2009 Ducati Hypermotard 1100/1100 S Review

Introduction

First thing first, the new Hypermotards from the Bologna, Italy house get a new 1100 Desmo engine that is claimed “perfect” for the class. A very light, 90 degree Twin developing as much as 76 lb-ft and 90 horsepower from as low as 4750 rpm, respectively 7750 rpm, the unit is coupled to a precise and also light 6-gear transmission. Add the Marelli electronic fuel injection and a dry weight of only 395 pounds (390 pounds on the 1100 S) and there’s nothing to stop the two models from turning into absolute blasts with every single twist of the throttle.

2009 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S

All the fun and excitement coming from the air-cooled, 1078 cc engine can be shared with a passenger too due to the presence of a dual seat on both models. Riding on light Marchesini rims dressed in sticky Bridgestone BT015 tires, both models are more than guaranteed to get the blood flowing fast.

But what actually sets the 1100 S apart from its base sibling? It all consists in the magic touch that the fully-adjustable 48 mm Kayaba fork gives over the also fully-adjustable 50 mm Marzocchi one found on the 1100. Also, the “S” model features an Ohlins rear shock instead of a Sachs one and we shouldn’t neglect the overall 5 pounds weight reduction that these differences ensure.

A standard new feature on the 2009 Ducati 1100 S is the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA), a system which records information such as throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, distance travelled, laps and lap times. All the data is stored into an USB, allowing riders to review their performances at the end of a riding day.

History

Having made a fulminant first entry at the 2005 EICMA show in Milan, the Ducati Hypermotard went into production later on as a 2007 model and brought the 1100 S model along with it. Bringing the benefits of a durable low friction diamond-like carbon black coating to the front fork sliders, an Ohlins remote reservoir rear shock, the same Brembo Monobloc calipers used on the 1098, lighter forged Marchesini wheels with a red pin-stripe, Pirelli tires, plus carbon fiber fork protectors, timing belt covers, front fender and tail/ exhaust side panels, the 1100 S was from the very beginning a significantly more expensive choice that addressed to absolute track experts.

2008 saw the first white Hypermotard and the first all black “S” model.

History carries on being written with the 2009 model years and the ones waiting to be presented.

Exterior

2009 Ducati Hypermotard 1100

Regardless of the type of motorcycle that you may prefer, it’s impossible not to be caught up by Hypermotard’s aggressive design. Ducati made no compromise when designing the bike and it shows from every single angle you look at it. Starting with the front, it’s impossible to miss the 120 mm wide tire wrapped around the 17-inch wheel, which is supported by the thick fork arms introducing our already thrilled eyes to the also massive, but yet sharp fender that is an actual piece of the headlight housing. The instruments are an integrated part of this scenario while the cross-section handlebar indicates how their wideness is the key to handling this type of ride. With LED signal lights mounted into the hand guards, we know that we’re dealing with a stylish blast from the very first sight.

Although massive and aggressive, the Hypermotards are all about a low center of gravity and this shows in the design too. Notice how body panels hugging the 3.3 gallons tank follow the descendent line of the front fender? That’s an effect of that goal being accomplished. Also, the seat is positioned at 33.27 inches from the ground (not necessarily an advantage, but for the serious piece of motoring that the Hypermotard is, it is ok).

Being a two-person piece, the smooth seat represents most of the bike’s middle-to-rear, but that doesn’t mean that a high intensity LED rear light assembly moulded into a unique tailpiece that doubles as sturdy pillion grab-handles isn’t absolutely necessary considering Ducati’s standards. Also at the back, the Marchesini forged alloy wheel is the easiest thing to spot and admire due to the single-sided swingarm.

There are no visual differences between the two models apart from color. While both the 1100 and 1100 S are available in Red, the standard model is also offered White painted and the special one Black painted.

2009 Ducati Hypermotard 1100

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Test Ride

As good as the Hypermotards might look, it’s all in the rides that they provide and we are proud to say that we’ve ridden both and happy to share the experience with you.

Geard up and ready to ride, I simply had to pick up the helmet’s visor and take yet another good look at the bike before getting it all noisy and dirty. Up close, it looks much bigger and slightly threatening, a real challenge even for those who are no strangers to supermoto riding. At idle, the engine provides a healthy exhaust note, which invites you to get on the seat and see what it can do.

The Ducati Hypermotard 1100 was the first I tried out. Up on the comfy seat there’s nothing to stop a rider from feeling like the king of supermoto world. This thing is very tall and intimidating, but also offers an aggressive riding position and so helps the rider become one with its machine fairly quick.

Torquey and yet smooth, powerful and yet not scary, the engine is easy to work with, especially for supermoto riders. Personally, I spend a lot of time on high-end supersport Japanese models and the experience from riding such bikes helped during the Hypermotard test ride. Wheelies are the easiest tricks that you can easily pull of in the first three gears of the six-speed transmission. Torque is what you want to work with and this will also translate in fast and yet stable take offs. You get the same feel when opening the throttle as you get out of a corner.

2009 Ducati Hypermotard 1100

Although supermotos haven’t been created for city use, the Italian bike is excellent for the urban jungle. The engine can be very smooth, low speed maneuvering is the easiest thing while the tall riding position allows the rider to see traffic ahead and find the best way to filter through despite the wide bars.

Out on the back mountain roads is where the Hypermotard 1100 feels at home. While aggressively carving corners you easily understand what this thing is built for and simply can’t stop demanding it more and more. The best is that it can supply. It all reduces to the combination of 90 hp and 76 lb-ft of torque, one that will be the most appreciated even in comparison to supersport models, at least in this environment.

You also get impressive stopping power from the twin radially mounted Brembo four piston calipers acting on the new lightweight 305 mm twin discs up front and a 245 mm disk at the rear.

In what the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S is concerned, power and torque figures are not changed, but the chassis upgrades and the slightly reduced weight is what makes a difference. The track is its middle name and that’s where we rode this beast in order to get the best impressions. While the engine offered nothing new, this special model feels more inviting and reassuring as well. So riders will feel confident in leaning the thing more and more into corners and, with practice, even scrap the knee pads in a few weeks. Sliding, wheeling and simply messing around in an attempt to find a week point had no other effect than helping us get to the conclusion that this motorcycle will always be able to do more than its rider will.

In the case of both models, the only disadvantage is also a supermoto characteristic: bad mileage. Aggressively ridden on the road it averaged 83 mpg, but it can do slightly over 100 mpg if kept at a constant pace. But it’s worth every minute…or gallon.

Price

Taking in consideration what the bike has to offer, the $11,995 MSRP for the 2009 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 makes it adequately priced. So does the $14,495 MSRP in the case of the “S” model, but only for those who know that they’re ready for the very best thing out there. If not, the standard model is just as good.

Conclusion

In a relatively short amount of time, Ducati managed to remark as a supermoto expert, one that feels the need to raise the stake and call its bikes Hypermotards. Characterized by sharp handling, comfort and engine performance to match, both bikes stand out as must-haves and will leave no owner unhappy, but definitely begging for more.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2009 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S

Engine and Transmission

Type: L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
Displacement: 1078 cc
Bore x Stroke: 98 x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Power: 90 hp - 66 kw @ 7750 rpm
Torque: 76 lb-ft - 10.5 kgm @ 4750 rpm
Fuel injection: Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe.
Emissions: Euro3
Gearbox: 6 speed
Ratios" 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28
Primary drive: Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1
Final drive: Chain, Front sprocket 15, Rear sprocket 42
Clutch: Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Wheelbase: 1455 mm / 57.28 in
Rake: 24°
Front suspension: Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable upside-down fork / Kayaba 48mm fully adjustable upside-down forks with DLC - "S" model
Front wheel travel: 165 mm / 6.5 in
Front brake: 2 x 305 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers 4-piston, 2-pad.
Front wheel: 5-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs (Ohlins on the "S" model) monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear wheel travel: 141 mm / 5.6 in
Rear brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheel: 5-spoke light alloy 5,50 x 17
Rear tyre: 180/55 ZR 17
Fuel tank capacity: 12,4 l - 3.3 gallon (US)
Dry Weight: 179 kg / 395 lbs; 177 kg / 390 lbs - "S" model
Seat height: 845 mm / 33.27 in
Instruments: Speedometer, rev counter, clock, maintenance schedule, oil temperature, oil pressure warning light, battery level, fuel reserve warning light, trip fuel, indicator light, neutral light, injection system diagnostics, lap time memory storage, automatic light-off function after 60 secs key-on, immobiliser. The instrument panel menu functions are controlled from the left-hand switchgear. Ready for DDA system / DDA system supplied on the "S" model. 

Other

Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
Body colours (frame/wheels): Red (Red / Black) - White (Red / Black)
Versions: Dual seat