Epiphany...

After much thought, and a couple of discussions with a good friend of mine, who was planning to buy a pre-loved Yamaha FZ1 and spend a lot of money on parts (the exchange rate is awfully flattering for us at the moment), and has changed his mind to seriously contemplating an Aprilia Dorsoduro 750. Now he was an exceptionally talented SuperMoto racer. However circumstances changed, and he ended up bikeless.


The resultant conversations got me to thinking, a lot. 


I've always intended to do a no-limits project bike. Which is my reason for hesitation regarding the Dorsoduro, as there aren't enough pre-fabricated custom parts out there. However, WHAT IF started playing through my head...


So, this is what I came up with, and how I got there...


I thought about what the biggest limitation regarding the Ducati Hypermotard was. Basically, the engine is a bilge pump. Air cooled, low tech, heavy, relatively low on HP and torque.


What if I found a wrecked 1098 or 999 Testastretta engine? Perform a rebuild/refresh, and slot it into that lovely trellis frame on the Hypermotard. Of course it would be the EVO SP version. Suddenly we have 50 more HP on tap, and about the same % rise in Nm of torque. Along with all the engine management that goes with it.


The only issues I see are:
1. Finding a suitable engine
2. Finding a suitable exhaust
3. Fabricating engine mounts to suit
4. Locating the radiator so it doesn't mess with the lines of the bike
5. Electrics and electronics


However, none of these are insurmountable, depending on the budget...


But imagine the giggle factor something like that will bring...

Option # 4 - KTM 990 SuperMoto R

Now, this thing has all the credentials. Fast, relatively light, a fair smattering of aftermarket parts, great motor and brakes, KTM... And all the suspension, braking and rim goodies you can ask for as a stock bike. However it's ugly... Really ugly, to me. I just don't feel it at all. If I could get decent aftermarket plastics, and change its colour, or if it came in a different colour, it'd be a no brainer, even though it's the most expensive of the lot. But it's horrid!!

So there you are... I should have an answer in about 6 months as to which way I will go... Although by then, something else shiny and bright may have caught my eye...

Option # 3 - Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

Now, this actually has just climbed on the list... It is a really close second to the Ducati. Even closer now. 130HP, 15 HP over the closest rival. It's a bit porky, however if there was a "Factory" version, it would be sitting in my #1 spot. It also has optional ABS and Traction Control... And a fist full of torque.

My primary reservations are: It's a first model run, there are no aftermarket parts as yet, and it doesn't have the "factory" option...

Which moves me to the last on the list...

Option # 2 - Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory

The Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory is second on my list. It's almost as hot looking, to me, as the Ducati, and its price is something else (it's $8,000 cheaper than the Ducati). It comes with upspec forks, develops almost as much RWHP as the Ducati, but less torque. It has upspec forks, and rear shock, rims, brembo brakes and a heap of carbon. There's also a local service centre as well.

However, the downside is that there are very few aftermarket parts, and no-one makes an EFI remapper for it. Period. So putting a full system (which is unavailable) and air filter is out of the question. 

However, SC-Project make a slip on system for it... And you can also get a slipper clutch...

Option # 1 - Ducati Hypermotart 1100EVO SP

The Ducati Hypermotard 1100EVO SP is my first choice of bike. It looks awesome, has a fantastic array of parts already bolted to it, and an awesome aftermarket range of go fast and bling bits, including Marchesini rims, Brembo Monobloc calipers, Ohlins rear shock, Marzocchi fully adjustable forks and carbon bits.


However, if you knew me, you'd know I would have to personalise the bike somewhat... I'd add the following to it:
SC-Project full exhaust and memjet
DNA Air Filter
STM Slipper Clutch 
Rizoma Rearsets


This to me is the hands down winner... However there is one glaring issue:
There are no damned service centres outside of Brisbane... About 1400 km away. I will have to talk to Ducati Australia about seeing if they can get Burdekin Motorcycles to do the servicing without voiding warranty. 


Otherwise, we move to option 2...

The Hypermotard style bike and why???

Ok, now we get to the meat of the decision to be made. Firstly, you may ask, why choose something so impractical as one of these Hypermotards. 

Well lets define a couple of things firstly: 

What is a Hypermotard (as a class)?

Do you know what a Supermotard is? Or Supermoto, or Motard? All of these terms are interchangable by the way... I guess the simplest explanation is it's a hot MX bike with road styled tyres, stiffer suspension with a little less travel, an goes like the showers of... One of the most exciting forms of racing, in my opinion, on the planet. If you haven't seen SuperMoto racing, check this out:

And the FIM SuperMoto Championship:

Now as you can see, these aren't your average dirtbikes. Big brakes, big slides, big jumps and big balls, all performed on grooved slicks.

But these aren't Hypermotards. SuperMotards are light, fast, and exciting no matter which way you look at it. The French and Americans argue constantly over who invented the sport. I don't personally care who came up with the idea first, I'm just glad someone did.

And... here's my all time favorite SuperMotard:

What is a HyperMotard?

So if SuperMotards are small, lightweight, dirtbike based bikes, surely a HyperMotard has to be better? Um... no. Generally they're kind of enigma's. Heavy, underpowered for their weight (when compared to litre bikes, which is realistic due to engine capacity) with short ranges due to fuel tank sizes, and one would think impractical. However, they have massive benefits. 

Wide bars, massive ground clearance, and rake/trail dimensions that allow them to turn extremely quickly. They will, in most real world situations, embarrass their bigger brethren through the corners.

To me, they're the perfect Sunday and about town ride. Bear in mind, my R1 is, in real world terms, ridiculously overpowered for street riding, especially where I live. We have no wide open turns, hell the two twisty roads we have in the region are good for... Not much. Here's an example, some clown on an 05 R1 doing one of the roads...

Mount Stuart

So owning a 195 RWHP 07 R1 (horsepower calculated using Dyno Dynamics conversions to suit a Dynojet Dyno) is kind of wasted on our goat tracks...

Sure a WR 450 Motard would be cool, with all the bling, and all the go fast goodies, but would be even more impractical. I still like riding to my destination. So in reality, a Hypermotard bike would perfectly compliment the litre bike, by my way of thinking.

I toyed with the idea of a V-Max, however, after my experience owning an FJR-1300, I am concerned I would get bored with blazing the tyres, and going really fast in a straight line... I live for that next bend. 

So... A hypermotard styled bike to me is ideal. Mostly because you're always judicious with the throttle on the R1, especially exiting corners, where as something with about 100RWHP lerss, you can hit the throttle stops so much quicker...

Next up, I'll compare the 4 bikes I am looking at...

The First...

The Christmas break was simply fantastic. 3 weeks at home with my wonderful wife and step daughter flew by. Now, I am back at work for a week, due to fly home once again, in 2 days time. Unfortunately, due to Rockhampton flooding, QANTAS has canned the 2:20pm flight, meaning we don't get home until 6:50pm at the earliest... However I won't hold my breath. Not one single flight at that time has ever been on time.

My bike has been completed now, and it's time to start contemplating a new one. The R1 won't be traded, as it's such a fantastic handling, looking and performing bike. It leaves pretty much everyone breathless who's thrown a leg over it. However I have discovered the joys of fun at near legal speeds, something the R1 doesn't do too well. We have the KR1-S running beautifully now, and it stops like a little champion, however it's still a sports bike. Cramped riding positions, savage top end, and very little bottom end.

So, after much thought, a few side roads, and some switchbacks, my current candidates are as follows:

1. Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP

2. Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 Factory

3. KTM 990 SM R

4. Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

Each has their benefits and drawbacks. So I'll deal with each in a separate post.

On another front, I am really hoping the potential opportunity that's appeared pans out. It will mean more time away in a single chunk, but a lot more time at home, throughout the course of the year. It'll accelerate Jill's dream, and will be one hell of an adventure!

Until then I am where I am currently, and in no way disappointed in that :-D.