Test: Ducati Hyperstrada 939 (Baujahr 2016)
She doesn't just want to play
The Ducati Hyperstrada 939 is a special one: on the one hand it is based on the extremely agile Hypermotard, on the other hand it should be suitable for touring. How does this work in practice?The Motorcycle
The extremely delicate design has remained, so the Hyperstrada is easily confused with its sister, the Hypermotard. No wonder: the changes to the base model are small. A slightly higher handlebar, the small windshield, a lower seat height (matching 81 centimeters) and of course the shots for the two suitcases are almost the only changes. Between 2013 and 2017, she was at the dealership, initially for 12,590 euros. This made it 1090 euros more expensive than the Hypermotard.
This is what the Funbike should be able to do
The technology of the Hyperstrada was otherwise largely untouched, the highly praised Testastretta engine, for example, was taken over 1:1 by the Hypermotard. The extremely sporty interpretation is also left. Ducati had always kept its own interpretation of the models from the Supermoto racing series close to the actual racing machines. In this race series, the race is driven on a track in which the riders not only asphalt is also a gravel road (30%) Expected. In order to win here, you need an extremely agile bike, which also has to show a brutal engine - voila, appearance of the Ducati.
Since life is not just about racetracks, Ducati came up with the idea of building a tourist-designed model. Without diluting the typical genes of the hypermotard, the Hyperstrada should create the balancing act: not only to glow over the Alpine passes, but the driver should be able to pull more than one set of underwear from the backpack in the evening at the hotel. That's why the Hyperstrada has two suitcases with a capacity of 25 liters as standard - more on that later.
How the Ducati Hyperstrada
The most important thing in advance: Even as a tourer, the Ducati Hyperstrada has lost none of its extreme agility. Even with packed suitcases, she sweeps around the market like hardly any other motorcycle on the market. The seat position also contributes to this: the driver sits extremely far in front, the elbows high, the head forward. Aggressive down to the mark, the engine fits almost perfectly. Constant driving jerks as well as a certain drowsiness among 3000 tours are known to every Ducati rider and are widely regarded as Ducati folklore (even if it is annoying).
Also the antidote: give gas, and full. Immediately the Duc with its 110 hp storms through the speed band, from about 6000 revolutions it becomes brutal. Curve ahead? Brakes? It works wonderfully when the rear Brembo brake plays along (see conclusion). Both front and rear powerful and well dosed biting, the Duc speed breaks down. The only 210 kilos fully refuelled can be seen here as well.
The driving behaviour is described insufficiently by the term "curve-friendly". The Duc is after it, it is a pleasure, as it stands out precisely, accelerates out at all times in a controlled manner and suddenly also curves go very fast, which one would not have thought possible before. If you are not one of the fastest on the passes - it is not on the motorcycle ...
With one caveat: the driver should always know what he is doing in this design. Especially in tight curve radii, the Hyperstrada tends to tilt with the front wheel to the inside of the curve. This must be resolutely counteracted.
And the driving comfort, which is important for a touring machine, including a Ducati? Let's put it this way, from front to back: good, medium, meagre. In the long version: The non-adjustable front fork is not only precise, but also skilfully intercepts shocks. The seat is a tick too short for the driver and only moderately padded. Hard ness at the back: Although adjustable, the Sachs strut allows short bumps to the driver's back even in the softest setting.
Conclusion - is the compromise successful?
Yes. In fact, the compromise succeeds in making one of the most nimble motorcycles a touring motorcycle without limiting its core competencies. The second part of the movement, however, is the far more important one, because the hyperstrada is by no means to be confused with a tourer. Despite the disc, the wind shield is severely restricted, the top speed of 220 km/h is pure theory. You can do it, but after a short time the ideal cruising speed changes at 130 km/h. The path here is not the destination, but the reasonably well survived test to the next mountain pass.
The Hyperstrada is an everyday fun bike, with which you can stay away from home longer and get a murder fun.
She is a Ducati through and through. On the positive side, the faster it goes, the better the Ducati will work. But especially then. If you are looking for a motorbike for the comfortable lap in between, you should make an enamoured dealer of another brand.
Negatively, the burden and dignity of being a real Ducati means a quality of workmanship that can only be called below average and some incomprehensible decisions. So the suitcases are not waterproof. Ducati knows this, and attaches two waterproof bags, which works, but is just a fumble.
Ducati has been owned by Audi's quality fanatics since 2012. Dear Audianer: Don't you even want to go to Italy for a short time? It's nice to be there, and by the way, you could make sure that screws don't rust after two years (!), that the plastic at the rear and the display (see picture gallery) are not faded out and slowly become blunt. The rear brake may not work permanently for some inexplicable reason - every two months it goes to the dealer, who then has to vent again.
Thank you. Would help me a lot.Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction
- For a four-year-old model you pay about 8500 euros.
- Availability: from 2013 to 2017. The Duc is a rare model - there are rarely more than 20 for sale throughout Germany.
- Colours: red, white, red-white, black
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