My VFR replacement???? Maybe............

So, I've been looking for a little something better to commute/tour on. Maybe it's just time for a change. I've owned every Gen VFR except 5th gen and the early VF's (exluding the VF1000R I had for awhile). My '93 VFR is nice and I've done a lot to it but I would like a modern bike. I've never bought a new bike either so if I'm gonna go I might as well go hard. Recently I stumbled upon the new Ducati HyperStrada. The price is steep (what Ducati doesn't have a steep price tag) for cheapos like me but the list of equipment is pretty impressive and when compared to the Ducati Multistrada (~$20000) it doesn't look so bad at $13250.

from the website:

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (ABS + DTC), RbW. 50 l (13.2 gal) semi-rigid side panniers with incorporated supports, touring windshield, touring seat, passenger grab handle, centre stand, larger front and rear mudguards, engine sump guard,two 12 V power outlets. Ready for anti-theft system, heated grips, sat-nav, 4.2 gal tank.



PLUS---- Valve checks are every 18000 miles now.



Add that stuff up to a new VFR1200 and the price is thousands lower than the VFR1200. Granted it is down about 50hp but the Hyperstada is only 460lbs. wet according to Ducati. Looks are subjective but I think it looks great.



website:
Ducati Hypermotard Hyperstrada - Ducati

I could easily see myself content with this bike for a couple years only modding the suspension (I'm a lil hefty) and maybe a can. I've realized that I'm not a "multi-bike in the garage" kinda guy. I like one insurance and registration for one bike. Whenever I have more than one bike then one or more tend to sit un-ridden for weeks at a time.

Anyone else see this bike? Opinions?

 

Hi,

MCN sees Hypermotorad as a second bike.

Ducati Hypermotard | First Rides | Motorcyclenews.com - YouTube

 

Right, I'm looking at the HYPERSTRADA.

 

It's a twin, which I would think means more torque, more vibration, more fuel used. More vibration, the more fatigued you get when riding.

 

Only you can decide if you like it or not. Personally ilike the looks of the older ducati naked/adventure style bikes. I also wouldnt expect the warmest reception from a honda vfr site about a ducati anything. But i can relate with you about a change. I have had the 1st 2nd and now the 5th gen and i love the vfr but think im reaady to try something new. Although i prefer to stick with honda. When i was younger keeping a bike over a year was a long time but now its getting more like five or more years. But you only have one life on this planet so might as well live it and try as many different bikes as you can. Im trying to give myself that same advice to get the balls to sell my 5th gen so i can try something else myself. Hard to get rid of a vfr though. Good luck

 

I kind of regret buying my '08 brand new. There cost out the door was higher, registration fees, title fees, blah blah blah. After a few thousand miles it doesnt really matter. The money I would have saved buying a "like new" '07-'09 could have paid for the upgrades I put on afterwards.

I dont plan on getting rid of this bike any time soon (within 5+ years, I have already had it for 2), so in the long run it's probably not as bad as I think.

At the same time, it is pretty sweet to be able to say I bought it 0.1 miles on the odometer, and have put on every mile/ ding that is on it!

Just my $0.02.

As far as having multiple bikes, my philosopy is this:

There are different tools for different jobs, and some do things better than others (even though you could get away with just one). With more than one available at a time it lets you focus the strengths of each bike when you ride it, thus enjoying each even more. You will be able to chose the "right place and the right time" for each bike. If you can afford it, why not?

 

They have changed their valve checks on the newer Ducatis. Panigale is the same. But you should really look at what that service costs. Suddenly, you won't want the bike (service fees are insane compared to a Japanese motorcycle).

Also, the 7th gen VFR isn't going for MSRP. I recently picked up a new one for $9999. Similar deals can be had coast to coast. Check cycletrader.com.

 

Valve checks on the multistrada run about $400 - $600 according to owners i've asked. Assuming the Hyperstrada checks will cost similar, it's cheaper than a 6th gen VFR valve check and I'm assuming close to the same for a VFR1200.

I have looked into a VFR1200 and you are correct, I can find them leftover for around $10K. But, that's without hard bags or a center stand. Both of which are included with the Hyperstrada. Plus, it comes with TC and ABS and two 12V outlets. Price is a wash between the two once those are added to the VFR.

 

about the only time I use a center stand is for winter storage.

 

This V 4 might bring out the Hooligan in you. Its dangerous for me to look at this site.
Aprilia

 

I would love a Tuono!!! Gorgeous bike and raw power. Fuel mileage sucks though. Some say they're lucky to get 30 mpg!!! Plus, I'm not sure if there are hard bags available. probably not the best commuter/light tourer. I wouldn't know what to do with all that power.

 

Yes I would not say its a practical bike, but it could be one just for fun.

 

With the tuono imagine all the money you will save by not wearing out the front tire though.

 

Not what I've heard. A local took his Pan in for the 16k mile check and wasn't happy. It was a little over a grand. It's a twin also

 

I think it depends entirely on the dealer. One guy I know paid $1200 (like you said) for the valve check on his Multistrada. Another guy, same bike paid $600.

How much is a valve check/service on the VFR1200? I know 6th gen valve checks are pretty steep.

That's going to be my biggest issue for both buying and servicing. Finding a decent dealer.

 

I can only offer what I know about the Hypermotard, which this bike is based on. It has gobs of torque. It is light. It has no wind protection. It does super wheelies! A very light tip over will set you back between 4 and 6 thousand in parts. The rear wheel alone is $1700! I know this bacause I had to buy one.

I couldn't ride it for more than an hour and I was wasted and my arese was killing me. It's twitchy in the corners because it is really short and tall with steep steering angles. And there is no top end speed on tap inspite of the huge displacement.

Now I haven't studied this bike in detail but it appears to be a Hypermotard with a different seat and exhaust. Do yourself a favour and try to ride it before you drop the cash! Oh and give me first crack at the 93!!!! LOL

 

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Hyper. I don't doubt that parts are pricey. I can only tell you what I've read (obviously) but the journos say the new Hyper with this 820cc water cooled twin has more top end and it's been designed to be more comfy. The strada has the "touring" seat whatever that means.

Either way, I will not be handing over a check until I have test rode one a few miles. I'm still up in the air if the '93 will be leaving or not. I could just get a 6th gen VFR and keep the '93 or buy something else for half the price of the Hyper. Who knows, I have 5 more months to think about it.

 

If you do like the Tuono, like I do, have you thought about the older twins? I see them all the time for $7K-$8K. I have a couple of moto calendar pics on my office wall, one is a VFR the other is the Tuono R. As much as I like the Ducs I'd probably get the Tuono on price.

"So, I've been looking for a little something better to commute/tour on. Maybe it's just time for a change. I've owned every Gen VFR except 5th gen and a VF1000R."

I could have sworn you had a 1KR at one point??

 

Ha! Nice catch. I mis-typed. It's suppossed to read "5th gen and a VF1000F"

It's fixed now.

Yes, I do like the 2nd gen Tuono, unfortunately, bags are a no go with the dual high pipes on them. I do like that price more and more though. I really have a hard time with spending more than $10K on a bike. Maybe I'm cheap but that's alot of money!!!

 

I emailed a few dealers in regards to the 18000 mile service (valves) Two got back to me and both stated the same price.

$750.00

The other dealers I asked said they were in Cali. riding the 2013 bikes at a dealer meeting. They said they would have more info. on the strada when they return the end of this month.