If you’ve been thinking about maybe getting into a Ducati Hypermotard 950, the upcoming RVE edition might be worth a look. Trouble is, this is a US-only edition, and it is limited to only 100 units. If this bike tickles your fancy, get your name on a list right now.
The “Graffiti” livery styling on this Hypermotard 950 harkens back to the current model’s unveiling in 2019. The stylized Hypermotard won that year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este show’s “Concept Bikes: New Design and Prototypes by Manufacturers and Independents” category. And here it is, available for sale. The obvious differences are a covered clutch and a naked rear subframe.
You may remember looking at that motorcycle, then, and being struck by the wheels that looked like they’d been half-dipped in red paint. The styling seemed a bit divisive, but more loved it than hated it, so here we are. You may also think maybe you’ve already seen this bike on the road? It was a Europe-only release in 2020. The US had to wait a couple of years (typical). Perhaps the limited release in the States speaks to Ducati’s confidence, or lack thereof, in the US motorcycle market.
Designers have achieved the Hypermotard’s style with layers of decals, to mimic an airbrushed look. The exposed trellis frame and dual under-tail exhaust keeps the lines of the bike super clean. The 937cc L-twin engine sits in that trellis like a set jewel. It delivers 114 peak hp and 71ft-lb of torque to the rear wheel.
When you need to take it down a notch, the front wheel’s Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial monoblock calipers hang onto 320mm discs. The rear wheel gets a 245mm disc and a two-piston Brembo caliper.
The bike comes with all kinds of tech. Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO, Bosch Cornering ABS with Slide by Brake function, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO are all standard on this model. Everything but the wheelie control sounds like it will help with the obvious hooliganism.
The Hypermotard RVE has a fully-adjustable suspension in 45mm Marzocchi forks up front and a Sachs shock out back.
All this, in a relatively small package that clocks in at 388lbs, comes with a price tag of $15,695. Since there will only be 100 of this edition, if you manage to score one, I’d recommend trying not to rash the bodywork.