I'd consider if they could get the weight into ktm's 690 range otherwise bike doesn't make much sense.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/rumors/2010-ducati-hypermotard-796-in-october/

Wait, Ducati is making a motard? 

They're onto something with these "motards" and I've heard nothing but good things from the people that have them, but we need to call them something else.  Motord means cheap and thrashable in my mind--and nothing Ducati fits that description. 

Quote from: mostrobelle on September 16, 2009, 08:45:45 PM
They're onto something with these "motards" and I've heard nothing but good things from the people that have them, but we need to call them something else.  Motord means cheap and thrashable in my mind--and nothing Ducati fits that description. 

Does Super Moto work for you? i think that's sticking as the market name.

I've had 6 monsters 750, 3 s2r 800/1000, 2 s4r's , and a husky 510smr, the monsters have been my favorite and i wanted to try something different with the husky, it was really fun to ride and super light at 260 lbs with 50 hp on tap, but no wind protection at all and vibrated like crazy, i've been lusting after the hyper for awhile.  the thing that keeps me off the smoto's are the really thin seats, i wanted something more comfortable.  if ducati can get the hyper down in weight a little towards the 300 range with around 50-60 hp, i'd be sold!

Quote from: Pastarocket on September 16, 2009, 09:21:38 PM
  if ducati can get the hyper down in weight a little towards the 300 range with around 50-60 hp, i'd be sold!

Good news, it exists but it's a KTM Duke.  Except for the power, it makes more.

i actually like the duke 690, it looks awesome and is pretty light at 327 dry and 65 hp it's no slouch.  the drz sm is 295 and putting out 35 hp, so it's a big difference.

i don't think there's much to bring the weight down on the hyper. the engine case would be alomst the same as the 1100 HM and unless you add superlight frame/components you can't drop weight and they won't do that cause it will increase the price.

I have to disagree with you here.  It will likely use the same vacuum molded engine that will be offered in the 2010 696, resulting in a lighter engine.  They started this with the 848 and it seems to be migrating through the offerings. 

I have to agree with 'belle here. One of the hallmarks of the *motard bikes seems to be indestructibility. Given that they encourage doing stupid sh*t, they really need to be rideable after said stupid sh*t goes Horribly Wrong.  And any Ducati to date is going to a) probably break or b) cost a small fortune to repair if you end up throwing it down the road.

Quote from: mostrobelle on September 16, 2009, 08:45:45 PM
...means cheap and thrashable in my mind--and nothing Ducati fits that description. 

What about John C? 

Bravo.  Maybe 'thrashed' would be better tense?

Quote from: duckwrench13 on September 17, 2009, 08:26:56 AM
What about John C? 

hey ... i'm affordable ... NOT cheap!