The Ducati Hypermotard 1100 is a feisty, big-engined supermoto with a sporty edge, but its $11,995 price tag puts it firmly into premium bike territory.
Ducati's sequel? The Hypermotard 796, which boasts a smaller engine, lighter weight, and an awfully tempting $9,995 MSRP. How does it compare to the 1100, and does it pack enough of a wallop to satisfy speed-hungry riders? We tested the bike in winding mountain roads near Bologna, Italy to find out.
The Goods: Carefully Managed Downsizing
I know what you're thinking: bigger is better, especially when it comes to motorcycle engines. And there's nothing wrong with that thought. But when displacement is thoughtfully reduced alongside weight, the results can be intriguing. Take the Ducati Hypermotard 796's new air-cooled L-twin Desmodromic 803 cc engine, which is barely three quarters the size of the 1078 cc powerplant found in the Hypermotard 1100. By keeping the compression ratio high and revising the entire bottom end, it the 796 produces 81 horsepower-- only 9 horsepower less than its big-twin sibling. Torque drops to 55.7 lb-ft, but those changes also accompany an overall weight loss of 27 lbs which brings the Hypermotard 796's total mass to 368 lbs dry; pretty svelte, by any standard.
The weight loss is split evenly between the engine and chassis, which features 43 mm Marzocchi forks , a rear trellis frame section that’s switched from forged components to precision machined parts, and various trimmed down bits including a new wiring harness. The mill is mated to an APTC wet clutch with a “slipper” function which interfaces with a six-speed transmission .
The new Hypermotard is also more user-friendly, thanks to a lower seat that now measures 32.5 inches. The 796 features the same 4-piston, radially-mounted front and 2-piston rear Brembo brakes, single-sided swingarm, and underseat-style exhaust layout as the 1100, as well as the model's signature handguard and flip-out mirrors.
Swing a Leg Over: Lower Seat, Cleaner Views
Photo © DucatiThe Hypermotard 796's saddle is .8 inches thinner, though the bike maintains its original road clearance. The seat is still 2.2 inches higher than the Monster 696's, but the 796's forward-positioned saddle is more user-friendly than the Hypermotard 1100's towering perch.
The cockpit view of the Hypermotard 796 has been cleaned up; instead of the unsightly master cylinder fluids seen from the Hypermotard 1100's saddle, the 796 boasts elegantly integrated black master cylinders mounted to a handlebar which is now tubular (compared to the 1100's tapered bar.) A small, orange backlit MotoGP-style instrument panel offers digital rpm, speed, and trip computer info, as well as the ability to memorize lap times.
While major ergonomic measurements are essentially the same as the 1100, the 796's lower seat height imbues it with more confidence-inspiring compactness. It still demands tippy-toes from shorter riders, but the lowered saddle is more reassuring, even if some comfort is compromised due to the reduced padding. Incidentally, an aftermarket "comfort seat" will be available for the 796.
A relatively upright riding position makes the Hypermotard well suited for urban traffic, and the bike's hand and foot controls are positioned naturally and comfortably-- though the lack of a windscreen makes the Hypermotard a less likely candidate for long distance rides.
No comments:
Post a Comment