2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950

Video Courtessy of Motorcycle.com

Ducati revamped its Hypermotard range ahead of MY2019 with the 950 and 950 SP to replace its outgoing Hypermotard 939 models. The new 950 borrows from the supermotard world for general design and rocks sharper angles for a more aggressive look. The 950 dropped some weight compared to its predecessor and replaced it with ponies for greater performance across the board, and the “SP” comes with top-shelf suspension and wheels, plus an expanded electronics suite and carbon fiber components to sweeten the deal. You can call it a supermoto or trick bike if you like, but the end result is the same. The supermotard genre certainly has a form-follows-function look all its own, and these Hypermotard 950s fit right into the mold. What we have here is a collection of parts meant to deliver a very specific style of riding as its primary focus At the core of the new 950 siblings lies a naked sportbike with exposed framework and minimal body panels that leave little to the imagination. In order to keep unsprung weight low at the front axle and leave the wheel plenty of room to pump, the front fender is mounted high on the tripletree. That gives it a bit of a dual-sport look reinforced by the flyscreen and handguards. Out back, a mudguard/plateholer assembly mounts the rear turn signals and provides some fling protection with backup from a mid-size hugger. Part of the aching void between the rear tire and subframe is taken up by the exhaust system that terminates in a pair of slash-cut mufflers that come up on both sides under a minimal guard, so your passenger will have to be very careful about hand and leg placement on the right side.