Blending Ducati’s iconic V-twin performance with an upright riding position and confidence-inspiring electronics, the Hypermotard 950 offers a riding experience unlike any other.
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There are motorcycles built for commuting, motorcycles built for touring, and motorcycles built for setting lap times. Then there are motorcycles like the Ducati Hypermotard 950, a machine that seems to exist for one particular reason, to put a huge smile on your face.
Ever since Ducati introduced the original Hypermotard back in 2007, it has become one of the most distinctive models in the Italian manufacturer’s lineup. Inspired by supermoto motorcycles, the Hypermotard combines an upright riding position, wide handlebars and punchy V-twin performance into one complete package. While most naked bikes aim to strike a balance between practicality and performance, the Hypermotard has always leaned heavily towards delivering pure riding excitement.
The 2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 continues that philosophy with a larger engine, updated electronics and sharper styling. Competing against motorcycles such as the KTM 890 SMT, Yamaha MT-09 and Triumph Street Triple RS, the Hypermotard offers a completely different riding experience. Rather than focusing on outright horsepower or touring comfort, it is designed for riders who enjoy carving through twisty roads, effortless wheelies and a motorcycle that constantly begs to be ridden aggressively.
I was able to spend some time riding the 2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 to find out what makes this motorcycle so special. Before riding it, I expected it to be an intimidating machine that demanded constant attention. Instead, I discovered a motorcycle that feels surprisingly approachable, incredibly playful and unlike anything else I’ve ridden before. It may not be the most practical bike in Ducati’s lineup, but every time I twisted the throttle, it reminded me why the Hypermotard has built such a loyal following over the years.
Engine & Transmission
Powering the Ducati Hypermotard 950 is Ducati’s renowned 937cc Testastretta 11° V-twin engine, producing an impressive 114 hp at 9,000 rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. On paper, those numbers are already enough to put a smile on any rider’s face, but it’s the way the engine delivers its power that truly defines the Hypermotard. Unlike high-revving inline-four motorcycles that save their excitement for the upper end of the rev range, you can feel the V-twin offers a broad spread of torque that makes the bike feel eager to accelerate from almost anywhere in the rev range.
If you’ve never experienced the sound of a screaming Ducati V-twin before, you’re in for a treat. The moment I rolled on the throttle and the revs began to climb, I was instantly hooked. The deep rumble at lower RPM transforms into an addictive mechanical roar as the RPMs climbed higher, creating a soundtrack that perfectly matches the bike’s aggressive personality. It’s one of those motorcycles that constantly tempts you to twist the throttle just to hear the engine sing again.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the amount of power on offer, but how it feels from the upright riding position. With 114 horsepower available, the Hypermotard has more than enough performance to make every ride exciting. Crack open the throttle coming out of a corner and the front end feels eager to lighten, while the strong mid-range torque gives the bike effortless acceleration without constantly needing to chase the redline. It’s an outright fun motorcycle to ride, delivering the kind of playful character that encourages you to keep searching for another stretch of twisty road.
Power is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox paired with a wet multi-plate clutch featuring Ducati’s hydraulic assist-and-slip function. The clutch action feels surprisingly light for a motorcycle of this performance level, making it comfortable even in slow-moving traffic. More importantly, the slipper clutch helps prevent the rear wheel from locking or hopping during aggressive downshifts, allowing you to enter corners with greater confidence. It’s a feature that complements the Hypermotard’s sporty nature perfectly, making spirited riding feel smoother, safer and far more rewarding.
Design & Features
The Ducati Hypermotard 950 has one of those designs that immediately catches your attention, not because it’s overly bulky, but because of its unique proportions. At first glance, it looks like a large motorcycle, yet once you stand beside it, you realise it’s actually quite compact. The tall seat height and long-travel suspension give it an imposing stance, while its slim bodywork keeps it looking lean and agile. It’s a motorcycle that appears ready to attack every corner the moment you throw a leg over it.
From every angle, the Hypermotard looks like it was designed with one purpose in mind: having fun. The high front fender, minimalist body panels, exposed trellis frame and wide handlebars all scream supermoto. Even when parked, it gives the impression that it’s waiting to be ripped through a mountain road or lifted onto one wheel with a twist of the throttle. It’s an aggressive design without being overly complicated, and it perfectly reflects the playful personality of the motorcycle.
The bike I tested came finished in Ducati’s signature Ducati Red, a colour that has become synonymous with the brand’s Italian racing heritage. Inspired by the iconic Rosso Corsa racing colour, the bright red paint instantly gives the Hypermotard a premium and unmistakable Ducati identity. It’s one of those motorcycles that attracts attention wherever it goes, whether parked outside a café or waiting at the traffic lights.
Sitting in front of the rider is a crisp 4.3-inch TFT instrument display that presents all the essential information in a clean and modern layout. Navigating through the menus is straightforward, allowing riders to access the motorcycle’s various electronic settings with ease. Speaking of electronics, Ducati has equipped the Hypermotard 950 with an impressive suite of rider aids. It features Bosch Cornering ABS with Slide by Brake, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
These systems work seamlessly in the background, giving the rider extra confidence without taking away the raw and playful character that makes the Hypermotard so enjoyable. Whether you’re pushing hard through a series of corners or simply enjoying a spirited weekend ride, the electronics provide a reassuring safety net while still allowing plenty of room to have fun.
Riding Experience
Throwing a leg over the Ducati Hypermotard 950 for the first time was slightly intimidating. The bike sits noticeably tall, and with its upright stance and wide handlebars, it gives the impression that it’s going to be quite a handful. To be completely honest, it did feel a little heavy while maneuvering it around at a standstill. However, the moment I pulled away and the wheels started rolling, that feeling disappeared almost instantly.
What impressed me the most was just how light the motorcycle feels once you’re on the move. Despite its 937cc engine and relatively tall dimensions, the Hypermotard never feels bulky. In fact, it almost tricks you into thinking you’re riding something much smaller. Whether I was filtering through traffic or changing direction on winding roads, the bike responded effortlessly to every input. It’s incredibly easy to flick from one corner to another, giving it a playful character that constantly encourages you to keep going.
The upright riding position also deserves plenty of praise. The wide handlebars provide excellent leverage, making low-speed maneuvers and tight U-turns much easier than I initially expected. Unlike a supersport motorcycle that places more weight on your wrists, the Hypermotard allows you to sit naturally, giving plenty of confidence and control. Combined with the strong torque from the V-twin engine, the bike feels equally happy cruising through town as it does attacking a series of corners.
One thing that prospective buyers should take note of is the seat height. At 870 mm, the Hypermotard is certainly not a low motorcycle. Standing at 178 cm with relatively long legs, I could only just about flat-foot the bike. Riders who are shorter may find themselves balancing on the edge of their feet, especially on uneven roads or when stopping on a slope. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely something worth considering before buying.
Handling & Braking
If there’s one area where the Ducati Hypermotard 950 truly shines, it’s in the corners. From the very first few turns, it became obvious that this motorcycle was designed with for absolute fun. The combination of its lightweight chassis, wide handlebars and long-travel suspension gives the bike an incredibly agile feel. It changes direction with very little effort, making every corner feel almost instinctive. Whether you’re tackling tight hairpins or long sweeping bends, the Hypermotard feels planted, predictable and eager to lean.
The suspension setup plays a huge role in delivering that confidence. Up front, the bike is equipped with fully adjustable 45 mm inverted Marzocchi forks offering 170 mm of wheel travel, while the rear features a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with progressive linkage and 150 mm of travel. Despite having suspension travel that’s noticeably longer than most naked bikes, the Hypermotard never feels vague or unsettled. Instead, it strikes a great balance between absorbing imperfections on the road and providing the feedback you need when riding aggressively. The result is a motorcycle that remains composed whether you’re carving through mountain roads or dealing with less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Braking performance is equally impressive. Up front, dual 320 mm semi-floating discs are paired with radially mounted Brembo M4.32 monoblock four-piston calipers and a radial master cylinder, delivering strong stopping power with excellent feel at the lever. The rear uses a 245 mm single disc with a two-piston caliper, providing enough control to help settle the bike without being overly aggressive. Whether slowing down for a tight corner or making an emergency stop, the braking system inspires plenty of confidence.
Backing it all up is Ducati’s Bosch Cornering ABS EVO system with the integrated Slide by Brake function. While most riders may never intentionally slide the rear into a corner, it’s a feature that highlights just how performance-focused the Hypermotard is. Together with the bike’s agile handling and premium suspension components, the braking package gives you the confidence to push harder while still providing an important safety net when conditions become less than ideal. It’s the kind of setup that makes you want to keep searching for another winding road, because that’s exactly where the Hypermotard feels most at home.
Verdict
Overall, the 2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 is a motorcycle built for riders who simply want to have fun every time they throw a leg over the saddle. From the addictive soundtrack of the V-twin engine to its incredibly agile handling and premium electronics package, every part of the bike is designed to put a smile on your face. It may not be the most practical motorcycle out there, but practicality was never the Hypermotard’s main objective.
If you’re looking for a motorcycle that can carve through corners with confidence, deliver thrilling acceleration, and still provide a comfortable upright riding position, the Hypermotard 950 is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend blast through the twisties or simply taking the long route home after work, this is a motorcycle that constantly encourages you to keep riding.
A used model can be found on the market for around RM66,000 to RM70,000, depending on its condition, mileage and service history. Considering you’re getting premium Brembo brakes, fully adjustable suspension, advanced rider electronics and that unmistakable Ducati character, I genuinely think it offers excellent value for money. It’s certainly not cheap, but it’s a much more accessible way to experience what Ducati has to offer.
After spending time with the Hypermotard 950, I finally understand why it has such a loyal following. This isn’t a motorcycle that impresses you with outright top speed or flashy specifications. Instead, it wins you over with its personality. If I were in the market for a motorcycle that’s built purely to put a grin on my face every single ride, the Ducati Hypermotard 950 would be very difficult to walk away from.
2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 937cc, Testastretta 11° V-twin, 4 valves per cylinder, desmodromic, liquid-cooled
- Max Power: 114 horsepower at 9,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 96 Nm Torque at 7,250 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multi-plate clutch featuring Ducati’s hydraulic assist-and-slip function
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
- Front Suspension: Fully adjustable 45 mm Marzocchi USD forks
- Rear Suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock
- Front Brakes: Dual 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted 4-piston Brembo Monobloc callipers with Bosch Cornering ABS
- Rear Brakes: 245 mm disc, 2-piston calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS
- Tires: 120/70ZR17 (front), 180/55ZR17 (rear)
Dimensions & Electronics
- Wet Weight: 200 kg
- Seat Height: 870 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 14.5 Liters
- Electronics: Bosch 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), including Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, 4.5-inch TFT Display
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