First Impressions and Luggage Details

Canuck · Feb 16, 2013

I spent the day today at the Moncton Motorcycle Show in New Brunswick, Canada. My mission was to compare the Hyperstrada and the BMW F800GT.

My first impression was that the bike seemed quite small. Note that I am 6'-3", 200 lbs. When I sat on the bike I felt that I was very close to the front end. The sales rep explained that the seating position was moved forward to help keep the front wheel down! The seat was quite firm, but I find the best seats usually are.

The windshield seemed very small and there did not seem to be much wind protection. I realize this can't be judged without a test ride, but there wasn't much there. There is a larger windscreen offered that may help out. I would have liked to have seen it.

Many have asked for details about the luggage. I have attached some photos with the bags off and the details. The bags are semi-rigid and close with a zipper. They do not appear to be waterproof. They lift off very easily but can be locked on. The entire mounting bracket can be removed with 4 bolts, leaving a cleaner look.

I expect the semi-rigid bags were chosen for economy. The bags may be able to take more abuse than a hard bag, but seem a bit flimsy. OK for casual use but not for serious touring I would guess.

While these comments all seem negative, I would still LOVE to have this bike. I expect it would be a riot to ride. However, since I can only afford to have one bike, I am leaning towards the F800GT. If I could have two bikes, I'd have the Hyperstrada for fun and a BMW R1200RT for touring.

With one bag removed

Brackets can be removed with 4 bolts

Mounting brackets

Rear view

No trouble to flat foot for 35" inseam

Note the ball of my foot is on the peg

jerdog53 · Feb 16, 2013

I'm still thinking yum!

Lawrence of Suburbia · Feb 16, 2013

first impressions...

Thanks for these valuable insights, and especially the pix, Canuck. You certainly are a big guy, and if I may - your leg looked pretty cramped-up in the side on pic! Go the RT!! The view of the Hyperstrada with bag removed looked quite OK, I thought - but I did not in the least like the from-behind shot: the bags look (to me) decidely too wide and excessive, far from attractive, like one of those grossly obese women you see waddling around (and no, I'm not being disrespectful - I feel sorry for them).

On the other hand, I do consider that from side on the bags definitely are very much in keeping with the bike's overall styling and lines.

What to do now then? You have put some doubt in my mind - but then again I have yet to see the bike in the flesh.

Thanks again, Canuck, and good luck whatever the eventual purchase decision.

L of S

Stradasphere · Feb 17, 2013

I also checked out the F700 and Tiger 800 but I liked how narrow and light the bike felt. I'm short at 5'-6" so the seat/pegs relationship felt good to me. My bike is going to serve as a commuter and an occasional weekend tourer. I don't plan any long distance trips. So I am thinking this will meet my needs and be a lot of fun. Canuck you do look a little cramped. I wonder if the Hyper SP with the taller seat would help to stretch your legs out.

TomCT · Feb 17, 2013

I've been riding a DL650 V-Strom since 2007 and had the same new bike choices mentioned here - Hyperstrada, F800GT and Tiger 800.

Had a chance to sit on the Hyper at the NY Show last month. I am 5' 9", but the bike seemed way too small and cramped, probably since I am used to the Strom which seems much more spacious.

I still am on the list to ride a Hyper when my local dealer gets a demo in, but I have since placed an order for the F800GT. I can cancel if I like the demo ride, so I am hoping they get the demo bikes in soon.

Other than the cramped ergos, the Hyper is one beautiful looking bike.

gkmapv · Feb 17, 2013

Thank you very much. Just one day to late for me

I ordered my bike yesterday. Now that I have seen these pictures I'm glad I bought the Hyperstrada. Without the bags you don't see much off the mounting bracket like some other bikes. Can't wait to ride the bike!

jerdog53 · Feb 17, 2013

Well I have been riding the Gran Canyon since 2007 and have been thinking the KTM 990 Adventure or the F800GS but I got Duc in my blood and just cant get excited about either of the other bikes the Hyperstrada isn't quite what I had in mind but I will probably work for my needs. I have ridden a 990 but not the BMW nor the Hyperstrada.

Frank Rizzo · Feb 18, 2013

I'm overjoyed to finally see a pic of the bike without the bags. I've been dying to see how obtrusive - or not - the mounts are, and it's fantastic to see that they're really quite small. I had worried that the mounts would be big square ugly things, but the small circles look just fine.

Also, seeing someone who's 3 inches taller than me [I'm 6 feet on the nose] sitting on the bike gives me a good idea how mine will fit. The size is a reminder that the bike really is a motard first and a foremost - and I mean that in a very good way!!

Narrow Head · Feb 19, 2013

Thank you Canuck for these pics

Frank Rizzo · Feb 19, 2013

I noticed that Ducati very recently updated their website to list the accessories for the Hypermotard. In a nutshell, it's clear that if someone wanted to, they could buy the Hypermotard and turn it into a 'strada either all the way or otherwise. But! It's clearly not cost effective. The bags alone are over 1000 bucks with the full mounting kit. I could easily live without the centre stand, but most of the other added features are things that I would want.

gkmapv · Feb 19, 2013

That's something I told last week and tht's the reason why I bought a Hyperstrada. I want a black hypermotard with a lot of options. Nearly a Hyperstrada, just without the bags and the 2 12V plugs. In Belgium it was a price difference from about 600 euro. When I took the bags and everything else, it was 300 euro more expensive than the Hyperstrada.

I decided to follow my first opinion and I bought a Hyperstrada! By the way, today Ducati did the introduction of het Hypermotard and the SP in Spain at the Ascari Circuit! But no Hyperstrada

Pics = motoblog.it

Nice video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SgUIpXuY5N0

jerdog53 · Feb 19, 2013

I have kinda been that way as well, I want the better suspension and wheel travel of the Hyper SP but the rest of the items listed on the Strada

mugwump · Feb 19, 2013

Right now this is the best info I've seen yet. Thanks!

duc · Feb 19, 2013

jerdog53 said:
I want the better suspension

I know you shouldn't have to, but I planned on redoing the suspension from day one. We have GP Suspension where I'm at, and they will be significantly cheaper than the price difference to go up to a Hypermotard SP.

Every motorcycle I end up getting, I feel like suspension is something I always have redone from day one. It makes a world of difference IMHO.

Just a thought.

jerdog53 · Feb 19, 2013

duc said:
I know you shouldn't have to, but I planned on redoing the suspension from day one. We have GP Suspension where I'm at, and they will be significantly cheaper than the price difference to go up to a Hypermotard SP.

Every motorcycle I end up getting, I feel like suspension is something I always have redone from day one. It makes a world of difference IMHO.

Just a thought.

Thanks I'm sure we'll be in touch

oco · Mar 24, 2013

Full-face crash helmet

Hello Canuck,
A full-face crash helmet can be stored in this semi-rigid bags ? It's impossible to have the answser in France.
Thanks

AusHyper · Mar 27, 2013

Canuck, have you had a chance to try out the GT yet?

Having a look at cycle ergo it looks like it might be a bit more cramped??

Interested to hear your feedback.

jerdog53 · Mar 28, 2013

Who posted this picture?

Take the cat out and put a helmet in its place and take another picture please....

oco · Mar 28, 2013

I received today a new picture from Ducati (a long way to had this picture !) : a full-face crash helmet can be stored in side luggage ! I post the picture on "Ducati Hyperstrada Pictures"

They received one Hyperstrada at Lyon (France) and I will go to see it this wee-end with more pictures may be and informations about the real capacity of the side luggage.

R6chase · Mar 28, 2013

Hey Canuck! I was at that same show and sat on that bike. Most bikes look more cramped with your toes on the pegs. Your bottom half looks like your racing, and that is why this bike to me is a much better option then the BMW or triumph. My destinations are going to be places where I want to open the throttle and lean the bike with some aggression. But packed up and traveling home ill be comfortable enough to ride a few hundred kms.

First Impressions and Luggage Details

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