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Finally an accurate review of the Hyper

Since getting my 'tard last September I've done a road trip to Portland and back that had one 500 mile day along with a few day trips that have gotten into the 400+ range (Tahoe and back was a fun one. Maybe I just don't know any better but the bike fits me nicely and anything short of slab time is a pleasure and slabbing it is ok as long and the headwinds aren't too strong.

Then again my frame of reference prior was my Honda 599 which feels incredibly cramped when I hop on it now. I think I've managed a 400 miler or two on that bike as well. For me, even road trips are about having fun on the bike, so I'll happily sacrifice some comfort for more enjoyment on twisty roads.

As for what the bike was built for, I'm terrible at that. Never have done a wheelie intentionally, and I don't have any plans too try and I'm still more cautious in the corners than many riders I know, though I usually manage to keep the chicken strips mostly at bay. Hmm, now I want to go for a ride...
 
kuksul08 said:
Anyway... all I really know for sure is that RSL loves loves LOVES his Mupo suspension. It really must be heavenly.
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He does indeed. I've got no big problem with stock - but his mupo love has got me curious :)

But 1000 mile days , 7000 mile trips - all respect. I might do the latter, but I'll never do the former.

On the screen - I might try the MRA at some point. The stock works well, but I think it directs air up under my helmet. The MRA might clean that up.
 
appliance821 said:
He does indeed. I've got no big problem with stock - but his mupo love has got me curious :)

But 1000 mile days , 7000 mile trips - all respect. I might do the latter, but I'll never do the former.

On the screen - I might try the MRA at some point. The stock works well, but I think it directs air up under my helmet. The MRA might clean that up.
Click to expand...

I have recently put the OEM touring screen on my Hypermotard 939 SP for winter and some distance work and been pleasantly surprised. I am 185cm tall.
 
appliance821 said:
He does indeed. I've got no big problem with stock - but his mupo love has got me curious :)

But 1000 mile days , 7000 mile trips - all respect. I might do the latter, but I'll never do the former.

On the screen - I might try the MRA at some point. The stock works well, but I think it directs air up under my helmet. The MRA might clean that up.
Click to expand...

I use the Gen-X by Fabbri. If you were closer, I'd let you try it out. It seems to keep the air off the chest, and directs it just onto the helmet. I'm still a bit curious about the MRA though.

I'm also weird in liking the position the stock seat puts you in.
 
dragoontwo said:
I use the Gen-X by Fabbri. If you were closer, I'd let you try it out. It seems to keep the air off the chest, and directs it just onto the helmet. I'm still a bit curious about the MRA though.

I'm also weird in liking the position the stock seat puts you in.
Click to expand...

Second for the Gen-X from Fabbri. I've used it for 600 mile days, and it sure makes slabbing much more comfortable. I'm 177cm tall, and it puts the wind right onto my helmet's screen. No weight on my chest. It also doesn't get in the way when I get back into the twisties.
 
My only complaint about long distance touring is the ride on our concrete slab Interstate highways. It's really choppy at anything over 70 mph. I don't expect it to feel like the air shocks did on our Road Glide, but even the FZ-09 in our garage rides better there. That's something I intend to address in the future; I've spent considerably more on upgrades for our 390 Duke than on the Strada.

As for the SP, it's way too tall for me and I have a 36" inseam. My wife even has trouble climbing up on the back of the Strada. But she will be 70 this year and I'm glad she still wants to ride with me.
 
Down here, we don't have concrete slabs for roads. And we don't tend to build them straight. Even our railway had to use a narrow gauge so it could twist its way round all the hills. In such conditions, the Hyper is a long-distance missile. It's light n' easy to chuck it around, so it's so much less tiring to ride over long distances than some two-wheeled luxury liner. Did a 500-miler the other day, two-thirds of it in a cyclone, and arrived feeling relatively relaxed, envigorated, and satisfied. Road conditions like New Zealand's make this a great touring bike.
 
It's funny the way we seem to keep wanting to justify this bikes lovability and utility. I'm sure a lot of odd models have gone through this.

I have a slightly different take on how I ended up in the 'Strada saddle. Yes, I started shopping thinking I wanted a GS. That was only on the basis that Bimmer bikes had a god rep and as I got older, fully kitted GS' on the highway made me drool.

However, the DRZ motards caught my fancy since I first saw one many years ago. Great concept and looked super fun, but I knew that tiny engine and lack of comfort/ tech would spoil fast for the driving I would do. I also always knew I could get by on a KLR, but only if I was forced into a financial situation or still single.

So, the 'Strada truly was the only bike that checked all those blocks on paper. I knew the Monster/ early Hyper drew cult like following and assumed this would have those models DNA. And big OBTW, loved the looks.

I knew from my first week of ownership that I would never sell this bike. I want other bikes more but this will always be in my garage.
 
I've always like the motard look, and may someday still try out a true motard as I bet they are a blast for urban and short backroad jaunts. Someone at my work put their hypermotard up for sale with a mere 2400 miles on the clock. I was pretty sure I was going to buy it when I went for the test ride with cash in hand. I didn't get far into the test ride before I turned around to go back so I could buy the damn thing asap. I think I put 300 miles on it the following Saturday.
 
My last bike weighed 703 lbs curb weight. When it started to lean over standing still, it was best to get out of the way.

The Hyperstrada, sans bags, weighs probably 440 with a full gas tank. Easy to manhandle and push even uphill. The weight is low with the gas carried at seat height. With the race seat I can sit far back when the day gets long, or slide right up to the gas cap when it's time to squirt through the corners.

No way would I consider this a touring bike, nor a sport bike, nor a dirt bike, nor for carrying passengers. I know well others here would disagree, but that's fine by me, and for them to extend the usefulness of this bike.

What the Hyper series is to me is a twisty backroad demon. Probably great as an urban lane splitting weapon too, but I limit my urban riding to passing through California towns as quick as possible, and as seldom as possible.

Reviewers that compare the Hypers to all the other standard bikes are simply missing the point of this niche bike. Motorcycle Consumer News for one example.
 
I smiled all along as I read this post. This is almost exactly how I ended up with the Hyperstrada.

After being away from bikes for a few years, I knew that my next one would be a supermoto (DRZ, specifically) but the reason why I "needed" to get a bike was to go on trips with my father-in-law and I knew that the DRZ would be a pain for that, so I looked into sport touring bikes but they are all very heavy for me (I really like light and nimble cars and bikes). I then came across the Hyperstrada and it seemed perfect. Talking to a knowledgeable friend confirmed this and I bought one soon after.

Less than a month after buying it, and after riding it just 1-2 times, I went on a ~2,000 mile trip with my father-in-law and a brother-in-law, and I had a blast.

gatdammit said:
It's funny the way we seem to keep wanting to justify this bikes lovability and utility. I'm sure a lot of odd models have gone through this.

I have a slightly different take on how I ended up in the 'Strada saddle. Yes, I started shopping thinking I wanted a GS. That was only on the basis that Bimmer bikes had a god rep and as I got older, fully kitted GS' on the highway made me drool.

However, the DRZ motards caught my fancy since I first saw one many years ago. Great concept and looked super fun, but I knew that tiny engine and lack of comfort/ tech would spoil fast for the driving I would do. I also always knew I could get by on a KLR, but only if I was forced into a financial situation or still single.

So, the 'Strada truly was the only bike that checked all those blocks on paper. I knew the Monster/ early Hyper drew cult like following and assumed this would have those models DNA. And big OBTW, loved the looks.

I knew from my first week of ownership that I would never sell this bike. I want other bikes more but this will always be in my garage.
Click to expand...
 
edgary said:
I smiled all along as I read this post. This is almost exactly how I ended up with the Hyperstrada.

After being away from bikes for a few years, I knew that my next one would be a supermoto (DRZ, specifically) but the reason why I "needed" to get a bike was to go on trips with my father-in-law and I knew that the DRZ would be a pain for that, so I looked into sport touring bikes but they are all very heavy for me (I really like light and nimble cars and bikes). I then came across the Hyperstrada and it seemed perfect. Talking to a knowledgeable friend confirmed this and I bought one soon after.

Less than a month after buying it, and after riding it just 1-2 times, I went on a ~2,000 mile trip with my father-in-law and a brother-in-law, and I had a blast.
Click to expand...

Great story, Mate!

I do rate bikes on "can I pick them up if they tip". My 1st was a Ninja ZX-6R. Woke one morning in college to it on it's side (some drunk ******* was playing on it, I assume). I think I blew 3 vertebrae and 4 testicles righting it. My R6 was a bit easier and, thank the sweet lord baby jesus, cause I laid it down a bunch (Ruff Rider Dayz).

Dropped the 'Strada very early in my relationship. Stupid, really. Just got done washing it and was drying in the garage (Florida sun...). Knew the radiator held gallons of water and was trying to avoid spots (seriously, have you guys seen how much drains from the radiator after a wash?!). Was gently rocking side to side and my sweaty/ wet hands lost grip. Luckily, my new VW broke most of it's fall (thanks VW for that TDI buy-back!!!). Pretty easy bike to pick back up, comparatively (I'm 180 lbs and enjoy picking heavy things up and putting them down in the gymnasium). But these are the things that I mentally prep for if that worst case goes down on a back road by myself.

Cheers!
 
N4teTheGreat said:
...didn't get far into the test ride before I turned around to go back so I could buy the damn thing asap. I think I put 300 miles on it the following Saturday.
Click to expand...

+1, on RSL's comments too. My test ride was 200 miles and I promptly gave them $1K upon my return...had to part out my sport tourer R1150S since my old lady won't let me have more than 4 bikes at a time...I really wanted this bike...
 
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RSL said:
My last bike weighed 703 lbs curb weight. When it started to lean over standing still, it was best to get out of the way.

The Hyperstrada, sans bags, weighs probably 440 with a full gas tank. Easy to manhandle and push even uphill. The weight is low with the gas carried at seat height. With the race seat I can sit far back when the day gets long, or slide right up to the gas cap when it's time to squirt through the corners.

No way would I consider this a touring bike, nor a sport bike, nor a dirt bike, nor for carrying passengers. I know well others here would disagree, but that's fine by me, and for them to extend the usefulness of this bike.

What the Hyper series is to me is a twisty backroad demon. Probably great as an urban lane splitting weapon too, but I limit my urban riding to passing through California towns as quick as possible, and as seldom as possible.

Reviewers that compare the Hypers to all the other standard bikes are simply missing the point of this niche bike. Motorcycle Consumer News for one example.
Click to expand...

Ha ha you reminded me of why I sold my last Harley. Although I once picked up my full-dress E-glide after some insurance scammer cut me off intentionally, I got tired of hefting 800 pounds off the side stand. BTW the secret of doing that was that the tires ended up against the curb. Plus doing it with my back to the bike and the shot of anger adrenaline. The b***h came out with a video camera on me! Took all my will power not to smash it.

But I think my Strada is a fine tourer, for the back road trip to the races at Laguna Seca and even a week with my old bike club with wifey on the back. It does okay on twisty roads, too. At 400+ pounds it's certainly not a dirt bike, though!
 
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zippy49 said:
Magazine road testers always try to put a bike in a category. This one gets it wrong, as usual.

I've had three Harleys, and got tired of herding 800 lbs around. Plus, they are really meant for the slab. Rode one to Florida and back. That was fun, but been there, done that. A GS? Heavy, big, and overpriced and underspiced, like a bad restaurant. Not much of a back road scratcher, either. Rode a buddy's on the IOM one year. Competent but boring.

These days I think of our Strada as our "bagger." For me, it is a comfortable middleweight touring bike that is still plenty exciting on the little roads I like to ride. I have no problem with riding it in town, either.

Right now it's parked next to a FZ-09, an SV650, and a KTM 390 Duke. When I ride 450 miles on back roads to the WSBK races this year guess which one I'll take? And which one my wife is willing to climb on the back of?
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Agree, the Brit guy got it wrong completely. Typical. There are very few good roads in Britain, certainly not like NorCal or SoCal. Most bike testing there is done at the track. Most of the writers aren't much good on twisty roads they've never seen before. I've ridden with them at press launches.

GS: Unless you've ridden the more recent versions of the R1200GS, I'd hold that boring complaint. With about 125 HP on current GS's, these bikes ROCK.
Not only FAST but great handlers for their weight. They suck up the junk on our crap roads ... and no other bike allows you to hammer out 300 miles of technical twisty road ... and still leaves you feeling somewhat alive. And of course, not many better for true LD touring. OFF road? Forget it. Give the GS another shot. Would I buy one? Nope, too expensive and BMW service not great.

Hope you know the good roads up to Laguna! :rolleyes:
 
monocog007 said:
I can agree with this. The hyper is my touring bike. It does 550 mile days with relative ease, especially on back roads.
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That's good news for me! What size rider are you? I've only managed about 200 miles in one sitting so far ... and I love it. Hoping to be able to do more.

Thing is ... I'm only 5'6" ... so I think I'm the same size as the little Italian Ducati engineer who designed the Strada! :D It fits me ... and frankly, no idea how the big guys here fit on it.
 
kuksul08 said:
I would put my hyper at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. I think I'd die trying to go more than 300 miles in a day on it. It's exhausting and a sensory overload - trying to tame the engine, feeling every pebble in the road, the wind at higher speeds. It's more aggressive and race-ready than any bike I've ever ridden.
Click to expand...
Granted, 300 mile days would be a push. I've no problem "taming" the engine, nor do I feel "every pebble" in the road. My ride is down right PLUSH yet perfect when pace picks up. Sucks up our nasty roads with ease. The shield actually does a decent job on wind. Real race bikes are quite a bit more aggressive in my experience. This Duc is mild, smooth and easy to ride for hours, even nasty technical roads.
 
RSL said:
OK, try this Strada review. A review on the roads I enjoy riding.

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2015-ducati-hyperstrada-review
Click to expand...
Good review, first one. I read ALL the reviews you've listed plus quite a few more BEFORE I bought my HyperStrada. RevZilla guy did a nice job IMHO. This based on feedback I'm getting from my short history with my bike within it's first 1000 miles.

But mine has some nice modifications: Suspension front/rear, pipe.

The Strada is the first more PRACTICAL Super Moto bike I've owned .. I've only owned one :p ... but tested several over the years for City Bike. I tested early KTM 640SM and an early version Husky 610/630. This back in early to mid 2000's.

Ended up buying a KTM Duke ll. I liked it but it wasn't much good for more than day rides ... and the suspension needed work which I never did. Otherwise, a fun bike and reliable (saying a lot for KTM back in those days!)

Tested Suzuki DRZ400SM. Not impressed. Tested more modern version of Husky. Awesome, but totally useless away from race track.

I wasn't at all looking for a HyperStrada when I stumbled across the one I bought. I'd just come off a Yamaha FJ-09 and getting on THIS Strada really woke me up.

Only gotten better more I ride it.
 
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