Ducati’s new-for-2013
Hyperstrada wheelies, slides the rear wheel, jumps curbs, is nimble and
flickable, and a hoot in urban environments. Characteristics, according to
Ducati, distance riders look for when considering a new model to go “touring,
Italian style.”
When compared directly
to its Hypermotard stablemate, the Hyperstrada differs by way of a taller
windshield, 20mm taller handlebars, a wider seat with thicker foam, 50-liter
semi-rigid saddlebags, a centerstand, a passenger grab handle, larger front and
rear mudguards, a bash plate and two 12V outlets.
Most of these items are
available as accessories to the standard Hypermotard, but the cost of
accumulating all the individual pieces, plus installation, will assuredly run
more than the $1,300 MSRP difference between the two bikes. Individually the
accessories may serve the purpose of riders desiring a particular result, but
as a package they do little to transform this motorcycle from motard to tourer.
The seat to which Duke
is referring is a nicely contoured, form-fitting mount comfortable for short
distances and keeps your arse in place during wheelies but allows no fore/aft
movement, thus locking the rider into a single position. That position is
dirtbike style, perched close to the motorcycle’s front end, and one we all
grew tired of after 30 minutes in the saddle on the freeway with no corners in
sight.
At 32.7 inches, even
the low version of the Hyperstrada (shorter suspension) is imposingly tall for
some riders. An accessory low saddle further reduces seat height to 31.9
inches, but then you’re losing the extra padding of the touring seat.One thing
we all agreed elevated the Hyperstrada to superstar motardism is its new 821cc
Testastretta 11° V-Twin. Now with more than 18,000 miles between major service
intervals, the new liquid-cooled, four-valve-per-cylinder motor also features
independent throttle bodies for each cylinder and RbW throttle operation.
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