Ducati Hypermotard V2 SP: Drift King on the Track

The Hypermotard reveals its true character only when the rear wheel starts to slide. In Modena, under 20 degrees and brilliant sunshine, this 120 HP Supermoto machine becomes a controllable drift king that even makes beginners grin.

With the Hypermotard V2 SP, Ducati is writing a new chapter in its nearly 20-year Supermoto history. Instead of focusing on sheer brute force, the emphasis is now on finesse and control. The 890 cc V2 engine, known from the Panigale, delivers 120.4 HP at 10,750 rpm—enough to lift the front wheel off the ground, but not so ferociously that average riders would be overwhelmed. Weighing in at just 177 kilograms dry and featuring a seat height of 880 millimeters (optionally 15 mm lower), the SP is positioned as an accessible Supermoto for ambitious riders. The Öhlins components front and rear, combined with Brembo monoblock calipers, visually signal that this bike offers more than just street fun.

The 90-degree V2 engine delivers its 94 Nm of torque at just 8,250 rpm, making the Hypermotard a versatile Supermoto tool. Out of slow corners, there's plenty of torque on tap without becoming uncontrollable. The front wheel lifts willingly, but never brutally. Power is transmitted through a 6-speed gearbox and a "refined" quickshifter, which operates smoothly even during hard upshifts between 9,000 and 10,750 rpm. The liquid-cooled engine with a 13.1:1 compression ratio and Euro 5+ compliance is thermally well-behaved—even at 20-degree ambient temperatures and during track sessions, it doesn't cause any annoying heat build-up on the thighs.

The fully adjustable Öhlins suspension with its 48-mm USD fork (170 mm travel) and directly linked shock (160 mm) turns the Modena racetrack into a Supermoto playground. The precision in cornering is impressive—despite the wide handlebars, the SP remains well controllable and very direct even at higher speeds. I could easily catch the front wheel when pushing hard on the brakes. The aluminum trellis frame with a 26-degree steering head angle and 110 mm trail ensures typical Supermoto agility without tipping into nervousness. However, true to Supermoto form, the footpegs scrape quite early, so we increased the preload at the rear. A typical Supermoto challenge, but one that could be adjusted through the Öhlins suspension settings.

The electronic aids on the Hypermotard V2 SP know their craft. The ABS Level 2 mode is particularly impressive: it allows riders to switch into drift mode, where the system permits slight sliding up to a 30-degree lean—perfect for less experienced riders wanting to get a feel for Supermoto riding. It's remarkable how quickly anyone can learn to drift with this machine. The traction control works subtly in the background, only intervening when truly necessary. Those who throttle gently will barely notice it, while it naturally steps in more assertively during aggressive cornering. The TFT display and riding modes can be adjusted well between sessions, although some Ducati know-how is required for detailed settings. Adjustments to traction control and ABS in race mode are possible while riding—but only if you have mastered the controls.

The Brembo monoblock calipers on the 320 mm twin discs initially bite perfectly and offer tremendous stopping power. However, after about ten minutes of intense track use, a small weakness becomes apparent: the brake lever feel softens and moves further back. The extreme stop-and-go nature of the Modena track particularly taxed the brakes, requiring the lever to be adjusted "a click further forward" by the end of the session. The 245 mm rear brake with its twin-piston caliper performs its duties without issue.

A direct comparison with competitors like the KTM 890 Duke R or the Ducati Streetfighter V2 wasn't possible—I've yet to ride those models myself. However, what becomes clear is that the Hypermotard V2 SP has found its own character. The controlled drifting works so well that even an inexperienced rider can get a taste of drifting. Lukas Tulovic and I had a lot of fun with this model. This is the emotional core of the SP: it makes Supermoto fun accessible to everyone without losing control. The 880 mm seat height (865 mm with the lower seat option) also makes it manageable for riders who aren't particularly tall.

As a pure everyday motorcycle, the Hypermotard V2 SP shows its limitations. The 12.5-liter tank and the claimed consumption of 5.4 liters result in a theoretical range of 231 kilometers—but significantly less during sporty track use. The upright seating position and wide handlebars are indeed suitable for daily riding, but not ideal for longer highway journeys without wind protection. However, as a city runner or for winding country roads, the SP is likely to impress with its agility and distinctive V2 sound. Unfortunately, during our test, we didn’t have the chance to ride it on country roads where the bike truly belongs. Pillion capabilities are secondary for a true Supermoto anyway.

Beneath the Italian design lies meticulous engineering: The 890 cc V2 engine with a 96 mm bore and 61.5 mm stroke operates with four valves per cylinder and a Desmo system. The fuel injection ensures clean Euro 5+ emissions at 125 g/km CO2 output. The aluminum double-sided swingarm and 120/70 R17 and 190/55 R17 tires complete the Supermoto package. With a wheelbase of 1,514 mm, the SP hits the Supermoto sweet spot between agility and stability. The Brembo setup with hydraulic actuation and Öhlins components highlight the premium appeal.