The Ducati Hypermotard Story

When the prototype Hypermotard was first shown at the Milan show it represented the creation of a new segment, one that bridged the gap between refined sportbikes and minimalist supermotards. But some at Ducati had reservations about the initial Hypermotard concept and were unsure whether or not the market was ready for such a motorcycle.

Despite those reservations, the project continued to be developed, driven by the belief in the upright and in-control riding position of a dirtbike, but not the harsh characteristics of its single cylinder engine. These confident few liked the feel of a skinny, taut and agile chassis, but not the fact that its original off-road design made it a compromise on the street. They set about creating a bike that combined the agility and lightweight precision of a supermotard, with the refined power characteristics of a charismatic L-Twin Ducati sportbike. They were designing the future.

As each day went past, more and more people in the factory got to hear about the completed bike and those who had the chance to catch sight of it all responded in the same way: "Wow! We're going to produce it, right?" There was one way to gauge market response: show it at the 2005 Milan show as a prototype and conduct an online survey.

Ducati presented the prototype Hypermotard as its centrepiece that year and their confidence was rewarded with a global 'yes!' from the public, the 'Best of Show' award, and demands from riders all over the world to produce it immediately. In fact, a staggering 15,000 people completed the Ducati.com survey, with more than 50% asking for the Hypermotard to be built exactly as shown at the show. But Ducati were serious when they asked the public for their feed-back and took time to sift through thousands of additional suggestions and requests, such as twin front brake discs instead of the prototype's single, and integrated many of them into the final production design.

The innovative Hypermotard spawned a new and exciting 'cross-over' category that had reinvented pure riding pleasure with a practical and versatile motorcycle that could be used every day. Riders hungry for excitement immediately understood the concept and have been enjoying it ever since.

Quick glance history

• November 2005: Prototype Hypermotard 1100 shown at Milan International Motorcycle Show. Awarded 'Best of Show'.
• November 2007: Production Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S launched at Milan International Motorcycle show.
• June 2007: Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S arrived in showrooms as an early release model year 2008.
• November 2008: Model year 2009 Hypermotard 1100 updated with an additional colour option of pearl white. Hypermotard 1100 S updated with Kayaba forks, an additional colour option of black and DDA kit supplied as standard equipment. The Hypermotard 1100 S takes victory at Pike's Peak International Hill Climb, Colorado (1200cc category).
• October 2009: Release of new model year 2010 Hypermotard 796.
• November 2009: Model year 2010 Hypermotard 1100EVO and 1100EVO SP launched at Milan International Motorcycle show.