ROUGHLY SPEAKING

a world so soft it makes Andrex feel rough, Ducati’s new Hypermotard 950 is a refreshing breath of insanity. Of course, if you’re familiar with the Hypermotard concept you’ll already know that, but a lot has changed since Ducati’s original hooligan Hyper hit the streets back in 2008. The same can be said when comparing the second generation 939 to the new 950, which is 4kg lighter, 4bhp pokier and 53mm narrower. Ducati is claiming the third iteration is an all-new motorcycle, which is mostly true, the only major crossover parts being crankcases and barrels, which still make up the 939cc L-twin’s core. That said, the 950’s higher compression pistons are new, its exhaust cam has been reworked and the Mikuni 53mm throttle bodies add more punch to the package. Another big factor with the motor is its 1.5kg weight loss, having benefitted from magnesium cam covers