2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 And 950 SP First Look

Ducati plans to offer a third-generation Hypermotard in 2019, announcing the updated Hypermotard 950 and 950 SP will come with a refreshed look, better ergonomics, and the latest chassis and electronics refinements.

Both will still run the 937cc Ducati Testastretta twin engine, though the mill is a little more than 3 pounds lighter than before thanks to some updated components. These include new pistons, new exhaust cam profiles, lighter clutch and alternator covers, a lighter gear shift drum, an aluminum chain tensioner, and magnesium cam covers. Ducati cites the new pistons and higher 13.3:1 compression ratio (up from 12.6:1 on the previous version) as contributing to a 4-hp improvement, for a total of 114 hp at 9,000 rpm. There will be 71 pound-feet of torque available at 7,250 rpm, however Ducati indicates that significant pulling power is available throughout the rev range, with 80 percent of total torque on tap by 3,000 rpm and up to 88 percent available between 5,000 and 9,000 rpm. A fresh ECU and ride-by-wire system contribute to the improved power delivery also.

The two 950s get a refined steel trellis frame too, with more tapered tubing for a further 2.2-pound reduction in weight. A steel trellis tube subframe and single-sided aluminum swingarm round out the skeletal components of the 950 and 950 SP.

When we get to suspension, the differences between the two models become more clear. The base Hypermotard 950 is sporting a 45mm Marzocchi fork with aluminum fork bodies and tubes (for another 1-pound weight savings) and a Sachs shock out back. Front travel is 6.7 inches and rear travel is 6 inches. The Hypermotard 950 SP has high-spec components, with a 48mm Öhlins fork and Öhlins shock, both providing more travel than the base, 7.3 inches in front and 6.9 inches at the back.

Braking is handled by Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial Monoblock calipers at the front, biting dual 32mm discs. The rear setup is a single-piston Brembo caliper and 245mm disc. This setup features on both the 950 and 950 SP.

On the 950, three Y-spoke aluminum wheels roll with Pirellis Diablo Rosso III tires while on the 950 SP riders will get forged Marchesini Y-spoke wheels mounted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires.

The other primary differences that set the 950 SP apart are a Ducati Quick Shift (can be added to base as an accessory upgrade), a flat seat, carbon-fiber elements such as the front mudguard and belt covers, a taller seat height (35 inches compared to 34.2 inches on the base 950), three degrees more lean angle, and lighter weight overall. According to Ducati the 950 SP scales out at 436.5 pounds ready to ride and the base 950 weighs 441 pounds.

Ducati worked to slim down the midsection of the seat on both machines, tapering the rear subframe and main frame attachment point. As noted above, the 950 SP has a flat seat in keeping with the motard style while the standard 950 gets a new seat with a slight rise to accommodate a passenger more comfortably. The handlebars have been widened slightly too to improve rider control. Both brake and clutch levers are adjustable and the passenger footpegs can be easily removed. There’s also an under-seat USB port.

Both feature state-of-the-art electronics, with a six-axis IMU, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO that has a Slide by Brake function, Ducati Traction Control EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, three ride modes, a Daytime Running Light, and full front and rear LED indicators. A 4.3-inch TFT display has a similar design as that used on the Panigale V4 and will provide all the necessary information. If riders opt to fit the accessory Ducati Multimedia System, the TFT display will also show things like incoming calls, music track playing, and text message alerts.

The 2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 will be available in Ducati Red with a red frame and black wheel rims while the SP will come in an SP color scheme with red frame and black rims.