Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo 2012 — Specifications

The Ducati Hypermotard has attracted curiosity since its inception, both for its design and its existence. Because even though the Bologna factory has made it quite clear that it is emancipating itself beyond its Superbike machines, we are still surprised to see it experiment with concepts more often revealed by artisans. However, this striking supermotard has managed to retain the Ducati identity: character, efficiency, and a distinctive look!

Why settle for good when you can have better!? Here’s the answer: Hypermotard 1100 Evo. The same idea, the still sporty silhouette, the same ingredients, with less fat in the cocktail and more punch in the lemon. There, the 1078 cc twin, there… can’t we get anything more out of it??? Is there no way to improve this desmo??? But yes, let’s not panic. Let’s see what Ducati can pull out of its bag of tricks. First, breathing. A new airbox, revised intake and exhaust ducts, a new camshaft in the cylinder heads with increased valve lift, new pistons to handle the increase in compression ratio (it goes from 10.7 to 11.3:1), a different ignition system with a single spark plug (2 previously), and that gives us 5 horsepower gain. We’re even going to facilitate their gallop with a flywheel from the 848. Hop, come on guys. While you’re improving this, can’t you also do something about that? Maybe there’s some weight to be saved, isn't there!? With the Vacural vacuum die-casting process, we were able to shave off 3.2 kilograms from the crankcases. A new starter freewheel allows us to save another 1250 grams, magnesium covers save another 750 grams, and in the end, the twin has been lightened by 5.2 kilograms. Still trellis, the frame uses the same type of manufacturing as for the 796 HM. The result is fewer welds, a better finish, and a 1800 gram reduction. This overall evolution is accompanied by new Siemens electronics and an oil radiator with an 85% larger heat exchange surface.

What hasn’t changed didn’t need to. To guide the beast, it’s still a large 50 mm diameter Marzocchi inverted fork, with radial Brembo calipers on 305 mm discs. The rear, unwavering, celebrates style with its monobrach derived from the long lineage of the 916–1098 and its double exhaust under the seat, so evocative. Under your eyes, a new dashboard straight from the brand's superbikes accentuates the sporty trend.

Significantly more powerful, the 1100 HM Evo still suffers from what required the most work: its engine. Largely improved, it still lacks top-end power, and cannot hold its own against furious machines like the KTM 990 SMet with its 115 horsepower. Okay, the Katoche is more violent, and the Hypermotard will be a little easier to tame with its less elitist fury; but if you want accessible power, isn’t the 796 HM more suitable!? Perhaps this Evo would have been perfect if it had adopted the 1198’s liquid twin… Let’s remain courteous: the 1100 Evo remains a superb, very effective toy on the road, with a very attractive personality. Fanfan understood it before everyone else; he parted with it reluctantly, without anyone coming to take its place in the garage.

M.B - Photos constructeur