Hi All, just looking for some advice. I commute daily (20miles round trip) on a Piaggio MP3 500 on quiet B roads . I have been doing this for 8 months and I have now decided to take my full license (Piaggio is classed as a trike so driven on a car licence). im looking for a bike I can grow into, primarily for my 20 mile commute (occasionally I drive 80 miles on the motorway round trip to work .... very occasionally!!). I also enjoy an drive around the countryside with my wife and would in the future like to take day trips to france (I live near Canterbury). my past motorcycle history is really in India 10years ago when my wife and I bought a royal enfield thunderbird 350? And toured from southern to northern india for 2 weeks. Anyway my question is would the Hypomotard be a good candidate for my first big bike (with the limited experience I have). I have read about mechanical issues on the 2013 models so any advice on used models would be appreciated I'm a big guy 6'2", 17 stone 39yrs old (relative level headed). I was also considering the KTM 690 Duke or Yamaha mt09 ? any thoughts thanks guy
Go to a dealer and take one for a test ride to make sure you are comfortable with it, and do the same thing for any other bike you are considering.
I think a hyper would be great bike. They're not ridiculously powerful so ideal for a new rider, but enough power to enjoy the bike once your experienced enough. They handle well and inspire confidence. Only thing to note is that the front suspension is not adjustable (can't remember abut the rear?) so I'd consider an SP model to give you adjustment you may need, particularly if you plan to carry a pillion on long journeys. Adjustment will make the bike handle good even with a pillion.
Thanks for your help, any advice on which years to avoid / go for regarding mechanical issues? Thanks guy
The 821/939 engines are bombproof. It's very rare to find one that has issues. The older air cooled engines are also very good, so I wouldn't have engine reliability concerns about any of them. Just look for a good Ducati specialist service record and check if the belts are due replacement.
Thanks, I saw a couple of videos on YouTube that had issues with limp mode on engaging randomly on the 2013 models?
That'll be 'snowcat' on YouTube. He had trouble with 2 bikes and got messed about by Ducati. Old news really, didn't affect my decision to by 2, both were quite happy to spend 50% in there time on one wheel, and the 939SP took silverstone GP in its stride and didn't even use a drop of oil. :sunglasses:
Thanks.... it's really good to get some direct advice. Do you know when abs and traction control was added to these bikes..... abs is definately a feature i want on the bike. Thanks g
