Thanks Guy! That one was done pretty much with a phone and a GoPro and sorta slung together quickly - but watching it back again really makes me want to hit those roads again...On the XSR...or another Ducati...Oh those mountains 😄 Glad you enjoyed it, cheers, Phil.
Excellent review. I was thinking of getting a hyperstrada for my next bike for all the reasons you gave, you just confirmed my choice. Handily, you're even the same height and build as me so its super relevant. Also, loving the acoustic soundtrack and chilled style, such a breath of fresh air from the usual drum and base you tend to get on these things.
Hey Neal - it really is a fabulous bike and to be honest, two years after selling it, I’m missing it. The confidence it inspired, the fun and the practicality. What a bike! Maybe a HyperMotard coming this way...As for drum and bass, as my inner dad would say “that’s not music” Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Thanks so much for your review! I just got myself one of these and was nervous about not watching all these reviews prior to the purchase, but now I feel so much better and also loving it.
+Eduardo Fierro Morning Eduardo - thanks for your comments - the bike is perhaps a little niche, but it's very special, hope all goes well, cheers, Phil.
+Morten Krauw Yes, usually I'm quite fickle and after a few thousand miles any bike becomes 'normal' Something about the Hyperstrada makes me smile and want to ride it all the time. Easy, accessible fun with a big heap of practicality. I took my B-King out the other day and the weight & the need to be a bit careful with the throttle, felt strangely restrictive! Anyway, glad you enjoyed the review, cheers, Phil.
Beautiful video, exciting and with a great video quality! Unfortunately there are too few reviews (better, stories!) like this one about a motorcycle. I'm sure you've been inspired many fans like me and thank you so much for this. I would like to buy one HS (maybe 821cc), but I wonder if I could make a long trip as a couple without being too uncomfortable. I like this bike much more than the big road enduro bikes (that would surely be more suitable for tourist use as a couple). ... but, we can't rule the heart, right? What do you think about this use?
Good evening Emilio, hope you are well and many thanks for your kind comments about the video. Riding the HS with a pillion on a long trip is all about expectations and also your combined size as the bike and seat are relatively short and compact. Once onboard it’s going to be very cosy and there isn’t much space too move around. However, the seating position is quite good and of course you’re on a light bike which is very easy to manage yet which still has a lot of power. I only took a pillion once and for their sake I wouldn’t contemplate more than a couple of hours to be honest. Again if you and your pillion are small to medium in terms of size that can only help. I think you might need to try one to be honest. Sorry that probably doesn’t help much! Anyway thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil, great review. I too have one of these, and I think it`s one of the best bikes I have ever had. Due to tour Ireland on it next month, so I will let you know how I get on. I presume you still have yours ??
+steve burns Afternoon Steve, glad you liked the review. Yes I still have mine & yes, every time I go out on it I think it's the most brilliant bike I've ever had and the bike I've been wanting forever...It makes me a better rider and the roads much better roads. It's a total confidence bike combined with a fizzing excitement. Which of course you'll know about! Being fickle and shallow I usually get bored quite quickly but with the Hyperstrada I'm now thinking a few years ahead and wondering whether a Hypermotard SP with a tall screen could be the perfect machine 😀 you'll have a blast in Ireland, wet or dry, cheers, Phil.
Great review mate! Last week i bought a HS 821cc, and as you said... i feel like a little kid that only wants to play with his dream toy! I also have a honda grom, and bmw g310r, love all of them, but these bike is special! Cheers!
Great review! I'm renting one of these in Japan for a 5-day tour coming December. I may even consider one when I get back. One question though: is the pillion usable? It looks quite angled. Thanks!
+sunfffd Thanks for the comments! Five days in Japan on a Hyperstrada? I'm sooooo jealous! As for the pillion, I've never taken anyone on the back and to be honest I don't think I or the passenger would have a particularly good time over any serious distance mainly because of the size of the bike - It would be fine for short hops, but the bike is dirt bike sized, so two up would be very cosy! The pillion seat is quite broad and pretty flat though. Would I go touring on it two-up? No way. Would I go two-up on 100 mile ride? Yeah!
+Arunava Acharyya Thanks Arunava! I've only ever taken it on gravel tracks and on those it's probably better than a sportsbike. However, Alloy wheels, a very excitable engine and lots of lovely red bodywork means I'm way to cowardly to do any serious off roading on it though! Good luck if you do - let me know what happens! Cheers, Phil.
Evening Kevin, glad you liked the video and thanks for leaving a comment. That’s the Nufenen pass in Switzerland at 2:59 - and a fabulous ride it is! Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Good videos! Thinking about buying the hypermotard 939 SP. Wondering about the servicing costs, how much how involved and how often? Also wondering about the finish quality .... how did it stand up to the rain and other abuse on your European trip? Thanks
Afternoon James / you must have second sight 😄 I’m just finishing off a long term / 10,000 mile review video which answers most of those questions - should be uploaded over the weekend. Suffice to say that my bike (on PCP) goes back next year and there are only two bikes I can see replacing it 1) 939 SP or a Husky 701SM!!! That should tell you something! Thanks for watching and keep an eye out next weekend, cheers, Phil.
80:8 Photography & Design Ha ha ha .... That was the answer that I was hoping for. So .... It really is that good? Why would you go for the 939 SP? It is the way I am leaning just now. Which garage do you use? I don't have much choice Ducati Glasgow or Carlisle I think is the next closest.
Hey James, yes, it's brilliant. Hopefully it will become clear in the long term review as to why, but it's flattering, fun, exciting and supremely confidence inspiring. I can use all of the bike and all of the engine, without feeling as though something terrifying is going to happen, plus my wrists / legs / shoulders never ache. As for why would I go for the 939 SP, well, if the HS939 is the best bike I've ever owned to date, what's the SP going to be like :-) And the paint job!! I use M&S in Newcastle - easy to deal with & with no problems to date. Cheers, Phil.
+RawDeal Afternoon! The music throughout the video is "One Dollar Bill" by Jason Kyrone - a fabulous, but unsigned musician from Edinburgh. If you to go the end of the video, you'll find details of where to find more of his music, cheers, Phil.
It's a great bike, no, actually, it's a fabulous one. It's alway 100% fun, always useful and creates so much front wheel confidence that it still staggers me after 2 years of ownership. Such a shame that only a handful were sold in the UK last year. There's a long term review coming next, although as it will have the production value of the Guzzi review it might take a little time. Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Hmmm dunno...To be honest I'm not planning on doing another PCP after this one as there's something about it which makes me feel slightly uncomfortable...And of course, it's the next credit bubble that will burst at some point. I think my plan is either to own it, hand it back or see what else is out there. In a perfect world I'd buy a Hypermotard SP outright :-)
I am kind of stuck between a Triumph Tiger and the Hyperstrada....I am small 5,6"" and need a touring bike for 2 up riding primarily. I find the Tiger really intimidating although the weight is almost the same. Tiger comes at 216 kgs and the hyper at 210 kgs, somehow though find this more like an extension of me.Problem is dealer does not have a bike for test ride and wants me to try the hypermotard - Wife is insistent she wont let me spend a penny on this one unless she goes for a spin sitting behind. she loves the comfort on the tiger ! Would like to know if you have tried 2 up riding and how the passenger felt - comfortable ? Have you also managed to do roads with bad potholes, broken roads - does the bike eat those up or you have to slow down? How does the bike handle when you try trails ? Have you tried standing and riding? Is it comfortable? Your reviews are brilliant - you may actually help me put the money on the hyperstarda - I look forward to hearing from you Thanks in advance
+Vin Evening Vin - glad you enjoyed the review. I haven't been two-up on the HS but will say that it is a really small bike. The pillion seat is probably wide enough to be comfortable, but there's not much space so two-up will mean both riders being really close to each other. Personally I wouldn't really fancy going any distance on it two-up. On the upside though - the bike is never intimidating - it's so light and narrow that there is hardly any sense of weight plus the HS seat is really low. I've ridden a tiger - and yeah it feels like there's a lot of weight there. You'll have to test ride the Hypermotard which is essentially the same aside from the seat (and screen / panniers). See if the dealer can fit a HS seat - it's much lower than the HM. On bumpy roads the HS is utter brilliance - tighter the better - I've tried a couple of gravel tracks and yeah it's ok - standing on the pegs puts you right over the front wheel - which is ideal, but then it's a 17 " wheel! Like I said in my review the HS gives and delivers a massive sense of confidence on the road - it's unlike anything I've ridden before. It's also brilliant in the wet. Sorry can't help anymore, cheers, Phil.
+Peter Williams Evening Peter, still absolutely love it to bits, it's every bike I ever thought I wanted or needed. And it's been no trouble whatsoever - coming up to 6000 miles now and everything thing is good. All I've had to do is tyres, adjust the chain and give it a little bit of an oil top up the other day. It's really confounded my preconceptions about Italian bikes. I suspect the bike is an acquired taste in some respects, but it suits me perfectly...And it's so much fun!
+Bob Powar Evening Bob, in touring mode the fuel light would typically come on around 120 miles. This means there's around 3.5 litres left so good for around 160 miles in total. I think the biggest mileage I did to a tank before getting paranoid was 150 miles and there was a litre and a bit left. Perfectly fine for Europe and if you employ the strategy of only taking your helmet off and having a break every other stop it's easy to cover ground, cheers, Phil.
+Bob Powar Evening Bob - well it's a big change from the ZX to the Hyperstrada, not least because of the size differential. The Hyperstrada is like a DR400 with a bigger seat! I don't know anything about the 939 multistrada, but presumably it will be a little bigger and more roomy? The HS is simply good fun, inspires total confidence and is practical enough to consider a big ride / tour every so often for a solo rider. I traded a VFR12 in for mine and I don't miss the VFR one bit as the lack of weight in the HS is a revelation and I love it. Test ride one I think but avoid fast sweepers on the HS - it's perfectly fine on them but for it to really impress endless bends are where it's at, cheers, Phil.
Morning! On eBay? Gosh...It was a PCP bike so it’s three years were up and while it was a fabulous bike, I felt I needed a change + the balloon payment was a bit salty. I also felt that it wasn’t a forever bike and given it was so niche, selling it some time in the future with 30,000 miles on it might be tricky. Totally wonderful bike though! Cheers, Phil.
Afternoon Rich - well it’s a great and totally reliable bike. It was maintained by M&S motorcycles in Newcastle, but taken back to British Car Auctions at the end of the PCP. Serviced about 2000 miles ago and had new chain / sprockets. Tyres are both good...hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
Great review Thanks :o) I'm considering a Ducati HS as well, I want something comfortable for long hauls but will also rip up the twisties like a sports bike, possibly also the new 1290 Super Duke, but the Duke is 8 grand more expensive. I'm pretty compact and so is my girl friend and she likes to be like a koala almost on my back when she pillions. She loved my GS, hated an Indian we had for the weekend as she was too "detached" from the me and the bike and loves my Triumph Thruxton R. My point is maybe for some people a cosy pillion is a happy pillion.
+Paul Thomas Evening Paul, thanks for your comments and glad you enjoyed the review. Everyone is different and I think it's right not to subscribe to the generally held view of...anything. Like we need a 1200cc bike and a huge fairing to go touring on, or an adventure bike on which to have an adventure. It depends on who you are and your expectations. Personally, for me, I'd take the HS over any sports bike, adventure bike or tourer...it makes me smile every minute of the ride and it takes me as far as any bike has ever done while killing the twisty roads like nothing else. If your pillion likes to hold close, you'll be fine. Please note that I once rode a XR600 from the UK to Egypt though so my idea of comfort is possibly warped 😀 cheers, Phil.
Thanks for the reply and hand half your luck on the wonderful places you go touring. Here in Australia you have to travel 3 thousand kms just for a change of scenery. Wanna swap citizenships? I'm pretty sold on the Ducati now but one thing, that little oil cooler right behind the front wheel, does it have a guard over it? one stone shot up from the front tyre into that cooler and its over. My Ducati dealer told me today that the HS is being discontinued from 2017 as the 900 Multistrada will fill that roll. So I'd be getting a 2017 Hypermotard and putting a screen lower seat and bags on it, and vwala I have a hyperstrada :o)
+Paul Thomas Evening Paul - swap citizenships? Here in the northern most part of England at this time of year it starts to get dark at 15:30 and the roads are covered in salty sludge...so yeah! I'm up for it! The oil cooler has no protection and is possibly in the worst location ever, so before I headed off to Europe I got some metal grill stuff, cut it to shape and stuck it in front of the oil cooler using super strong Velcro. Cost about £5 and it kept my stone damage paranoia at bay. Must admit I don't fancy the 950 multistrada at all, so converting a HM makes perfect sense - and if you do it with the SP version, even better! Cheers, Phil.
I have been thinking very seriously about buying one of these Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP bikes. However I am being told by the actual Ducati dealers that Ducati are probably not going to be making them any more and after a lot of hunting around all over the UK I can't find one Ducati dealer that has a new one in stock much less has one for me to test drive. Obviously there is no way I'm going to spend £14,000 witout test driving one first!!! Ducati ..... I am very dissapointed!!
Afternoon Jamie...Hmmm...I can imagine what you’re hearing is correct - registrations this year are just 12....From 75 a couple of years ago, so from a commercial perspective it makes sense, however, what a shame. This is a bike that lots more people could really enjoy. Last time I looked there were a couple of ex-demo bikes kicking around, but as you say you need a test ride - especially for something which is relatively niche. I’m slightly upset now as my plans for next year could be toast...Good luck and thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
80:8 Photography & Design ..... Jim .... please anything but Jamie. Thanks for answering my comment Phil. Not really sure about this but I think a lot of people are being sucked into the world crosser / grand tour /exploring type of BMW GS 1200 machines and losing the whole fun aspect of riding bikes? Yes I can see the business sense in not producing a bike thst does not sell ...... however I was under the impression from the dealers that I have spoken to that they sold like hotcakes in europe?
Morning James, (apologies for the Jamie, I know loads up here, so freudian slip!) I'd agree completely... I've owned an 1150GS ADV & 1200 years ago and while they are superbly competent bikes (if not quite as reliable as folk would make out) they are somewhat, er, serious & ubiquitous. Having toured on both, from a solo perspective I'd take the HS every time. What it lacks in weather protection, it makes up in sheer joie de vivre, though of course it is rather useless at two up touring, unless one's partner is happy to pack only a toothbrush and credit card & is under 5ft. I do like touring on unsuitable bikes though (DR 350 to Jordan for example) so accept this is a minority view! The figures I quoted were UK registrations, which suggests the Europeans know a good bike when they see it and are perhaps are less swayed by the prevailing zeitgeist. Whenever in Europe, I find the range of bikes that you see riding in groups is always so much more varied than here in the UK - maxi-scooters, sports bikes, cruisers etc, all together. I think fun for me is 100HP, 450lbs & good suspension. I've just sold my B-King (a great & distinctive bike) mainly because I found myself sticking to swooping A-Roads where speeds were mostly unmentionable. The HS is at it's best hooning around little B-Roads with no straights. it's a joy. I reckon this winter there could be some pre-reg bargains knocking about though... Cheers, Phil.
Beautiful beautiful riding ! ..Love this .. JOyful and informative .... ....You have such a great eye .. It shows in every shot ...
Thanks Guy! That one was done pretty much with a phone and a GoPro and sorta slung together quickly - but watching it back again really makes me want to hit those roads again...On the XSR...or another Ducati...Oh those mountains 😄 Glad you enjoyed it, cheers, Phil.
Excellent review. I was thinking of getting a hyperstrada for my next bike for all the reasons you gave, you just confirmed my choice. Handily, you're even the same height and build as me so its super relevant. Also, loving the acoustic soundtrack and chilled style, such a breath of fresh air from the usual drum and base you tend to get on these things.
Hey Neal - it really is a fabulous bike and to be honest, two years after selling it, I’m missing it. The confidence it inspired, the fun and the practicality. What a bike! Maybe a HyperMotard coming this way...As for drum and bass, as my inner dad would say “that’s not music” Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Real shame you didn’t video more of your trip. Would have been great. Love the bike.
Thanks so much for your review! I just got myself one of these and was nervous about not watching all these reviews prior to the purchase, but now I feel so much better and also loving it.
+Eduardo Fierro Morning Eduardo - thanks for your comments - the bike is perhaps a little niche, but it's very special, hope all goes well, cheers, Phil.
+Eduardo Fierro Thanks Eduardo / good to know you're loving the bike, cheers, Phil.
It looks fantastic. Is it liquid-cooled.
Evening - yes it is, same engine that’s in the 950 Multistrada and it’s fabulously engaging. Really miss it now! Cheers, Phil.
Very nice that you after so many miles still love it so much. I am getting more and more convinced that I have to own a Hyperstrada someday :-)
+Morten Krauw Yes, usually I'm quite fickle and after a few thousand miles any bike becomes 'normal' Something about the Hyperstrada makes me smile and want to ride it all the time. Easy, accessible fun with a big heap of practicality. I took my B-King out the other day and the weight & the need to be a bit careful with the throttle, felt strangely restrictive! Anyway, glad you enjoyed the review, cheers, Phil.
Beautiful video, exciting and with a great video quality!
Unfortunately there are too few reviews (better, stories!) like this one about a motorcycle.
I'm sure you've been inspired many fans like me and thank you so much for this.
I would like to buy one HS (maybe 821cc), but I wonder if I could make a long trip as a couple without being too uncomfortable.
I like this bike much more than the big road enduro bikes (that would surely be more suitable for tourist use as a couple).
... but, we can't rule the heart, right?
What do you think about this use?
Good evening Emilio, hope you are well and many thanks for your kind comments about the video. Riding the HS with a pillion on a long trip is all about expectations and also your combined size as the bike and seat are relatively short and compact. Once onboard it’s going to be very cosy and there isn’t much space too move around. However, the seating position is quite good and of course you’re on a light bike which is very easy to manage yet which still has a lot of power. I only took a pillion once and for their sake I wouldn’t contemplate more than a couple of hours to be honest. Again if you and your pillion are small to medium in terms of size that can only help. I think you might need to try one to be honest. Sorry that probably doesn’t help much! Anyway thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Hi Phil, great review. I too have one of these, and I think it`s one of the best bikes I have ever had. Due to tour Ireland on it next month, so I will let you know how I get on. I presume you still have yours ??
+steve burns Afternoon Steve, glad you liked the review. Yes I still have mine & yes, every time I go out on it I think it's the most brilliant bike I've ever had and the bike I've been wanting forever...It makes me a better rider and the roads much better roads. It's a total confidence bike combined with a fizzing excitement. Which of course you'll know about! Being fickle and shallow I usually get bored quite quickly but with the Hyperstrada I'm now thinking a few years ahead and wondering whether a Hypermotard SP with a tall screen could be the perfect machine 😀 you'll have a blast in Ireland, wet or dry, cheers, Phil.
Great review mate! Last week i bought a HS 821cc, and as you said... i feel like a little kid that only wants to play with his dream toy!
I also have a honda grom, and bmw g310r, love all of them, but these bike is special!
Cheers!
Thanks Juan...And what a great trio of bikes you have : perfect for every occasion! Thanks for stopping by, cheers, Phil.
Great review! I'm renting one of these in Japan for a 5-day tour coming December. I may even consider one when I get back. One question though: is the pillion usable? It looks quite angled. Thanks!
+sunfffd Thanks for the comments! Five days in Japan on a Hyperstrada? I'm sooooo jealous! As for the pillion, I've never taken anyone on the back and to be honest I don't think I or the passenger would have a particularly good time over any serious distance mainly because of the size of the bike - It would be fine for short hops, but the bike is dirt bike sized, so two up would be very cosy! The pillion seat is quite broad and pretty flat though. Would I go touring on it two-up? No way. Would I go two-up on 100 mile ride? Yeah!
Its a great in depth review for the bike. I'm just curious to know how good the bike is on off-road conditions
+Arunava Acharyya Thanks Arunava! I've only ever taken it on gravel tracks and on those it's probably better than a sportsbike. However, Alloy wheels, a very excitable engine and lots of lovely red bodywork means I'm way to cowardly to do any serious off roading on it though! Good luck if you do - let me know what happens! Cheers, Phil.
Great review, where is the place with the amazing vista at 2:59 with mountains on the horizon?
Evening Kevin, glad you liked the video and thanks for leaving a comment. That’s the Nufenen pass in Switzerland at 2:59 - and a fabulous ride it is! Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
Good videos!
Thinking about buying the hypermotard 939 SP. Wondering about the servicing costs, how much how involved and how often? Also wondering about the finish quality .... how did it stand up to the rain and other abuse on your European trip?
Thanks
Afternoon James / you must have second sight 😄 I’m just finishing off a long term / 10,000 mile review video which answers most of those questions - should be uploaded over the weekend. Suffice to say that my bike (on PCP) goes back next year and there are only two bikes I can see replacing it 1) 939 SP or a Husky 701SM!!! That should tell you something! Thanks for watching and keep an eye out next weekend, cheers, Phil.
80:8 Photography & Design
Ha ha ha .... That was the answer that I was hoping for. So .... It really is that good? Why would you go for the 939 SP?
It is the way I am leaning just now. Which garage do you use? I don't have much choice Ducati Glasgow or Carlisle I think is the next closest.
Hey James, yes, it's brilliant. Hopefully it will become clear in the long term review as to why, but it's flattering, fun, exciting and supremely confidence inspiring. I can use all of the bike and all of the engine, without feeling as though something terrifying is going to happen, plus my wrists / legs / shoulders never ache. As for why would I go for the 939 SP, well, if the HS939 is the best bike I've ever owned to date, what's the SP going to be like :-) And the paint job!! I use M&S in Newcastle - easy to deal with & with no problems to date. Cheers, Phil.
Long term review might be the middle of the week now...A couple more shots to get...Cheers, Phil.
What is the soundtrack around 3 minute mark?
+RawDeal Afternoon! The music throughout the video is "One Dollar Bill" by Jason Kyrone - a fabulous, but unsigned musician from Edinburgh. If you to go the end of the video, you'll find details of where to find more of his music, cheers, Phil.
Fascinating stuff. Thanks for sharing.
+DervMan thanks, glad you enjoyed the review, cheers, Phil.
Great review. I'm intrigued.
It's a great bike, no, actually, it's a fabulous one. It's alway 100% fun, always useful and creates so much front wheel confidence that it still staggers me after 2 years of ownership. Such a shame that only a handful were sold in the UK last year. There's a long term review coming next, although as it will have the production value of the Guzzi review it might take a little time. Thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
do you reckon you'll end up paying the balloon payment on the PCP to own it, or would you put your credit toward a newer hyperstrada?
Hmmm dunno...To be honest I'm not planning on doing another PCP after this one as there's something about it which makes me feel slightly uncomfortable...And of course, it's the next credit bubble that will burst at some point. I think my plan is either to own it, hand it back or see what else is out there. In a perfect world I'd buy a Hypermotard SP outright :-)
I am kind of stuck between a Triumph Tiger and the Hyperstrada....I am small 5,6"" and need a touring bike for 2 up riding primarily. I find the Tiger really intimidating although the weight is almost the same. Tiger comes at 216 kgs and the hyper at 210 kgs, somehow though find this more like an extension of me.Problem is dealer does not have a bike for test ride and wants me to try the hypermotard - Wife is insistent she wont let me spend a penny on this one unless she goes for a spin sitting behind. she loves the comfort on the tiger !
Would like to know if you have tried 2 up riding and how the passenger felt - comfortable ?
Have you also managed to do roads with bad potholes, broken roads - does the bike eat those up or you have to slow down?
How does the bike handle when you try trails ? Have you tried standing and riding? Is it comfortable?
Your reviews are brilliant - you may actually help me put the money on the hyperstarda - I look forward to hearing from you
Thanks in advance
+Vin Evening Vin - glad you enjoyed the review. I haven't been two-up on the HS but will say that it is a really small bike. The pillion seat is probably wide enough to be comfortable, but there's not much space so two-up will mean both riders being really close to each other. Personally I wouldn't really fancy going any distance on it two-up. On the upside though - the bike is never intimidating - it's so light and narrow that there is hardly any sense of weight plus the HS seat is really low. I've ridden a tiger - and yeah it feels like there's a lot of weight there. You'll have to test ride the Hypermotard which is essentially the same aside from the seat (and screen / panniers). See if the dealer can fit a HS seat - it's much lower than the HM. On bumpy roads the HS is utter brilliance - tighter the better - I've tried a couple of gravel tracks and yeah it's ok - standing on the pegs puts you right over the front wheel - which is ideal, but then it's a 17 " wheel! Like I said in my review the HS gives and delivers a massive sense of confidence on the road - it's unlike anything I've ridden before. It's also brilliant in the wet. Sorry can't help anymore, cheers, Phil.
Hello, I was just wondering how you're getting on with the Hyper? Still in love with it, any problems?
+Peter Williams Evening Peter, still absolutely love it to bits, it's every bike I ever thought I wanted or needed. And it's been no trouble whatsoever - coming up to 6000 miles now and everything thing is good. All I've had to do is tyres, adjust the chain and give it a little bit of an oil top up the other day. It's really confounded my preconceptions about Italian bikes. I suspect the bike is an acquired taste in some respects, but it suits me perfectly...And it's so much fun!
amazing review
+Adam Prawiranegara Thanks!
How often was you filling up? In miles per tank... I really like the Hyperstrada but the 16ltr tank is putting me off.
+Bob Powar Evening Bob, in touring mode the fuel light would typically come on around 120 miles. This means there's around 3.5 litres left so good for around 160 miles in total. I think the biggest mileage I did to a tank before getting paranoid was 150 miles and there was a litre and a bit left. Perfectly fine for Europe and if you employ the strategy of only taking your helmet off and having a break every other stop it's easy to cover ground, cheers, Phil.
Thanks Phil, really appreciate the feedback... I might be tempted to trade in my Z1000sx.... or do i wait to see the 939 muiltistrada?
+Bob Powar Evening Bob - well it's a big change from the ZX to the Hyperstrada, not least because of the size differential. The Hyperstrada is like a DR400 with a bigger seat! I don't know anything about the 939 multistrada, but presumably it will be a little bigger and more roomy? The HS is simply good fun, inspires total confidence and is practical enough to consider a big ride / tour every so often for a solo rider. I traded a VFR12 in for mine and I don't miss the VFR one bit as the lack of weight in the HS is a revelation and I love it. Test ride one I think but avoid fast sweepers on the HS - it's perfectly fine on them but for it to really impress endless bends are where it's at, cheers, Phil.
Oh I did just that, I traded my Z1000SX 2017 model on a 2016 MS I get it on Thursday, can't wait...
+Paul Thomas Yeah!!!!
Just seen your bike on eBay how come you sold it?
Morning! On eBay? Gosh...It was a PCP bike so it’s three years were up and while it was a fabulous bike, I felt I needed a change + the balloon payment was a bit salty. I also felt that it wasn’t a forever bike and given it was so niche, selling it some time in the future with 30,000 miles on it might be tricky. Totally wonderful bike though! Cheers, Phil.
80:8 Photography & Design I’m interested in it, when did you hand it back and to which dealer did it go back to? Cheers Rich
Afternoon Rich - well it’s a great and totally reliable bike. It was maintained by M&S motorcycles in Newcastle, but taken back to British Car Auctions at the end of the PCP. Serviced about 2000 miles ago and had new chain / sprockets. Tyres are both good...hope that helps, cheers, Phil.
80:8 Photography & Design thanks
Great review Thanks :o) I'm considering a Ducati HS as well, I want something
comfortable for long hauls but will also rip up the twisties like a sports bike, possibly also
the new 1290 Super Duke, but the Duke is 8 grand more expensive. I'm
pretty compact and so is my girl friend and she likes to be like a koala
almost on my back when she pillions. She loved my GS, hated an Indian
we had for the weekend as she was too "detached" from the me and the
bike and loves my Triumph Thruxton R. My point is maybe for some people a
cosy pillion is a happy pillion.
+Paul Thomas Evening Paul, thanks for your comments and glad you enjoyed the review. Everyone is different and I think it's right not to subscribe to the generally held view of...anything. Like we need a 1200cc bike and a huge fairing to go touring on, or an adventure bike on which to have an adventure. It depends on who you are and your expectations. Personally, for me, I'd take the HS over any sports bike, adventure bike or tourer...it makes me smile every minute of the ride and it takes me as far as any bike has ever done while killing the twisty roads like nothing else. If your pillion likes to hold close, you'll be fine. Please note that I once rode a XR600 from the UK to Egypt though so my idea of comfort is possibly warped 😀 cheers, Phil.
Thanks for the reply and hand half your luck on the wonderful places you go touring. Here in Australia you have to travel 3 thousand kms just for a change of scenery. Wanna swap citizenships? I'm pretty sold on the Ducati now but one thing, that little oil cooler right behind the front wheel, does it have a guard over it? one stone shot up from the front tyre into that cooler and its over.
My Ducati dealer told me today that the HS is being discontinued from 2017 as the 900 Multistrada will fill that roll. So I'd be getting a 2017 Hypermotard and putting a screen lower seat and bags on it, and vwala I have a hyperstrada :o)
+Paul Thomas Evening Paul - swap citizenships? Here in the northern most part of England at this time of year it starts to get dark at 15:30 and the roads are covered in salty sludge...so yeah! I'm up for it! The oil cooler has no protection and is possibly in the worst location ever, so before I headed off to Europe I got some metal grill stuff, cut it to shape and stuck it in front of the oil cooler using super strong Velcro. Cost about £5 and it kept my stone damage paranoia at bay. Must admit I don't fancy the 950 multistrada at all, so converting a HM makes perfect sense - and if you do it with the SP version, even better! Cheers, Phil.
I have been thinking very seriously about buying one of these Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP bikes. However I am being told by the actual Ducati dealers that Ducati are probably not going to be making them any more and after a lot of hunting around all over the UK I can't find one Ducati dealer that has a new one in stock much less has one for me to test drive.
Obviously there is no way I'm going to spend £14,000 witout test driving one first!!!
Ducati ..... I am very dissapointed!!
Afternoon Jamie...Hmmm...I can imagine what you’re hearing is correct - registrations this year are just 12....From 75 a couple of years ago, so from a commercial perspective it makes sense, however, what a shame. This is a bike that lots more people could really enjoy. Last time I looked there were a couple of ex-demo bikes kicking around, but as you say you need a test ride - especially for something which is relatively niche. I’m slightly upset now as my plans for next year could be toast...Good luck and thanks for watching, cheers, Phil.
80:8 Photography & Design ..... Jim .... please anything but Jamie.
Thanks for answering my comment Phil. Not really sure about this but I think a lot of people are being sucked into the world crosser / grand tour /exploring type of BMW GS 1200 machines and losing the whole fun aspect of riding bikes? Yes I can see the business sense in not producing a bike thst does not sell ...... however I was under the impression from the dealers that I have spoken to that they sold like hotcakes in europe?
Morning James, (apologies for the Jamie, I know loads up here, so freudian slip!)
I'd agree completely...
I've owned an 1150GS ADV & 1200 years ago and while they are superbly competent bikes (if not quite as reliable as folk would make out) they are somewhat, er, serious & ubiquitous. Having toured on both, from a solo perspective I'd take the HS every time. What it lacks in weather protection, it makes up in sheer joie de vivre, though of course it is rather useless at two up touring, unless one's partner is happy to pack only a toothbrush and credit card & is under 5ft. I do like touring on unsuitable bikes though (DR 350 to Jordan for example) so accept this is a minority view!
The figures I quoted were UK registrations, which suggests the Europeans know a good bike when they see it and are perhaps are less swayed by the prevailing zeitgeist. Whenever in Europe, I find the range of bikes that you see riding in groups is always so much more varied than here in the UK - maxi-scooters, sports bikes, cruisers etc, all together.
I think fun for me is 100HP, 450lbs & good suspension. I've just sold my B-King (a great & distinctive bike) mainly because I found myself sticking to swooping A-Roads where speeds were mostly unmentionable. The HS is at it's best hooning around little B-Roads with no straights. it's a joy.
I reckon this winter there could be some pre-reg bargains knocking about though...
Cheers,
Phil.