Ducati Hypermotard 1100-EVO 2012

The introduction of the 2011 Ducati Hypermotard 1100-EVO further enhanced the original Hypermotard concept of 'ruling the road'. The wide, tapered section handlebars continue to transfer control of the asphalt to the rider and the full length seat still eases the fore and aft movement for extreme riding. The difference now is that it does it all better than before.

A super-light dry weight of 172kg (379lb) and an impressive 95hp is the result of an intense program of redesigns and refinements intended to be the 'evolution' of the Hypermotard.

Continued chassis development to the Hypermotard resulted in an improved frame layout which eliminated almost all of the heavier forged elements used on the original model. The rigidly triangulated Trellis frame and track-tested chassis geometry is matched by a state-of-the-art suspension. 50mm Marzocchi forks are gripped by a sturdy triple screw lower fork clamp for precise steering performance. These forks work as impressively as they look, with special high rigidity stainless steel sliders and external adjustability for compression and rebound damping, plus spring pre-load. The rear suspension performs with equal precision by using a fully adjustable ZF Sachs shock mounted to a robust single-sided swingarm.

Lightweight wheels mounted on large diameter axles are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres. Stopping power is controlled by two radially mounted Brembo 4-piston callipers gripping lightweight 305mm twin discs up front, and a 245mm disc at the rear. All of this combines to make stopping as thrilling as accelerating.