Introduction
95-hp fuel injected L-twin engine
First thing first, the new Hypermotards from the Bologna, Italy house get a new 1100 Desmo engine that is claimed to be “perfect” for the class. A very light, 90-degree Twin developing as much as 75.9lb-ft of torque and 95 horsepower from as low as 5750 rpm, respectively 7500 rpm, the unit is coupled to a precise and also light 6-gear transmission. Add the Siemens electronic fuel injection and a dry weight of only 379 pounds (377 pounds on the EVO SP model) and there’s nothing to stop the two bikes from turning into absolute blasts with every single twist of the throttle.
All the fun and excitement coming from the air-cooled, 1078cc engine can be shared with a passenger too due to the presence of a dual seat on both models. Riding on light Marchesini rims dressed in sticky Bridgestone BT015 tires, both models are more than guaranteed to get the blood flowing fast.
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO
But what actually sets the Ducati 1100 EVO SP apart from its base sibling? It all consists in the magic touch that the fully-adjustable 48 mm Kayaba fork gives over the also fully-adjustable 50 mm Marzocchi one found on the 1100 EVO. Also, the “SP” model features an Ohlins rear shock instead of a Sachs one and we shouldn’t neglect the overall 2 pounds weight reduction either.
A standard new feature on the 2010 Ducati 1100 EVO and EVO SP is the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA), a system which records information such as throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, distance travelled, laps and lap times. All data is stored into an USB, allowing riders to review their performances at the end of a riding day.
Having made a fulminant first entry at the 2005 EICMA show in Milan, the Ducati Hypermotard went into production later on as a 2007 model and brought the 1100 S model along with it. With the benefits of a durable low friction diamond-like carbon black coating to the front fork sliders, an Ohlins remote reservoir rear shock, the same Brembo Monobloc calipers used on the 1098, lighter forged Marchesini wheels with a red pin-stripe, Pirelli tires, plus carbon fiber fork protectors, timing belt covers, front fender and tail/ exhaust side panels, the 1100 S was from the very beginning a significantly more expensive choice that addressed to absolute track experts.
2008 saw the first white Hypermotard and the first all black “S” model.
History carried on being written with the 2009 model year bikes, which weren’t changed, unlike the ones we’re talking about today.
Exterior
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP
Regardless the type of motorcycle that you may prefer, it’s impossible not to be caught up by Hypermotard’s aggressive design. Ducati made no compromise when designing his big hyper and the bike shows it from every single angle. Starting with the front, it’s impossible to miss the 120 mm wide tire wrapped around the 17-inch wheel, which is supported by the thick fork arms introducing our already thrilled eyes to the also massive, but yet sharp fender that is an actual piece of the headlight housing. The instruments are an integrated part of this scenario while the cross-section handlebar indicates how their wideness is the key to handling this type of ride. With LED signal lights mounted into the hand guards, we know that we’re dealing with a stylish blast from the very first sight.
Although massive and aggressive, the Hypermotards are all about a low center of gravity and this shows in the design too. Notice how body panels hugging the 3.3 gallons tank follow the descendent line of the front fender? That’s an effect of that goal being accomplished. Also, the seat is positioned at 33.3 inches from the ground (not necessarily an advantage, but for the serious piece of motoring that the Hypermotard is, it is ok).
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO
Being a two-person piece, the smooth seat represents most of the bike’s middle-to-rear, but that doesn’t mean that a high intensity LED rear light assembly molded into a unique tailpiece that doubles as sturdy pillion grab-handles isn’t absolutely necessary considering Ducati’s standards. Also at the back, the Marchesini forged alloy wheel is the easiest thing to spot and admire due to the single-sided swingarm.
There are no visual differences between the two models apart from color. While both the 1100 EVO and 1100 EVO SP are available in shiny Ducati Red, the standard model is also offered in Black and the special one in Corse White.
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2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO
“The first thing one realizes when hopping on the EVO is the added oomph. It may only make an additional five horsepower and weigh 15 lbs less, but the combination has the front tire leaving the ground almost instantaneously.” – motorcycle-usa
"City street and interstate riding revealed the EVO SP to be an intoxicating urban bike— though its wing-like mirrors would make lane-splitting tricky if the act were legal in AZ. Ride quality is surprisingly supple, and the view from the elevated saddle commanding." – motorcycles.about
"The motor revs freely and has an urgent, muscular feel that suits this kind of bike. It doesn’t complain if you’re in too high a gear; in fact I found that when shifting up early at the Mores test track in Sardinia – relying on torque more than revs – it was as quick as when redlined." – telegraph
"The new engine revs up a little quicker than the old one and I race through the six speed gear box down the straight. The Hypermotard’s main advantage is its ability to carry lots of corner speed and accelerate out of tight corners like a bat out of hell." – motorcycle
"Handling is also as good as you’d think. I can’t remember if the old bike felt heavy-I don’t think so-but this bike feels as light and nimble as any twin-cylinder bike could, almost more like a big Thumper than a V-Twin. The high, wide bars, almost perpendicular to the bike, mean quick and easy direction changes, but the long (57.3 inches) wheelbase and balanced chassis keep it all under control." – motorcycledaily
"The EVO is a noticeable improvement on the old bike, but the new SP is a huge step forward and makes the Hypermotard even more extreme and track focused than the original, which was too extreme for some to start with." – MCN
Price
Taking in consideration what the bike has to offer, the $11,995 MSRP for the 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO makes it adequately priced. So does the $14,495 MSRP in the case of the EVO SP model, but only for those who know they’re ready for the very best the Bologna house can provide in this class. If not, the standard model – without the premium suspension, wheels, brakes and carbon fiber parts – is just as good.
Conclusion
In a relatively short amount of time, Ducati managed to remark as a supermoto expert, one that feels the need to raise the stake and call its bikes Hypermotards. Characterized by sharp handling, comfort and engine performance to match, both bikes stand out as must-haves and will leave no owner unhappy, but definitely begging for more.
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Engine and Transmission
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP
2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO