Yesterday I visited the closest Ducati/Triumph/Yamaha/KTM emporium, and finally got to see a Hypermotard in the flesh.

I think I like it, and it looks like a friggin' hoot. However, since was cagebound and didn't have my helmet with to ride their demo (  ) all I could do is sit on an S and pretend. Anybody have any ride experience, or have both it and a Monster? I'm fairly comfy on a Monster, just wondering how it compares. Still not sold on The Beak, but it's less hideous in person than in pics.

Same place has a new holdover '06 KTM 950SM for under $9K. The looks of the HM are way cooler, but damn.

And Beemer's new Megamotard is damn cool too, despite a ridiculous pricetag.

I have an S2R 800 and test rode the Hyper a couple of weeks ago when the Ducati Demo truck visited DucPond. Great ride. For me it was more comfortable than my monster. More upright, feet more forward. Close to a dirt bike position. The balance is fantastic and the motor/throttle super responsive. It was only a 9-10 mi ride so I didn't get on it for long, but long enough to know it would be great to have. However, I don't think I want one over my monster.

There's some decent reviews in the MOB section of the board-we just had a hyper weekend....

A bit too tall for my taste... I like my 696, both feel flat with some flex in the knee's...

BUT....

I test road one, and damn...It pulls like a pack of wild bulls or some analogy like that.  I got back to the dealer afterwords and asked how I could get that 1100 in my monster!  I also like the dirt bike feeling, different, you are "on it" rather that "in it" compared to a monster.

Quote from: Speedbag on July 13, 2008, 07:25:51 AM
Yesterday I visited the closest Ducati/Triumph/Yamaha/KTM emporium, and finally got to see a Hypermotard in the flesh.

I think I like it, and it looks like a friggin' hoot. However, since was cagebound and didn't have my helmet with to ride their demo (  ) all I could do is sit on an S and pretend. Anybody have any ride experience, or have both it and a Monster? I'm fairly comfy on a Monster, just wondering how it compares. Still not sold on The Beak, but it's less hideous in person than in pics.

Same place has a new holdover '06 KTM 950SM for under $9K. The looks of the HM are way cooler, but damn.

And Beemer's new Megamotard is damn cool too, despite a ridiculous pricetag.

Where do you live, what dealer has that, and is it the SMR or the regular SM?



quit holding out on me. ..

It'll be interesting to see how the new Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 will compare.  I'm sure it won't have the get up and go that the Hyper does, but it sure looks sweet.

http://www.apriliadorsoduro.com/

Quote from: Monsterlover on July 14, 2008, 03:06:05 PM
Where do you live, what dealer has that, and is it the SMR or the regular SM?



quit holding out on me. ..

I live in the sticks near Mankato, MN. The dealer in question is Motoprimo in Lakeville, MN. 

It's the regular SM.

The Hypermotard is a fantastic hooligan ride, and very comfortable with its upright riding position.  The only caveat to ownership however is the extremely limited fuel range.  If your rides last longer than 80 miles make sure you know where the nearest gas station is.  High on fun, low on practicality, and an absolute hoot to ride.  The Monster can be darn near as hooligan, especially with the 4v motor, and will generally go a bit farther on a tank of gas.  If it lights your fire and matches your riding needs, go for it.

the hypermotard is pretty overrated IMO... wasn't blown away when I rode one.  Too much of a niche bike.  And that kinda riding ain't my niche. 

I would not seriously compare one to the monster... Maybe as a toy if you already have a Monster but instead of? -no way.

I am starting to really hate the word "hooligan."

Ive heard rumors thet aprillia is going to make dorsaduro with their new engine, was it 1200cc? and then its bye bye for HM

Man that is probably the worst name for a bike.  Totally stupid.

The bike, however, looks AWESOME!!!

I signed up to ride one when they hit the states

If you were to cut me, I'd probably bleed Ducati. Having said that:

If you can get a 950 SM for the price you posted, you would be well advised to do so. You'd be a fool (ok that's a liitte harsh) not to do so. They are VERY good bikes. I've ridden with one that my bro-in-law has for a couple of years now. They are fantastic bikes, even for the $13,000 he paid. For $9,000? that's insane good price.

They handle so well you wouldn't believe it and up to over 120 they go like stink and that's with a s4rs up it's arse.

LA

Check out my post about my aftrenoon ride with a Hypermotard. I have an S4Rs that I have ridden for a little over a year so I can give you a pretty good comparision between a Monster and a Hypermotard. Bottom line , if the Hypermotard is a step up from what you have been riding then you may like it better. If it is a step down , like me from my S4Rs to the Hypermotard then there is no way. Besides , the seat on the Hypemotard is the most uncomforable seat I've ever been on and I rode the Motard for 63 miles and I have a 1098 R which has basically a piece of fabric for a seat and it is more comfortable than the Hypermotard.

For reference my Monster was a carby 900 with the typical easy bolt-on mods of the day, so the HM would be a slight upgrade. I have yet to ride a 4V Monster (an S4Rs would be very cool too), and needless to say I'm sure I would love it. But I'm sorta looking for something even more different and unique than a Monster.

That KTM is definitely in mind, but I can't say I'm in love with the looks. I wonder if I could get them to drop the price some more. Maybe go in waving a wad of cash in their face.....