. i am a believer in good suspension. non adjustable suspension for a $14k bike is just not acceptable IMO. good thing i bought mine used.

spend the extra $ for the SP and "stradify" it.

appliance821 · Jan 22, 2016

porkrind said:
I'm gonna argue the other side, having ridden an SP...

So does the SP. Same power and response modes as the Hyperstrada, in fact.

True. The power outlets are a nice plus. The seat and the screen can be easily added though.

My limited time on the SP left me feeling like it was firmer and more controlled thanks to the uprated suspension regardless of travel. Plus, since it's adjustable, you can, you know, adjust it some. Look at how many complaints there are here about the 'Strada forks. The Ohlins forks are much better. There was no vagueness from my perspective. And I have a reasonable frame of reference as my previous bike was a KTM with 11 inches of much softer travel. The SP does not feel like that.

Engine response is not more abrupt as the modes and throttle settings are identical to the 'Strada.

Lets start at the beginning:
I think you misread my comment. And I don't think they have same mapping.

Yes the seat and windshield can easily be attached - part of that process is handing ducati about $600.00. oof.

I'm not discussing the quality of the components, rather the geometry of the bikes, and the inherent compromises. Take your ktm experience and reduce the travel even more - sharper road handling.

The modes are named differently,and from forums I'm seeing issues the strada doesn't have. I think the engine mappings are different and at least one owner has concurred on another forum.

The SP is quite specific in it's design, the strada has broader capabilities. Not a knock on either but it's the choice at hand.

porkrind · Jan 22, 2016

appliance821 said:
Lets start at the beginning:
I think you misread my comment. And I don't think they have same mapping.

Yes the seat and windshield can easily be attached - part of that process is handing ducati about $600.00. oof.

I'm not discussing the quality of the components, rather the geometry of the bikes, and the inherent compromises. Take your ktm experience and reduce the travel even more - sharper road handling.

The modes are named differently,and from forums I'm seeing issues the strada doesn't have. I think the engine mappings are different and at least one owner has concurred on another forum.

The SP is quite specific in it's design, the strada has broader capabilities. Not a knock on either but it's the choice at hand.

Well, I don't have absolute proof at hand, but the Ducati site uses the same terms for the engine power modes, the dealer told me they were the same, and they sure felt the same to me. The difference is that the SP has the race mode that allows you do disable the rear ABS independently.

And I'm strongly going to disagree that the SP has front end vagueness as compared to the Hypermotard or Hyperstrada. Exactly the opposite in my experience.

Ducati SP site said:
110 hp with sporting "HIGH" torque
110 hp with progressive "MEDIUM" torque
75 hp with progressive "LOW" torque

Ducati Hyperstrada site said:
110 hp with sporting "HIGH" torque
110 hp with progressive "MEDIUM" torque
75 hp with progressive "LOW" torque

appliance821 · Jan 23, 2016

porkrind said:
Well, I don't have absolute proof at hand, but the Ducati site uses the same terms for the engine power modes, the dealer told me they were the same, and they sure felt the same to me. The difference is that the SP has the race mode that allows you do disable the rear ABS independently.

And I'm strongly going to disagree that the SP has front end vagueness as compared to the Hypermotard or Hyperstrada. Exactly the opposite in my experience.

This from a review:

The Hypermotard SP is similar in function but its modes are a bit more aggressive: Race (110 hp, “High” throttle response and Level One ABS applied only to the front wheel, with no rear ABS); Sport (110 hp, “Medium” throttle response, Level Two ABS with some rear-lift control); and Wet (75 hp, “Low” throttle response and Level Three ABS with maximum braking stability and rear-wheel lift prevention).

Both are great bikes, but I think they have different capabilities. Just trying to make them clearer to the OP. The idea that an SP with a screen is a super strada is not entirely true. There's nuance to the argument.

Things that are a blast for 100 miles can be aggravating after 1000 miles.(Imagine sitting through a Jim Carry film marathon) I think the strada - while still a potent hard edged machine, really addresses this.

wlboy · Jan 23, 2016

porkrind said:
Well, I don't have absolute proof at hand, but the Ducati site uses the same terms for the engine power modes, the dealer told me they were the same, and they sure felt the same to me. The difference is that the SP has the race mode that allows you do disable the rear ABS independently.

And I'm strongly going to disagree that the SP has front end vagueness as compared to the Hypermotard or Hyperstrada. Exactly the opposite in my experience.

You can adjust all three modes to have whatever abs and dtc settings you want. its the same on the strada, motard and sp. eg. if you want wet mode to have no dtc or abs the you can change it on the settings menu.

wlboy · Jan 23, 2016

v10rider said:
let me put it this way, if i had the budget for a brand new SP, i'd go for it. i am a believer in good suspension. non adjustable suspension for a $14k bike is just not acceptable IMO. good thing i bought mine used.

spend the extra $ for the SP and "stradify" it.

agreed.

The premium you pay for the SP is worth it in my opinion. Rims. carbon bits. tires. front and rear suspension. SP colour scheme.

BlueSwede · Jan 25, 2016

Yes, I would also take the SP, mainly for the suspension components (if I had the money!!). The touring bits can be added fairly easily (except for the larger alternator of the HS, which would be more involved). The higher seat of the SP is a factor to consider and that will depend on the rider's build and preferences.

2016 Hypermotard convert to Hyperstrada or other way round?

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