Next week, I’ll be headed to the Ascari Circuit in Southern Spain, as Ducati is set to launch the all new 2013 Hypermotard to the world’s motorcycle press. To get everyone excited about the event, the boys from Bologna decided to have a little fun. Together with its factory MotoGP pilot, Nicky Hayden, and a cameo by Ruben Xaus, Ducati has filmed an exciting video to showcase what the bike can do. See it below. Continue Reading »

Ducati is streamlining its Hypermotard lineup for 2013, replacing its air-cooled  796 and 1100 models with a new 821cc liquid-cooled Hypermotard. Announced at the 2012 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, the line now includes the Hypermotard, the Hypermotard SP and the more touring-oriented Hyperstrada which you can read about in a separate post.

Bowing to ever tightening environmentally-friendly restrictions, the new generation of Hypermotards come equipped with a new 821cc version of Ducati’s Testastretta V-Twin engine. The Hypermotard has three ride modes: Sport, Touring and Urban. According to Ducati, the the Sport mode offers an output of 108hp at 9250rpm. The Touring mode also claims 110hp though its power curve is better attuned for longer distance travel. The Urban mode restricts power to 74 hp, also at 9250rpm. The Hypermotard also comes standard with the Ducati Safety Pack which includes ABS and traction control.

The rider triangle has been revised on the new Hypermotard, with the handlebars placed higher and further forward than on the previous generation models. The footpegs are also moved further ahead. Ducati claims the new riding posture offers a commanding riding position. Continue Reading »