DUCATI presents the new Hypermotard 950 RVE, which is between the entry model Hypermotard 950 and the top-of-the-range Hypermotard 950 SP (Sports Production).
The Hypermotard 950 RVE is characterized by a livery called “Graffiti” that is inspired by street art.
The livery emphasizes the bike’s youthful, sporty character.
On the RVE variant, there is a fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi inverted front fork and an adjustable pre-load rebound damping Sachs mono-shock at the rear.
On the other hand, the SP variant gets a 48-mm Ohlins inverted fork up front and Ohlins mono-shock at the rear.
Meanwhile, the standard Hypermotard 950 is fitted in the front with Öhlins fully adjustable, upside-down 48 mm, and progressive linkage with a fully adjustable Öhlins mono-shock aluminium single-sided swingarm at the rear.
The rest of the technical specs on these three Hypermotard models are the same.
The Hypermotard 950 is made to give you lots of fun and control.
The aggressive design of the bike, inspired by the motard look, is well presented by the twin exhausts under the seat and the mechanical components visible, including the trellis rear frame.
The ergonomics ensure the rider's maximum responsiveness in all conditions.
The seat is flat, particularly tapered to ensure wide movement and allows you to touch the ground with ease.
The Hypermotard 950 RVE will attract anybody’s attention, especially the graffiti on the body and the overall design of the bike. It is a motorcycle that demands attention.
With its aggressive stance, powerful engine and sharp handling, this bike is not for the faint-hearted.
As soon as I started the 950cc Testastretta engine and rode it for a good 30 minutes, I felt in my bones that I was about to experience a fun ride.
The sound from the exhaust is strong and inspiring, and the power comes on immediately, making it really thrilling.
The Hypermotard is a bike that loves to be ridden fast, and when I push it to the limits, the bike perks up wanting me to ride it even harder.
The bike comes with three riding modes – Sport, Touring and Urban.
Honestly, this bike only needs one mode which is Sport, staying true to its youthful and sporty character.
I was never happy with Touring and Urban after having tasted Sport.
There is so much torque and yet I am able to manage it well.
The Sport puts me in the playful mode where I can open and close the throttle at any time.
Believe it or not, after a good 20 minutes on the bike, I am grinning like a Cheshire cat while enjoying the ride with rock music blasting through the speakers in the helmet, urging me to push the bike harder at Genting Highland in darkness.
The ride becomes much more fun, the minute the bike hits corner after corner.
It is so exhilarating.
Hence, the name "Hyper" suits this bike perfectly.
The handling is top-notch.
The Hypermotard is incredibly agile, and it can be flicked from side to side with ease.
The suspension is firm but compliant, and it does a good job of soaking up bumps and keeping the bike stable in corners.
At any speed, I could brake confidently, thank you to Brembo and the ABS.
I got to ride the Hypermotard on twisty roads and the highways, and it did really well in both places.
In the twisties and corners, it was so much fun to maneuver, and the front tyre was planted and stable.
On the highway, it was comfortable and easygoing, and I was able to cruise at high speed without any problems except for manageable wind blasts if I kept within the speed limit.
The electronic package of the Hypermotard is enhanced by the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO, which is added to the components already present in the standard version, namely Bosch Cornering ABS with Slide by Brake function (in setting 1), Ducati Traction Control Evo (DTC EVO) and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
These aids can be adjusted to suit your riding style, and they help to make the bike more manageable.
The folks at Ducati headquarters in Bologna, Italy, designed a bike to emulate a dirt bike.
They definitely have done a brilliant job in that, there is a strong influence of a dirt bike on the design and character of the bike.
When I sit on the bike, I am close to the wide handlebar, and my feet are on the back foot pegs—just like how it's done on a regular dirt bike.
This position is good for a track, but not so good when you are going fast on the highway.
My upper body leans forward and the handlebars make your elbows stick out.
There's a small screen above the dashboard, which does not help with the wind blast when I am clocking above the speed limit.
This bike is brilliant for short bursts rather than relaxed long rides. I love every bit of this experience.
Meanwhile, the stiff suspension doesn't make it the best for long trips, though it's still okay.
When you take the bike off the highways and onto your favourite mountain route, I promise you won't want any other bike.
What the Hypermotard 950 does really well, is giving you the same kind of excitement, you had when you first started riding.
The time when all you wanted was to ride every day as long as you could have fun.
Overall, the Hypermotard 950 is a fantastic motorcycle with a thrilling riding experience.
It's not for everyone, but if you're looking for a bike that's raw, untamed and exciting, then the RM90,900 Hypermotard is the perfect choice.
SPECIFICATIONS
Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE
Engine: 937cc, Liquid-cooled, V-Twin
Maximum power: 114hp at 9,000rpm
Maximum torque: 96Nm at 7,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front adjustable 45mm Marzocchi inverted front fork; rear adjustable pre-load rebound damping Sachs mono-shock
Brakes: Front 2x320mm semi-floating discs, Brembo monobloc calipers, 4-piston 2-pad, Bosch Cornering ABS; rear 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper, Bosch Cornering ABS
Features: Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO, Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control Evo (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Slide by Brake function
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
Wet weight: 200kg
Price: RM90,900 (without insurance, road tax and registration)
