Ducati Hypermotard 950 Launched in India

The much-awaited Ducati Hypermotard 950 has finally been launched in India from Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

The new Ducati Hypermotard 950 is the replacement for the Hypermotard 939, which has almost sold out in India. The Hypermotard 950 was first revealed at the EICMA 2018 .

The Ducati Hypermotard 950 isn’t a complete overhaul. The 950 is powered by the Testastretta 11 degree L-twin motor. But, what Ducati have done in terms of changes, is that they have increased the compression ratio from 12.6:1 to 13.3:1. The engine is also retuned to produce 80 per cent of its peak torque at 3,000 rpm. The engine of the new Hypermotard has more muscle, greater pulling power and new electronics to ensure smoother control. The new Hypermotard 950 engine now produces 114 PS at 9,000 rpm and a flat torque curve peaking at 96 Nm at 7,250 rpm.

Ducati have introduced some other minor tweaks which include new exhaust valve timing, a 53-mm throttle body, a new injection control unit and a new hydraulic clutch. This change in compression ratio now enables the engine to deliver more torque across a wider rev-range and pull cleanly towards the top-end. Read more in our review here. The Hypermotard 950 also offers an SP variant, that additionally gets a quick-shifter, which is optional on the standard variant.

The Ducati Hypermotard 950 has also shed some weight, thanks to the slimmer steel trellis tubes, with reduced thickness. The resultant weight of the bike due to this change is now 178 kg which is four kgs lighter than the older model. The standard model of the Ducati Hypermotard 950 comes equipped with a fully-adjustable Marzocchi USD (upside-down) fork at the front and a Sachs mono-shock unit at the rear. The SP variant gets fully-adjustable Ohlins units, both at the front and the rear. It is equipped with three-spoke Y-shaped aluminium rims with 3.5-inch wide front and 5.5-inch rear, fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres: a 120/70 ZR17 up front and 180/55 ZR17 at the rear.

The Hypermotard 950 is also equipped with modern electronics based on Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU), which instantly detects the motorcycle roll, pitch and yaw angle in space. The electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slide by Brake function (with setting 1), Ducati Traction Control (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC EVO). The Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO is available as an accessory on the Hypermotard 950.

Visually, the new Ducati Hypermotard 950 hasn’t changed from the outgoing 939, except the new handlebar and the reintroduction of the under-seat, dual-exhaust barrels, in place of the side-slung single barrel.

Sergi Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati India, said, “Hypermotard range has been loved and appreciated by riders who look for a fun and adrenaline-packed motorcycle. The new Hypermotard 950 inherits the sport and fearless characteristics which aligns to the personality of a rider who wants pure fun. It does not confine itself to a supermoto bike alone but rather comes with the performance of a dirt bike and soul of a sports bike. It’s a perfect choice for riders who’re looking for a thrilling yet sophisticated motorcycle.”