It was what people around here call a perfect July day. Mostly clear blue skies with a few puffy clouds and mid 80s. Still too warm for me ,but as long as I was moving at a nice pace I was ok.

I needed to have my S4Rs serviced and while it was being attended to I was given the opportunity to take a Demo 1100 HyperMotard for an afternoon ride.

Straight away I noticed the high seating position ,which for me is no problem since I have a 35" inseam.

Once I got underway the bike felt like there was no front end, at least not that I could see perched atop that high seat. The bike shifted smoothly and it had a nice sound w/ stock mufflers. Sort of sporty.
After having ridden my S4Rs to the Dealership, the pipes were noticably tamer than my full Termis. The Motard got up to 70 mph before I realized I was going thart fast. The sensation of speed wasn't as pronounced as on my S4Rs.

The bike felt very light and the seating postion was the most comfortable I had experienced in recent rides ( which included an S4RS and a 1098 R ).  It was nice not to have any strain on my knees or hips.

I rode 63 miles and although the bike was very easy to ride I must say the seat was the hardest I've experienced to date . If you can put up w/ the rock hard chair than the bike works well.

If it is a step up for you than it should provide plenty of zip. If you are like me and used to speed , then you might be thinking where is the emergency brake release.

Oh yea, the mirrors. They are very delicate ,so proceed w/ caution. They don't take to bumping or banging. They do offer excellent rear vision.

Do you think this bike could pull double duty as a track bike?

yea, just dont crash!

depends on what you want out of the track but I'd say you could spend your money better elsewhere for a track bike.  I loved the Hmt 1100s w/termi kit that I test rode.  But it was more of a hooligan commuter than a turn taming performance steed.  i'd think the 848 is a much better track bike if you want to keep to the marque.

Quote from: MendoDave on July 16, 2008, 01:38:58 PM
Do you think this bike could pull double duty as a track bike?

That is a hard one to answer. I guess it all depends on what you are expecting out of it. The one I rode had 600 mile on it and I didn't take it past 5000 RPMs and it seemed very unimpressive as far as power or torque was concerned.  If you wanted a mild mannered bike that wasn't going to get away from you then it probably would work ok .

Quote from: MendoDave on July 16, 2008, 01:38:58 PM
Do you think this bike could pull double duty as a track bike?

With some nobby tires on a dirt track -- hellz yeah!

I was thinking as compared to a SV 650 or a 696. I cant see [cant afford] buying a new 848 just to take to the track. Right now I have a CBR for the Track and it just sits there in the garage. but i thought to my self.. Self what if you had a second bike that you could or would actually ride on the street most of the time and take to the track once in a while....

Thus The Motard came to mind. The 696 has also come to mind...

ive seen people take the HM to the track.  i'm sure its real fun.  if its just a trackday, i say go for it