Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP and 796 Demo Report

[falconati]

Fuck.

That is the only word to describe these bikes.  I still can't even do my full report, because I don't feel like it would be unbiased.  I'm still giddy.  I want to buy a 796 - I actually greatly preferred it to the 1100.  The only problem is that means I should probably sell one of my motorcycles (I can talk myself into owning two bikes, but not three).  So, I guess my Triumph is up for sale?

[DogBoy]

Why does it have be unbiased? Its not like you're contributing to Motorcyclist.




































 

[GTS_Rider]

... So, I guess my Triumph is up for sale?

Yeah, I don't know, it's not really a good time to offer up bikes for sale. I cleaned and tuned up my '05 V-Strom for sale and offered it in numerous places for $1,200 below kbb retail, hardly a bite.

Though, maybe more people are looking for SpeedTrips than V-Stroms, and you'll get a quick sale....

[GTS_Rider]

Why does it have be unbiased? Its not like you're contributing to Motorcyclist.

Nicely played...  

[Mr Sunshine]

I  got a test ride on the 1100 EVO SP from Ducati Seattle.  *Almost* bought that instead of my Multi.

[ZED]

...
I want to buy a 796 - I actually greatly preferred it to the 1100.
...

Interesting.  Please enlighten us on this.  These days it seems like everyone is following the more-is-better philosophy.  It would be refreshing to hear an alternate opinion between these two.  

[falconati]

There was something about the way the bike handled.  On the spec sheet, you don't really get a lot more power with the 1100.  Likewise, you don't really save much weight between the 800 and the 1100.  So, if you're just looking at paper, you wouldn't even consider the 796.  That said, it just handled much better for me.  The bike is just a touch lower, so maybe it had to do with having a lower center of gravity.  I didn't mind the height of the 1100 EVO SP though - even though it's higher than the other models, I never felt like I was on a bike that was too tall.

I haven't been able to test a 796 Monster yet, but if I'm able I will.  I wonder if there's any similarity in the Monster series.  The seat is only .5" lower in the Monster series, so if I'm able to test those and like the 1100 better, I might be more comfortable in thinking that my reason for liking the smaller Hypermotard is the lower center of gravity.

[Rabidsnipe]

Fuck.

+1  The 796 is awesome!  I haven't ridden the 1100 but, knowing the difference in price and how much I enjoyed the 796, I don't really think there is a need to.  My first thought when riding the 796 was, "Hmm, this is kind of like my DR350 (that I had at the time) except it looks awesome, sounds better, and has about a gazillion more horsepower!  Huzah!"

I'm not sure how I would deal with the windblast if I were to get one.  It felt like I was fighting the wind a lot more on the Motard as apposed to the street triple.  That and the luggage options for the bike are super tiny.  The Monster would be much more practical.  But damn...

[RenegadeVT]

I agree. Don't need it but there is a hyper 796 in my future, but unlike Falcon, I am going to made the girls squeeze closer together to make room for a third.

[ZED]

Interesting observations on the little Hyper.  I wondered as much.  

I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet, but I have ridden the previous S model.  It wasn't what I was expecting.  If I tried it again I would probably appreciate it more.  While it had top notch suspension and brakes, it had more power than really usable for the style.  I also thought that a smaller, lighter version might make more sense and fun.  I was intrigued when the 796 came out.  It could indeed feel very different.  There's a reason that Super Motards are often lowered from the MX height.  If a person where to throw a bunch of money it's way it could even end up with top notch suspension, wheels, and be reasonably light.  Not a motard by any real means, but an awfully fun play thing for the back roads maybe.

[falconati]

+1  The 796 is awesome!  I haven't ridden the 1100 but, knowing the difference in price and how much I enjoyed the 796, I don't really think there is a need to.  My first thought when riding the 796 was, "Hmm, this is kind of like my DR350 (that I had at the time) except it looks awesome, sounds better, and has about a gazillion more horsepower!  Huzah!"

I'm not sure how I would deal with the windblast if I were to get one.  It felt like I was fighting the wind a lot more on the Motard as apposed to the street triple.  That and the luggage options for the bike are super tiny.  The Monster would be much more practical.  But damn...

There was definitely a LOT of windblast.  That said, I didn't mind a lot.  This would be my city bike, so I wouldn't be spending hourts over 70 mph.

[BrookR1]

I demoed the 796 Hypermotard last Saturday and i can't get it out of my head. I'm 6'5" so I want to demo the 1100 Evo because I want the extra seat height. But damn, that motor jumped at will but felt smoother than my 09 Multistrada. I know on paper my Multi has more torque, but seat of the pants told me the HM had more umph to it. 90 mph on the freeway in 4th gear was no problem at all for the HM.

I want one.

The wife will only let me have one Ducati and one commuting bike. I'm thinking about selling the Multi for one of these and then getting either a DL1000 or ST1300 as a commuter.

[ZED]

If you already have the multi, keep it for touring and get the hyper for commuting, or 'comutarding'  

The little hyper would be great hooligan fun commuting.  Possibly too much so.

[falconati]

He can only have one Duc because the wifey wants to make sure he doesn't come home with another lady  

[BrookR1]

She's still smarting from our wedding day. I rode in on the Multi, tux and all and insisted on a Ducati groomscake. She saw the look in my eye after after the HM demo and immediately said "Oh no...only one Ducati at a time."

The main reason is the maintenance costs. $1000 every six months for a tune up is a bit much. So I said I cut drastically cut those costs if I had a reliable commuting bike. So I'm looking at a Honda ST (so I can commute and do Iron Butt rides). Spending $10,000 to save $1000 sounds great to me!  

[ScottB]

Hey, I'll be in Madison in a week and a bit!  I'll ride your S3 home and you can tell the SO it was stolen, then go buy the Duc w/ the insurance money!