I WANT THIS!!!! - Maybe

[VFRinAustin]

Ok,

Ever since it was first advertised over a year ago I have be waiting to see one of these:

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Hypermotard&model=HM1100S-08

I have read almost every article written on the Hypermotard lately, including a couple in a the UK bike porn all of which are calling it outstanding. Now I want to know if anyone has any first hand knowledge on it. I know a couple of you may have actually had a chance to ride one (Bud) and really want opinions. Also want to know where you got to ride it as I might just want to go do it myself.

[Squeaky]

First things first - how much time do you have to actually RIDE ? :ponder:

[TexasTri]

I got a mailing from the dealer in Austin offering a free test ride in June, but it did not show up until July while I was in CO. You should go take a look at them.

[rearviewmirror]

Ok,

Ever since it was first advertised over a year ago I have be waiting to see one of these:

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Hypermotard&model=HM1100S-08

I have read almost every article written on the Hypermotard lately, including a couple in a the UK bike porn all of which are calling it outstanding. Now I want to know if anyone has any first hand knowledge on it. I know a couple of you may have actually had a chance to ride one (Bud) and really want opinions. Also want to know where you got to ride it as I might just want to go do it myself.

Ducati Austin has an S model as a demo bike. Go ride it!

[Hood Ornament]

Sorry, I just can't get that bike. Take all the advantages of a Motard, then hamstring it with a big heavy motor and street bike chassis. If you're craving Italian, there is a much better offering from Aprilia:

http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%20SXV550.jpg

[kurt]

(Andy runs the traps) Let's see....

Wife out of country..... check!
Renewed interest in riding..... check!
Lust for an impractical bikes.... check!
Approval from Conner (see avatar).... check!

How much do I write the check for?

[mnapuran]

Or, how about the 335lb 690 Supermoto?

http://www.ktmusa.com/fileadmin/swf/productspecials/uploads/690supermoto-orange-big.jpg


OR... the 240lb 560 SMR?

http://www.ktmusa.com/fileadmin/swf/productspecials/uploads/560-SMR_01.jpg

[budzrex]

Andy, I have ridden both.

Go to the Austin Ducati dealer downtown you will get a test ride. I was going to ride one there but instead got to ride one Friday afternoon when an old friend from Dallas called and said he was on his way out to the hill country on his and he would trade a parking space for his truck for the weekend for a ride.

I liked it was light and nimble and would make a good all around bike. Its not really a motard but a return to a true all around motorcycle that does it all well, kind of like the modern version of a scrambler. I took it for about an hours ride on some fun little tight twisty roads in the area if was replacing the rex it would be in my garage no questions asked. I will let you know what kind of milage he gets when he returns today as I am thinking the range is only going to be about 130 miles or so per tank.

If I was adding a second bike in addition to the rex in that style it would be the Aprillia, as it is a true hoolie machine great power and suspension and a seat that will make you glad the tanks small, but when your on the throttle and either sliding or balancing on the back wheel you dont notice that.

Which would I pick for my personal style of riding day that averages 400 miles? Easy the Ducati each and every time,


Andy, just buy it you will love it

[Hood Ornament]

Or, how about the 335lb 690 Supermoto?

http://www.ktmusa.com/fileadmin/swf/productspecials/uploads/690supermoto-orange-big.jpg


OR... the 240lb 560 SMR?

http://www.ktmusa.com/fileadmin/swf/productspecials/uploads/560-SMR_01.jpg


Uggghhhh, the 690 is almost as ugly as the Duc. The 560 is nice, be hard to decide between it and the Priller.

[Hood Ornament]

If I was adding a second bike in addition to the rex in that style it would be the Aprillia, as it is a true hoolie machine great power and suspension and a seat that will make you glad the tanks small, but when your on the throttle and either sliding or balancing on the back wheel you dont notice that.



LOL, no kidding. Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200! :clap:

[VFRinAustin]

First things first - how much time do you have to actually RIDE ? :ponder:


Ellen gets home Wednesday evening, so starting thursday I will have a lot more time to ride especially to an from work.

[ekms377]

Eurosport here in FW said they should have their Duc SM by next weekend....:trust:

[VFRinAustin]

Sorry, I just can't get that bike. Take all the advantages of a Motard, then hamstring it with a big heavy motor and street bike chassis. If you're craving Italian, there is a much better offering from Aprilia:

http://www.maxmoto.co.uk/images/Aprilia%20SXV550.jpg

I like the 'priller and it is on the list and I guess I will have to go take a ride on it. But I am not really looking for a full on supermotard. I am really looking for more of a old school scrambler bike good for short urban commuting, 1-1.5 hr lunch time rips out to Bert & Ernies and for fun short hill country rides. This is a second bike as I am not planning on getting rid of the Viffer, just supplementing it.

[VFRinAustin]

(Andy runs the traps) Let's see....

Wife out of country..... check!
Renewed interest in riding..... check!
Lust for an impractical bikes.... check!
Approval from Conner (see avatar).... check!

How much do I write the check for?


Fortunately/Unfortunately Ellen gets back on Wed. for good. I am very glad she is home, both Connor and I have missed her very much. It also means more riding time for me. Unfortunately I will have the justify any new purchases before I do them now, not after the fact.

Everything else you mentioned is spot on, oh and Kurt, if you want to write out the check just make it out to ..... :-P

[budzrex]

Andy, if I was keeping the VFR for longer rides and looking to add
a bike for day rides, short runs to the hill country and such I would pick the Duc, as much fun as the SVX is when ridden hard I just dont think you would venture far from home on it very often as it is not that great at running
at 70 to 80 on two lanes for an hour or so in my opinion. Come on down
and I am sure Ed will let you demo one

[VFRinAustin]

Andy, I have ridden both.

Go to the Austin Ducati dealer downtown you will get a test ride. I was going to ride one there but instead got to ride one Friday afternoon when an old friend from Dallas called and said he was on his way out to the hill country on his and he would trade a parking space for his truck for the weekend for a ride.

I liked it was light and nimble and would make a good all around bike. Its not really a motard but a return to a true all around motorcycle that does it all well, kind of like the modern version of a scrambler. I took it for about an hours ride on some fun little tight twisty roads in the area if was replacing the rex it would be in my garage no questions asked. I will let you know what kind of milage he gets when he returns today as I am thinking the range is only going to be about 130 miles or so per tank.

If I was adding a second bike in addition to the rex in that style it would be the Aprillia, as it is a true hoolie machine great power and suspension and a seat that will make you glad the tanks small, but when your on the throttle and either sliding or balancing on the back wheel you dont notice that.

Which would I pick for my personal style of riding day that averages 400 miles? Easy the Ducati each and every time,


Andy, just buy it you will love it


Thanks Bud for the info, exactly what I was looking for. Sounds like you had a good ride. I know I can go over to DA to ride it but before I go over and deal with those, er, a, humm, gentlemen, I just wanted a little info. I will definitely take Albie and your advice and check out the 'priller just to make sure but I think I want it to be more Scrambler, less motard than that. Let me know if you or your friend have any more info.

As for the KTM's, the little ones are to motard for me. If I was going that direction I would also be including the lil Suzuki. The 690 and 990 Superduke are more in line with what I am looking for but I just cant get past that KTM styling. I am sure they are great bikes, they have gotten the good reviews and all. Just a little too odd for my tastes.

Thanks all for the info and opinions, exactly what I was hoping to get. Will let you know how it works out.

[rearviewmirror]

The 560SMR would not be a good street bike you'd be changing the oil every time you road it, and doing the valves every other ride. They weren't built for any kind of sustained speed, it's all about being on and off the gas rather quickly. Would be a great hooligan or track bike, but not good for any type of riding over 2 hours.

[ekms377]

Eurosport has a slightly used one for $8900 I beleive. My friend, Ken, went up there to look at possibly buying it but he is waiting to see thew Duc first.

[kurt]

Wednesday! Well that still gives you a day. ;-) How late Wednesday? :lol2: