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| Ducati Hyperstrada |
Special thanks to Ducati Singapore, I was given the privilege to test
ride the Ducati Hyperstrada all the up to Sungai Lembing, East Coast Malaysia. Having brought it on the tarmac and a little off road, here’s
how it fared!
"Ducati Hyperstrada : Broaden the horizons of your emotions."
The new 2014 Hyperstrada sits on an 821cc Testastretta 11° 4 valve water-cooled cylinder engine, having the capability to produce up to 110hp.
When it comes to riding, Safety always comes first.
And the
Hyperstrada certainly has it.
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| Brembo Brakes |
Designed to maximize full control of the bike with safety
riding, the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP)
is built into the bike, featuring Brembo
braking system with Bosch ABS and DTC
(Ducati Traction Control), adjustable over 8 levels that controls rear
wheel slip.
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| Ducati Hyperstrada Digital Meter |
Paired with a set of dedicated ergonomics, the Hyperstrada
exudes practical versatility, offering 3 different riding modes which allows
the rider to choose from his preferred riding style to the suitability for different
environmental conditions. They are:
Sports / Touring / Urban
Think of a cross-over between the HyperMotard, HyperMotard SP and the MultiStrada = HyperStrada. From a chilled city ride, to touring along coastal roads or even burning some tyres at the track, the Hyperstrada has it all.
Equipped with the latest Ducati technology, the Hyperstrada
model seems less menacing compared to the Hypermotard family and offers more
features aimed at Touring.
Getting onto the North South Highway, there stands my chance
to bring the Hyperstrada to the test!
Starting off with Urban
At 75hp with progressive “low” torque, the ride feels mild
and relaxed with a very gradual acceleration response. It has a wide 70 degrees
turning ratio, making handling easy. This makes a friendly bike, especially for
those who are new to big bikes.
However, it does get a bit too hot when idling at the traffic light, with upper back thigh being exposed to the heat.
Progressing onto Touring
At 110hp with “medium” torque, the acceleration is more
gradual yet still very manageable. I must say, the DTC and ABS significantly enhances the stability and efficiency of braking,
which is extremely beneficial especially when touring because with an average traveling
speed of 150km/h, having to brake safely and steadily in time to prevent a
collision or dodge debris is crucial.
Made more for touring, the Hyperstrada comes with a 16L fuel
tank and it’s fuel efficiency ensures you to last at least 250km before each
refuel stop.
A visor to minimize wind blast, comfortable upright sitting
position with a wider seat measurement for when you’ve got a pillion, and 50L side bags that are easily fitted on/removed.
It comes with the bonus of having two 12V power outlets
located under the seat so you could keep your electronics (mobile,GPS etc)
running without being afraid of them running out of battery.
With Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres as a standard, excellent
traction in all weather conditions and superb fuel efficiency is guaranteed.
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| (Credit to hyperstrada.com) |
Finishing first with Sports
At 110hp with “high” torque, the power delivery is direct
and immediate at a light twist of the throttle. The bike climbed from 0 –
170km/h with ease and telling you it could go some more. I don’t feel the harshness of the
engine brake or the “pull back” feeling when going up the gears.
It is more reassuring to have it's wheel base at 1500mm to increase stability even
at high speeds.
The bike comes to life almost instantaneously and with the
DTC pre-set at level 1 (the highest), you can brake confidently at your corners
while on the track and take the exit smoothly.
Off Road Permormance
With such a reactive acceleration response, the Hyperstrada
climbs over loose rocks uphill pretty easily, yet without a power that is too
overbearing.
On slighty muddy and sandy grounds, the adjustable DTC comes
into action that helps maintain traction similarly to when it’s on tarmac.
Change Your Mode Of Riding, ON THE GO
Yes, regardless of what speeds you are traveling at, the
Hyperstrada extends it’s versatility further by allowing riders to switch in between
riding modes, even while on the go.
How?
Choose your preferred riding mode on the Menu bar.
Close and open the throttle.
That’s it!
Inspired by the sporting spirit of the 1199 Panigale, the
Hyperstrada boasts the latest cast-aluminium 10-spoke wheels that contributes
to it’s sleek design.
With such sophisticated looks and practical versatile components combined into one, the Hyperstrada has indeed widened the horizons of the entire riding experience.
If that’s what you’re looking for, what else are you waiting
for? ;)
Ducati Singapore
Address: 9 Kaki Bukit Road 1 #01-01, Eunos Technolink, Singapore
Tel: 6631 8166
Opening Hours: 9:00am - 6:30pm