Motorcycle specifications DucatiHM 821 Hypermotard 2015 The shortest path from left to right

a toy for adults and a fearsome machine in every bend, the Hypermotard is changing dimension. Previously, you could choose between a gentle 796 cm3 engine and a grunty 1100 cm3, faithful and umpteenth versions of the air desmo. Those days are over! A single block now, boiling hot, with a cubic capacity of 821 millilitres. And all around, a remodelled face, a revisited chassis and an even more tenacious desire to have fun. Ducati applies itself to this evolution. So what does the 821 Hypermotard promise?

this fresh, bubbly block gives the HM the extra oomph it's been lacking. It uses much of the same technology as the Multistrada twin. Testastretta-type cylinder heads, 11° valve-opening time, repositioned injectors and secondary air intake. We'll be retaining the most important specific features, such as its unprecedented dimensions of 88 x 67.5 mm, liquid cooling, an oil-bath anti-dribble clutch, an extended interval of 30,000 milestones between major overhauls, and more cosseting power figures that are still just above the reasonable. The 821 develops 110 hp at 9250 rpm, a 15 hp jump on the 1100 HM. However, this peak is 1750 rpm higher. As might be expected from its displacement, torque is not as consistent as on the 1100. At 9.1 mkg, its maximum value lies between the 7.7 of the 796 and the 10.5 of the 1100. It's just what you need for energetic, muscular relaunching, and to wake up the Traction Control.

a Ducati is all about twin desmo, trellis frame and high-dose on-board electronics. The HM 821 is equipped accordingly. With ride-by-wire (RbW) throttle, riding modes, 8-stage traction control and 3-position ABS, the silicon takes care of business. It's up to the rider to set the electronic crutches or simply choose one of the 3 modes with the appropriate settings:
Sport: 110 hp, with "High" RbW for maximum throttle sensitivity and reduced traction control.
Touring: 110 hp, with "Medium" RbW, more intrusive traction control and Level 2 ABS for the most stable braking possible, which also prevents rear wheel lift.
Urban: 75 hp, with "Low" RbW, more intrusive DTC and Level 2 ABS for the most stable braking possible, also set to prevent rear wheel lift.

the Hypermotard is more compact, more visually appealing and a little more cheeky than ever, while retaining its distinctive silhouette. This generation, however, does away with the original handlebar-mounted mirrors in favor of a more conventional, and (slightly) more effective, way of attaching them. Oops, the under-seat pot holders have disappeared. Everyone will think what they like, but I really liked those sawed-off barrels, particularly vindictive in this fighting position.
The frame, faithful to the tubular steel trellis design, is totally new. Its geometry is wiser than that of the old HM. The wheelbase increases from 1,455 mm to 1,500 mm, the caster angle widens from 24° to 25.5°, and the headroom drops to 104 mm. The 821 should thus gain in stability. Ducati claims to have preserved the agility and manoeuvrability of its supermoto.
One detail won't have escaped you: the absence of steel tubes for the rear buckle. Instead, an aluminum structure supports the crew and the entire rear frame. Suspension is more conventional, but still highly effective: a 43 mm Kayaba inverted fork and a Sachs shock absorber with adjustable rebound and preload. The shock absorber is mounted on a new aluminum monobar. Clearly, there are a lot of new parts on this Hypermotard.

we were talking about ABS. Now let's see who it's made for. A sporty toy, the Hypermotard 821 needs some serious gear to slow it down. Two 320 mm discs at the front, one 245 mm disc at the rear, and above all Brembo M4-32 Monobloc radial front jaws. As you'd expect, the pump is also radial. We're just one step below the hypersports...

more powerful, more stable, only slightly heavier (175 kilos), the 821 Hypermotard promises a superior set of sensations. And longer! The fuel tank has been increased to 16 liters, for 30% more capacity. From now on, the Hypermotard will be available with just one engine, but in several versions. A sharper version with sportier suspension and electronics and lighter parts: the 821 SP. And an all-round access version: the Hyperstrada, with touring parts, a set of suitcases, 12V sockets, etc...

M.B - Manufacturer's photos