Hey fellow bike people - thoughts on Hypermotard / 690 SMC?

[jdoggg12]

Preface - I used to race on an R6. Got into a bad accident and lost my left arm. FF a number of years and I decide to start riding again. I picked up a WR250X almost 2 years ago and have put about 15k miles on it. Now, I'm ready for a fairly large bump in power so that I can get back on the track and have some balls to keep up with other riders in anything other than tight turns.

I don't think I want to get back on another sportbike. The ergos are just not friendly to riding with 1 arm and, frankly, I'm not sure I'm ready for the level of self control one must exercise on a twitchy, eager speed machine. I would LOVE if Yamaha would make a WR450/600X but that's just not in the cards, unfortunately. I've grown to love the do-anything-but-go-fast nature of my supermoto so I'd like to keep that pedigree somewhere in the equation. That brings me to my question...

Have any of my fellow riders on here ridden the Hypermotard (796 or newer 939)? What'd you think of it? Have you ridden the KTM 690 SMC (or enduro, or Husqvarna 701)? Thoughts on that one?

I know they're very different beasts. But they're what I'm looking at in terms of looks, performance, features, etc. The Hyper is a bit of a pig, but it's just about my favorite looking bike right now. The 690 is more-or-less the epitome of what I'm looking for with the exception of being able to tour long distance like the Duc can.

Thanks!

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've ridden a 796 Monster. Very easy bike to ride with a light clutch and decent ergos. Motor has plenty of torque but the lack of wind protection really makes the Monster less attractive to me personally for the type of riding I do.

I expect the Hypermotard would be very similar just a bit taller.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I've ridden CRF450. Not the x version for road use. Might fit the bill. It's the only thing I can think of that would be similar to the WR250x without being crazy expensive.

Maybe a Zuki DRZ400? Didn't feel to me like it had all that much more to offer than a WR250 though.

There is an Aprilla svx550 that looks good too. Haven't ridden it but would really like to.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've ridden CRF450. Not the x version for road use. Might fit the bill. It's the only thing I can think of that would be similar to the WR250x without being crazy expensive.

Maybe a Zuki DRZ400? Didn't feel to me like it had all that much more to offer than a WR250 though.

There is an Aprilla svx550 that looks good too. Haven't ridden it but would really like to.

This is a barely used liquid-cooled Hypermotard. Not crazy expensive at $8,995.
http://moto-forza.com/Motorcycles-Ducati-Hypermotard-2013-080f654f-7c1f-4672-aa43-a572012e34fc

I'm sure the 796 could be had for even less.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

This is a barely used liquid-cooled Hypermotard. Not crazy expensive at $8,995.
http://moto-forza.com/Motorcycles-Ducati-Hypermotard-2013-080f654f-7c1f-4672-aa43-a572012e34fc

I'm sure the 796 could be had for even less.

Nice find. Wasn't considering used bikes in my answer. Jebus depreciation is a booger on those things.

Brings up the old conundrum of used vs new. Brandy new CRF450x is $8,440.- msrp.

 

[jdoggg12]

I've ridden a 796 Monster. Very easy bike to ride with a light clutch and decent ergos. Motor has plenty of torque but the lack of wind protection really makes the Monster less attractive to me personally for the type of riding I do.

I expect the Hypermotard would be very similar just a bit taller.

Yea, the wind protection factor has me considering the 'strada... but it's even heavier than the already-portly 'tard.

I've ridden CRF450. Not the x version for road use. Might fit the bill. It's the only thing I can think of that would be similar to the WR250x without being crazy expensive.

Maybe a Zuki DRZ400? Didn't feel to me like it had all that much more to offer than a WR250 though.

There is an Aprilla svx550 that looks good too. Haven't ridden it but would really like to.

I like the 450 but, since the bike is going to be used to commute on occasion, the very, very short maintenance intervals are a deal-breaker for me. The Aprilla falls into the same trap, unfortunately... even requiring new pistons at the 5k mile mark :-\

I looked at the DRZ when shopping for my current bike. Having ridden with a few, I don't think it has anything more to offer than the 250x... acceleration is very comparable and top speed is a wash.

This is a barely used liquid-cooled Hypermotard. Not crazy expensive at $8,995.
http://moto-forza.com/Motorcycles-Ducati-Hypermotard-2013-080f654f-7c1f-4672-aa43-a572012e34fc

I'm sure the 796 could be had for even less.

Working in the industry as a distributor, finding the bike is easy part for me. It's figuring out the pros/cons of the selection is proving more difficult. Honestly, if I could toss the FZ-07 motor into my WR, (and add ABS) it'd probably be the perfect ride for me, haha

 

[JulesMaximus]

Working in the industry as a distributor, finding the bike is easy part for me. It's figuring out the pros/cons of the selection is proving more difficult. Honestly, if I could toss the FZ-07 motor into my WR, (and add ABS) it'd probably be the perfect ride for me, haha

http://moto-forza.com/Motorcycles-Kawasaki-Versys-650-ABS-2015-c1380de0-0d69-4ae9-868d-a51801138ff5

You could always pick up a used Kawasaki Versys 650. Those have better wind protection and this one is only $6500 barely broken in and it has ABS.

 

[rstrohkirch]

If the 690smc is the epitome of what you're looking for then get it. A couple of your responses make me feel you're a bit less decided than your initial posts made you sound.

If you want to compromise on longer distance travel than a SM like the 690smc is where it's at. If you want something more in between the smc or the hyper then perhaps the newer style 690 duke. It has a more in the bike feel compared to the previous gen even though it's firmly a standard. Even the previous SM styled duke 690 is a bit more in the middle. Finally, the hyper if you want to compromise on distance vs weight. Though, if I was shopping a hyper I'd accept nothing other than the 1100 because badass.

I'm all for converted SM but riding tall 280lbs wet bikes with no wind protection at 75mph blows something terrible. The current gen or last gen duke 690 might be something that works better for you. An aftermarket full exhaust puts their wet around the 330-340 range. About 20lbs heavier than a smc and about 45lbs lighter than the hypers.

 

[jdoggg12]

If the 690smc is the epitome of what you're looking for then get it. A couple of your responses make me feel you're a bit less decided than your initial posts made you sound.

If you want to compromise on longer distance travel than a SM like the 690smc is where it's at. If you want something more in between the smc or the hyper then perhaps the newer style 690 duke. It has a more in the bike feel compared to the previous gen even though it's firmly a standard. Even the previous SM styled duke 690 is a bit more in the middle. Finally, the hyper if you want to compromise on distance vs weight. Though, if I was shopping a hyper I'd accept nothing other than the 1100 because badass.

I'm all for converted SM but riding tall 280lbs wet bikes with no wind protection at 75mph blows something terrible. The current gen or last gen duke 690 might be something that works better for you. An aftermarket full exhaust puts their wet around the 330-340 range. About 20lbs heavier than a smc and about 45lbs lighter than the hypers.

It's the epitome of what I want in a factory bike but hasn't been sold in the US since about 2012. I could get the enduro and do the conversion but that's a hefty bump in final price if I go that route... however it WOULD be nice to have a set of dirt rims for trips to Tahoe/Yosemite...

My biggest "wants" in my upgrade are:

ABS (Preferably front-only b/c the rear wheel should do whatever I want it to, haha)
50-80HP (So that I don't have to worry about getting out of my own way in traffic doing 60+mph)
Upright seating position with wide bars (because it's too tire leaning forward with only 1 arm to holdmyself upright)
The ability to handle a bit of offroad/hooliganing when the opportunity presents itself
Under 400lbs, preferably under 350 (my WR250X is 300lbs wet and it's awesome, haha)

I keep looking at the dukes but their styling just doesn't really excite me. I fell in love with the WRX styling years ago. I love the looks of the 690SMC, Hypermotard/strada, most supermotos, and even some scramblers. I loved my race-prepped R6 (white) but another sportbike just isn't the cards for me

The Hyper-1100 is just too much bike for me at the moment. I know that I'll forget I don't have both hands one day and get on it too hard any go rolling off the back, laughing like an idiot, haha!

 

[jaha2000]

It's the epitome of what I want in a factory bike but hasn't been sold in the US since about 2012. I could get the enduro and do the conversion but that's a hefty bump in final price if I go that route... however it WOULD be nice to have a set of dirt rims for trips to Tahoe/Yosemite...

My biggest "wants" in my upgrade are:

ABS (Preferably front-only b/c the rear wheel should do whatever I want it to, haha)
50-80HP (So that I don't have to worry about getting out of my own way in traffic doing 60+mph)
Upright seating position with wide bars (because it's too tire leaning forward with only 1 arm to holdmyself upright)
The ability to handle a bit of offroad/hooliganing when the opportunity presents itself
Under 400lbs, preferably under 350 (my WR250X is 300lbs wet and it's awesome, haha)

I keep looking at the dukes but their styling just doesn't really excite me. I fell in love with the WRX styling years ago. I love the looks of the 690SMC, Hypermotard/strada, most supermotos, and even some scramblers. I loved my race-prepped R6 (white) but another sportbike just isn't the cards for me

The Hyper-1100 is just too much bike for me at the moment. I know that I'll forget I don't have both hands one day and get on it too hard any go rolling off the back, laughing like an idiot, haha!

From a HP standpoint, the AC 1100 i dont think is up on the LC models at all. If i was looking for a hyper i would be looking for a 1100.
I would second the 690SMC. That is the closest thing to a real supermoto that can buzz highways all day long, keeping in mind that super slab is still going to suck on it. The hyper is way better on the highway but that is street bike though and through. Even the duke is more street bike and less supermoto.
Is a kicker an option with 1 arm? Seems like it would be hard. I had a XR650R that i spend a ton of cash on the make a supermoto out of. It went plenty fast to go down the highway, but that thing drew a lot of attention to itself. It was loud, and still really looked like a dirtbike. I got pulled over quite a few times because "that plate is from something else".

 

[jdoggg12]

What's the AC/LC 1100?

 

[Harabec]

I'm assuming Air or Liquid cooled ducks. I cannot think of many bikes that will also give you the off-road option besides, say, a DL650 - it can handle light offroad and is a terrific road bike - just not sporty-feeling.

 

[JulesMaximus]

What's the AC/LC 1100?

Air-Cooled/Liquid-Cooled.

Although, I don't think the 1100 was ever offered as a liquid-cooled engine. They are air-cooled only. I had a Monster 1100 and it made 100hp stock. I think the Hypers were around 90-95hp.

The 939 is liquid-cooled and puts out around 115hp. This is the only iteration of the Hypermotard Ducati sells today. Might still be older models available for sale as new though.

The 796 Hypermotard is probably around 80hp and that is an air-cooled motor (no longer sold as a current model).

 

[jdoggg12]

Air-Cooled/Liquid-Cooled.
The 939 is liquid-cooled and puts out around 115hp. This is the only iteration of the Hypermotard Ducati sells today. Might still be older models available for sale as new though.

The 796 Hypermotard is probably around 80hp and that is an air-cooled motor (no longer sold as a current model).

Nice thing about the 939 is that it has 3 riding modes that will retard power down to roughly 70hp. I'd probably use that on the street and keep the full hp mode for the track.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Nice thing about the 939 is that it has 3 riding modes that will retard power down to roughly 70hp. I'd probably use that on the street and keep the full hp mode for the track.

My Multistrada has 4 ride modes and I customized Touring mode to give me the Sport throttle response but the touring suspension settings and ABS/TC.

I almost never use Urban or Enduro mode both of which soften up the suspension quite a bit and limit power to 100hp.

 

[rstrohkirch]

I'm surprised you don't like the 2008-2011 dukes. They have a very SM look to them. Either way getting a SMC wouldn't be a big deal. Budget an extra $400 and that'll cover shipping anywhere in the US. I assumed you're buying used since you mentioned past hyper models. If you're buying new then you'll probably want to look at the husky 701 SM. It's pretty close to the SMC. You know since KTM is the car company of the bike world. Buying other brands then putting out nearly identical bikes they already have under the "new" brand.

 

[jaha2000]

I forgot about the husky coming to the states this year. That is as close as your going to get to a true factory sumo these days. All proven KTM parts, and the spec sheet is full of goodies, factory slipper clutch, brembos, tubless wheels (trust me this is a big deal)

but SWEET mother its expensve. Find a SMC and dont look back.