Ducati Hypermotard EVO SP 2012 Corse Edition Tech Spec

Idid a lot of research on the Hypermotard leading up to my decision to buy a new one.

I was almost set on getting a pristine condition 2009 1100S that had all the bits I wanted installed; Termi slip ons, Sargent Seat, Performance mirrors and bark busters and it was black. It looked freakin awesome. With only 2,000kms on the clock it was advertised for $18,500, then $17,825.

Things didn’t add up and I gave him the arse. Maybe it was a non repairable right off and he was trying to exit a nightmare? Good luck dude.

I was convinced I should just put up the extra dough and grab the new one. Glad I did now, it’s like trying on underwear. No one wants second hand underwear.

When it comes to comparisons, the 2012 shows nothing different on paper from the 2011 model – see below. The real differences are subtle and boil down to just this; higher ground clearance, high spec suspension, new seat aesthetics and high bars, plus the red, white and black Ducati Corse official livery making it look quite something different. The new 2012 model is also a good 6 kegs lighter than a 2009 1100S. I reckon once I get rid of those stock pipes it’ll drop a few more kegs too!

Still, I like specs and I like to compare so here it is laid out for your reading pleasure.

Technical specifications taken from Total Motorcycle.

To see a real difference in spec between the models in fact, you have to step back to the 1100S model of 2008/9. That was a beast of a bike but it was also around $25k at that time.

2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Specifications:

Engine 

Type L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
Displacement 1078ccm
Bore x Stroke 98x 71,5mm
Compression Ratio 10,5:1
Power 90 PS – 66 kW @ 7750 rpm/min
Torque 10,5 kgm – 102.9 Nm @ 4750 rpm/min
Fuel injection Marelli electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Exhaust Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe.
Emissions Euro 3

Transmission 
Gearbox 6 speed
Ratio 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28
Primary drive Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1
Final drive Chain, Front sprocket 15, Rear sprocket 42
Clutch Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Chassis 
Frame Tubular steel Trellis frame
Wheelbase 1455mm
Rake 24°
Steering angle 35° right and left
Front suspension Kayaba 48 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork
Front wheel travel 165mm / 6.5in
Front wheel 5-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17
Front tyre 120/70 ZR 17
Rear suspension Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear wheel travel 141mm / 5.6in
Rear wheel 5-spoke light alloy 5,50 x 17
Rear tyre 180/55 ZR 17
Front brake 2 x 305mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad.
Rear brake 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Fuel tank capacity 12,4l – 3.3 gallon (US)
**Dry weight 177kg
Seat height 845mm
Max height 1155mm
Max length 2120mm

But this all means nothing until you get on one. Seriously, riding a Hyper EVO SP is the most fun you can have holding on to handlebars. The bike is really light with super accurate steering and has power on tap in every gear.

The gearing is really tall, cruising on the freeway at 100kph I keep forgetting to flick it up to 6th – that’ll take some getting used to. I have read reviews saying that it is too chunky down low for city riding. Bullshit I say, you don’t know how to ride it! I suppose it can be a little lumpy at low revs in traffic, but be in the right gear for the traffic and it’s pretty easy going. I think it is a bit overkill but overall a great commuter – I smile all the way to work, every single day but I’m truly sick in the head.

Can’t wait to get out into the Snowy Mountains at the end of the month, we’ll see just how practical the little beast really is on a four day tour around some of Victoria and NSWs best roads. Until then….