First Ride: 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO

The new 1100 EVO offers some updates over the original version that come in the two most important categories: weight and power. Obviously, we always want less of one and more of the other, and that's precisely what Ducati gave us in its second generation Hypermotard EVO. The base model gets a five horsepower increase (up to a claimed 95 HP at the crank) while weight was reduced by nearly 16 pounds. The majority of the shaved weight came from a revised engine-about 11.5-pounds worth. That's an astonishing amount of bulk to hack off a motor, but Ducati did it smartly. Lighter magnets in the stator as well as an 848-style crank assembly represent the biggest changes, but new crankcases are also part of the diet.

The general weight reduction and power increase certainly elevates the Hypermotard 1100 EVO above its predecessor, but the real landmark comes with the pimped out SP version. Yeah it costs more, but its stunning performance is worth every penny. And when you're shelling out for a special bike like this a few grand shouldn't be a deal breaker. Just scratch that family trip to Disneyland off the calendar and reward yourself with the upgraded Hypermotard EVO SP.

During the SP's design phase a lot of racer feedback was considered. They requested higher footpegs and bars along with stronger brakes and stiffer suspension. And that about sums up the SP. Though you can explain the major differences in a single sentence it translates into something much more on the road. It's nothing like the base model really, and that can be good or bad (depending on who is at the controls). There were mixed emotions amongst the various journalists during the smoke break BS sessions. Some preferred the base model for being more friendly and complained that the SP was too violent and snappy. On the other hand, there were those of us who gladly swapped bikes to get more time on the SP for those specific reasons.

Anybody who has ridden a 450cc dirtbike will understand the SP; wheelies come with a simple whack of the throttle anywhere in the first three gears. Beyond that it simply needs some tug and clutch action to get the front wheel in the air. Show me a sportbike that'll act that insane.

Another serious upgrade is the braking system. While both models share the same master cylinders, the SP's higher-end Brembo monobloc calipers are night and day compared to the standard EVO's stoppers. Putting the SP on its nose requires a single finger tug and very little else. Some riders found the SP's brakes were actually too powerful for the wet conditions.

Considerations like this emphasize that the SP is an obnoxious, deranged performance machine that has more potential than most riders can exploit. But it's also a sensible option because you're essentially investing in a perfectly tuned version of the base 1100 EVO. Sure, the Hypermotard is a little odd in general, and hardcore sportbike enthusiasts might not even "get" what a supermotard-style streetbike is all about.

That's an easy fix though-go test ride one and it'll all make sense real quick.

Though certainly not weak, the standard Brembos on the 1100 EVO are no match for the high-end monobloc calipers on the SP.