When I lived in Chicago I loved my M695. Small and agile, I could go just about anywhere in the city. Now that I'm living in San Jose and commuting all over the Bay, the 695... kinda sucks. It's mostly slab and the Monster is pretty boring. (Okay, it's a commute but still...)
So I'm considering replacing the 695 with a Hyper S. Everyone I talk to with a Hyper loves it - like born-again motorcycle riders. Can anyone with a Hyper chime in? I'd like to get some other opinions: how well do you like your Hyper, what do you use it for and what other bikes do you have if any?
Also, if anybody wants to make an offer on a red M695 with full, high-mount Termis and 1700 miles I'm all ears. :)
I always tell my buddies that the hyper is a great everyday bike,im sure you'll like it.One friend has a monster and a hyper,he uses the hyper more now than the monster. :)good luck!
they just look fun don't they...and the 50mm marzocchi's look mean in real life....I'd love to see a monster with those forks (no idea if it could be done - but why not!)
that's a nice jump in performance....
what colour is your 848?
I have a 695 and test road the Hyper and had a blast. LOVE that bike. Unfortunately for me, it's a little too expensive with two mortgages, and the insurance on it (in Atlanta anyway) was a full SIX TIMES more expensive for me (Dairyland). Granted, I could have shopped around and found cheaper rates insurance wise, but combined with the purchase price and the fact that the Motard made me do very naughty things (even on the test ride), made me pass. I'm fine with lusting from afar.
It's a great ride...I took one out for a few hours last time my monster was in for service. It saddle was a little high for my short legs, but once your up there....HOLD ON!
hopefully you have a 36" inseam, or you won" be able to put your feet on the ground without jumping off. i test drove one (loved it) but i'm 5'8" and had to almost dismount at stops. it is a very tall stance. plenty of power & handling was impressive. [coffee]
If you're looking to commute, then a Multistrada might be as good or better of a bet; same engine, same frame. The Hypermotard is basically a stripped down Multi or the Multi is a HM with better wind protection and the ability to carry factory hardbags and tail trunk. The Multi carries an extra 40#s, but that's not a bad thing on the slab. Of course if you want to go light, you could pick up a used 620 Multi on the cheap and have a ton of money left over for hard bags and to spend on your 848. Sure, the Multi doesn't have the sex appeal of a Monster or HM, but you forget that once you're in the saddle and besides, you've got the 848 for that.
That's rational reasoning, but I'm afraid that's not going to work for me. :) I called a dealer near me and he never got back about the trade-in value of the 695.
Mmm. I checked out (with my eyes, not my butt) some Hypermotards at the Kaw/Suz/Duc/Apr dealership the other day. While the face would take some getting used to, the overall package looks like a huge pile of fun.