The Hyperstrada, as the name suggests, is a hybrid between the Hypermotard and Multistrada. Adventure bike sales are seeing an upward trend, and Ducati wants to extract the last possible drop from the opportunity. The problem is, creating a sub-segment, between two clearly defined segments sometimes doesn’t work at all. In other cases, it ends up creating history. Only time will tell how well the new Hyperstrada goes down with the bike aficionados.
The Hyperstrada isn’t a full-fledged long distance touring machine as its Multistrada brethren, nor is it a proper back-road explorer, what with those factory fitted panniers. However, there may just be a set of people who think of it as a good companion to tackle every kind of terrain, while still having enough storage to make a trip to moon and back.
The specifications of the Hyperstrada are neat though. It is powered by a new water-cooled, 821cc ‘Testastretta 11°’ four-valve engine. Peak output is 110 bhp and peak torque stands at 10Nm. There are three engine maps to choose from, which includes an urban mode with only 75 bhp on the loose. The bike also comes with the Ducati Safety Package which has an eight-way traction control and ABS.
Ducati has used the same engine in the new 2013 hypermotard range as well. The bike has a service interval of 15,000 km and valve check interval of 30,000 km – good enough for some epic journeys.
Weighing 204 kg, the Hyperstrada employs a trellis-frame and has panniers one its sides as standard factory fitted units. The top central storage comes as an option though. Other features to make it more tourer friendly than the Hypermotad include a fully adjustable rear suspension, handlebars which have been raised by 20mm and more comfortable seats.
Check out the image gallery below, and don’t forget to let us know your opinions on this new category of bikes Ducati is trying to create.
