2020 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP in-depth review | A year with the most fun Ducati on sale

I've had my 2020 Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP for a year now - and it's been a hell of a lot of fun. Join me for an in-depth walkaround as I chat about what I've liked, disliked and whether I'll be keeping it for another year. Oh, and I also go for a bit of a ride. Enjoy!

[@Ramon51650]

So, throwing caution to the wind and not having the opportunity to test ride one; I bought the 950 SP this past May as birthday gift to myself. I even got it with heated grips because I live in a city with menopausal climate - hot/cold hot/cold. I did have a set of Ducati Spacers installed, because other reviewers complained about wobble-throttle. Even with the spacers installed it behaves like a rambunctious puppy in stop and go traffic hell I live in. The torque is endless and the Brembo conspire to make some stops feel like a day at the rodeo. I agree with your statement; the Hypermotard deserves more front and centre attention. The Panigales and Streetfighters were off the table because they are niche, while the Hypermotard makes doing this, that and the other lots of fun. So, yeah; it's the most fun I've had with my clothes and no chocolate syrup. Thanks for sharing this endorsement!

[@gavinstubbs3949]

I just chop my 959 corse in for one without a test ride shit it if i done right i soon find out wens but sometime you just go to go for it

[@ibiza130bikes]

I joined your channel on the back of the 950SP and being an owner of one myself. But please keep making the great vids, which are highly entertaining. Looking forward to hearing all about your new ride.

[@timrodierides]

Thank you! I do miss it already

[@StealthSurfer]

After i decided to get this bike and was waiting for mine to come to my local dealer I found your vids about yours, just made me want mine more. Now that i got it is freaking awsome bike. Found out about the trip counter pretty fast to, but usely ride on the total mile/km and just switch over like now and then. Keep up the good work

[@timrodierides]

Thanks! Enjoy it - it’s the best bike no one’s talking about!

[@mikemcgovern3372]

Had my SP for 2 years and honestly it's the most fun I've had on 2 wheels. I've done 9.5k miles and the tank range gets better with age. I've gone from 100 miles up to 125 between fill ups. The geometry and suspension make the cornering ability, not the tyres. Having Supercorsas is just willy waving as they never get hot enough in real world conditions. I do back road hooning , 300 mile days and most things in between and average 54mpg. The worst thing about the bike is saddle comfort on full days, but there aren't many of those. I also have the 959 Panigale but unfortunately COVID means 1 bike has to go. It won't be the Hypermotard!

[@colinmonk9113]

yes great fun bikes motards, especially by the look of the sp. think you get a lot of bang for you buck!

[@albertlira7443]

It'll be exciting to see what you get next Tim! And to see the exciting new places you'll be able to adventure to.

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Albert! Not long now hopefully

[@nialbarnsley4108]

Ive had countless bikes , bought one of these 5 weeks ago with all the same bits plus full termignoni. Best fun ive ever had 👍hands down, i bought the ducabike comfort seat covers which is a vast improvement. As for your issue with the indicator switch they are self cancelling 🤯

[@theonlyredspecial]

Cracking bike. Never owned one. Test rode a second hand one and I was impressed.

[@reginalorra]

Thanks for the great review. Since I started riding motorcycles in 2009 I always wanted a Hyper. But unfortunately, they where always to high for me to reach the ground 😢. So I started with a Suzuki DR 400 SM first and took the next step with a KTM Duke III 690 then endet up with a Husqvarna Nuda 900. This is also a wonderful bike. But I can’t help myself. I still want a Hyper 😂

[@chicagoui9299]

I just found this in my saved list and just subbed. You're funny!! I love the hyoermotards. I know they're not real sumo bikes but man they're gorgeous and gotta be fun as hell

[@arturobugaoan5615]

I love those roads you’re on. I regularly go there with my Africa Twin and Monster 1200. I tested a 950s and would love to ride those roads with a hyper

[@NorCalSaint]

If I lived in a city or did mostly short rides I would have bought one of these... Ended up buying a 2020 Multistrada 1260 Enduro and LOVE it

[@markreynolds8630]

Nice one! I think this would be my perfect bike if they still made the Hyperstrada version.

[@MisterKnightly]

Great video as always, sir.

[@timrodierides]

Cheers Phil, that's always nice to hear!

[@MargusMoto]

Very nice vid! I've got a 2020 701 supermoto at the moment and pretty much all the emotions you expressed in this one regarding the Hyper are pretty much the same I get on the 701. Except.. well, that the 701 feels like a toy. Or a big bicycle. And since I'm not in my teens any more (more like just starting my midlife crisis), I do want something less plasticky, something that doesn't sound like a lawnmower and isn't brushed off as a random dirtbike.. I mostly ride the city streets (not due to covid, rather my fresh new minion keeps me from wandering too far away from home), so I do like my bikes light and agile.. But more than anything else - no other bikes makes my heart beat faster just by looking at it than the Hypermotard SP!

[@Chitario]

I am coming from a 640 supermoto, and this will be my next bike. As you said, the more i grow up, the less of a bicycle i want. Although the 1 cylinder sound with Akrapovic will always have a special place in my heart ;)

[@garneauweld1100]

I love your presentation, and you communicate very well with an excellent presenter voice. Thank you for selecting a superb machine.

[@timrodierides]

Thank you for the kind words, glad you liked it!

[@ShorrockPaul]

Different strokes different folks, i actually like the new paint / decal job much more than the 2020 and the 2022 has an updated gearbox now. Do love these bikes . like your reviews too, real world stuff

[@nerdsunscripted624]

What did they change about the gearbox?

[@robertprosser6856]

Same engine in the Supersport. I may need to testride👍

[@five-eyes666]

I have a 2020, 950sp, epic ride in and around A and B roads and nearly as much fun as my 1290SAR

[@ChrisGarinet]

Tim you used those supercorsas much in the wet? Awesome vid as always. Really wanted the old Hyper when I first got into bikes

[@timrodierides]

I used them a bit in the rain (mostly motorways when I got caught out a few times). They're fine in the wet so long as you don't try and ride as if it's dry! But a surprising amount of grip if you're fairly careful

[@creativemofoo]

I’m trading my ‘21 Aprilia RSV4RR 1100 for a ‘21 (US version so that’s the same as the one you have) 950 SP this week. I’ve had nothing but BMW RRs and RSV4s and this is the most fun I’ve had on a bike in YEARS.

[@sparty94]

"flying along the road on an angry carpet".

[@jayh5641]

I love this bike! I'm going to trade my Z1000sx in for the standard Hyper as I will only use it on the road. Tim us there a massive difference in feel from standard to SP?

[@mikefry6765]

Great review

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Mike! I miss it already

[@u2kjib4cjkqn]

Own one and love it

[@arte-nauta]

Mi próxima máquina 😁 ...Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP

[@gixxis3264]

saw you join the a24 & burn through very familiar roads! Liking this bike alot , but the superduke calls

[@KiwiMoto72]

I love the nimbleness of this bike. I used to have the 939SP. It was too angry for daily around the city. I heard that the new one has a much better ECU etc. Did you ride the old one before this?

[@duongto1252]

it is smooth like a honda.

[@Warner1981]

The way round the indicator trip reset is change the setting to Temperature and toggle back to check your trip when needed

[@Ramon51650]

Thanks!

[@timrodierides]

Yeah, I used to just leave mine on the heated grip menu most of the time

[@ghowells5433]

Have a 1260 multi Pikes peak for last three years and may try one of these as mostly do B roads

[@twowheelsonly75]

I have a 2020 Hyper and it is now in the shop for the third time to tear the whole intake apart and re-work the entire fuel system. This issue is due to the coating of the gas tank melting off and gumming up the intake and fuel lines. The first time they told me they were installing a new fuel tank because their previous supplier had issues with the coating. Then I was told this should solve the problem. 600 miles. A few months later the same issue started again. This time I was sent photos of the debris in the intake. Shocking to say the least. 1000 miles. Now it is in the shop for the third time and I am now being told the bike is out of warranty and it will cost almost $4000 for the repairs. 2000 miles. This is insane.

[@amayahayashi9310]

If possible could you tell me how much it is for the desmo service and oil change? Because I'm looking for a hyper 950 non sp but as a university student I gotta take care of the bike myself

[@FastRu-kl7iy]

Mirrors will be first to put into recycle bin when I buy one✌🏻

[@thoth3696]

my dream bike

[@osafoca]

I've got the 2015 821 non-sp, love it to death. Anyone have experience on the two (950 vs 821)? I'm also 6'3 (191 cm) and the 950 looks a little smaller. But I'm very interested in that engine bump at the low rpm + improved electronics.

[@reaganwestlake]

What a weapon. Great choice

[@timrodierides]

Sold it 2 years ago sadly! Miss it though

[@oliash92]

love your jacket

[@timrodierides]

Thanks! It's a Richa Touareg 2

[@eskopar]

This is interesting bike, been thinking of trading my HM1100 in for this. But, looks like 1100 is going up in value, so not sure if smart move.

[@chrisvantassel8867]

I found a 2022 Hyper SP at a Harley Dealership with 900 miles on it. There were no Ducati dealerships within 3 hours of this Harley Shop so they sold it to me for $13k out the door. I have not picked it up yet but I can't wait to give it a scoot. I have a 2022 Super Duke EVO, 2023 Pikes Peak and others but I am curious how this one compares in terms of fun factor.....I have high hopes!

[@averagebiker]

18 months on, is this on the shortlist again now you're not doing big miles?

[@JohnBorgJacob]

How is the reliability, any problems so far?

[@nithinjacob7455]

Tim, you need to check out Puig’s windshields for the Hypermotard. It should do the work on the motorway. Check it out!

[@timrodierides]

I would do but I've sold the bike!

[@bigaldo]

The seat strap is just held on with screws on the bottom side of the seat, first thing i removed on mine. And i normally keep the dash on total miles so i dont reset the trip

[@timrodierides]

I think I said that about the strap! Yeah, I did that as well. Good bike!

[@ENGBriseB]

Back in the day that engine is so quiet compared. I would like to have a go on a Triumph 900 Tiger GT pro. But I do like the looks of that Bike.

[@tancakar8987]

i always wonder if this would be a good commuting bike in London, i am always two up and going in with superduke GT Gen 2, always thinking lighter bikes are beter in traffic however not too sure, wha would be your input ?

[@ibiza130bikes]

I've a 950SP and commuted to London on it......once. If you've no motorway riding I think it would be a great commuter. I've taken my 14 yr old son on back and it's ok...not great. Seat space was tight and forced me to sit closer to the tank than I like. Having said that like Tim I love it and have been fortunate to supplement it with another bike. It's really exciting and so alive to ride.

[@Plattix88]

Nice Video 👍🏻

[@timrodierides]

Thank you 👍

[@xerxeszero586]

5:10 wtf 🤣🤣🤣🤣, i did not hear what i just heard🤣💀💀💀

[@somedude9378]

Hey, do you know whether there is a way to permanently set the display to dark mode? Except for blocking the sensor of course Much love for the bike as well as for the commentary from Germany!

[@timrodierides]

Thanks! I don't know if there is a way to do that, sorry.

[@TheSkipsey]

Yes, it's very simple, in settings.. Auto, dark or light

[@moonlightdrive7000]

I hear people complaining about the fact that it doesn't do clutch up wheelies. Is this true or false?

[@1xplorer]

0:30 The headlight doesn’t look angry but innocent, but the tail section is so sexy

[@mrcompletelymadeupname2369]

Forget that Termignoni exhaust- get the SC Project cans on it...job done.

[@stevensmith743]

I have a 2020, been riding for more than 50 years, and it's the best ride I've ever experienced. More stupid smiles per mile than any other conveyance by far.

[@icecubez5469]

I'm 17 now, do you think i could still drive one in 3 years ? Looking like this ?

[@AlexH07]

Does everyone else’s rear brake suck too on this bike? I have a 2019 and have not found a fix to this prob unless I unplug the TC/ABS rear sensor.

[@timrodierides]

Mine wasn't too bad, but I've had loads of Ducatis and they all had non-existent rear brakes...

[@naveendotcom]

Is it 15 or 50mpg? What’s that in kmpl?

[@MrAndrew1953]

A wee bit tall for my 5’8 frame? I’ll opt for a dad’s Panagale - 950SS.

[@timrodierides]

The chap that bought it was 5'8 and he could just about get on it.

[@k1mAMG]

Is it just me? I think the base model looks better than the SP, just a cleaner and more simple look. I do like some details of the SP though. I just got a 939 2018 with low milage for just £5800, so cheap i had to own one. If i enjoy it as much i hope i do i might get a brand new one(who i am kidding, i love changing bikes)

[@timrodierides]

I got the SP for the extra height mainly (I'm a tall idiot)

[@SerifulStelar]

@@timrodierides How tall are you? nice video man!

[@bandit911]

Can I ask you what would you think about this bike as a first "big bike" ??

[@timrodierides]

I'd not often say this, but probably a little bit aggressive. That said you can put it in the softer riding modes and it's ok, but it's quite an angsty thing. The SP is tall though, so you'd want to be either very confident or just leggy to feel OK on it. The non-SP is lower!

[@Evil.Turkey]

W H A T ? ! ! 😂 5:09

[@timrodierides]

You heard

[@matth8924]

I’ve heard this bike is kind of hard to do clutch up wheelies on, is that true? How does it wheelie?

[@timrodierides]

Yeah, I had the anti-wheelie kick in when clutching up. Had to turn it off to get it to work. I'm no wheelie god though, so mostly did power ones with the anti-wheelie on a low-ish setting

[@matth8924]

@@timrodierides awesome! I’ve heard that there is something with the clutch that cuts power when dumping the clutch to wheelie, but i guess its something you can delete.

[@u2kjib4cjkqn]

Love my sp rev the bollocks of it and it will fly not many bikes will over take you on a corner

[@timrodierides]

I miss it!

[@davehowlett7147]

Shame your selling. I think I'll keep mine a good few years and it's an absolute blast at Brands Indy.

[@timrodierides]

Yep, I just want something that I can use a bit more and not feel quite so precious about in the depths of winter...

[@davehowlett7147]

@@timrodierides totally get that....mine hibernates Nov to March

[@linserr90]

How comfortable is this on country roads? We have some bad road surfaces here with potholes but they are the most fun and twisty roads

[@timrodierides]

It's pretty firm to be honest - despite the long travel suspension!

[@linserr90]

@@timrodierides thought so but I can handle some shaking. I am wavering between a monster SP and hypermotard 950 SP. Test ride tomorrow with the monster and already did one with the RVE hypermotard and loved it. I am fairly tall (189 cm) so the hypermotard might fit me better. Hmm choices 🤔

[@jeffstone5896]

Hey thank you for the vid. I’m really interested in purchasing one of these bikes. My question is I’m a tall man at 6’4” weighing in at 220lbs and I’m concerned about feeling to tight on the bike and looking like a gorilla while riding. How do you feel about it and how tall are you.

[@tazpartridge1612]

I'm 6' 1" and a tad heavier. Couldn't give a toss about how I look, and as far as how it feels to ride, it's great once you get over the fact that there is nothing in front of you except the handlebars. It's not the fastest or most powerful bike I've owned, but having started out on big bore motocross bikes, it's a glamour to ride. Suspension of setup is key to having a good experience. At 6'4" I recommend that you choose the SP, that extra 20mm of seat height is worth it 😁

[@markreynolds8630]

Can I ask, how many miles do you get to a tank of fuel?

[@timrodierides]

From memory about 120

[@tazpartridge1612]

I have the 950SP, and with 3200km on it, I would add the following; The bike is a pleasure to ride once you setup the suspension, they need more laden sag than the average road bike. The engine is delightful, but the standard fuelling sees it A bit lean under 5k. That you can't clutch wheely in 3rd sucks as much as the seat strap. Going down one tooth on the front sprocket is a good move if you're a hooligan 😁

[@wayne_kurr]

Can’t clutch wheely due to a lack of power, or electronics limiting it?

[@tazpartridge1612]

@@wayne_kurr no shortage of power/torque, ECU bogs the engine when you attempt to clutch it

[@wayne_kurr]

@@tazpartridge1612 Perhaps something a flash tune could fix?

[@tazpartridge1612]

@@wayne_kurr there is a crew called Deussen Engines that are working on a tune

[@deancostello14]

Hope I can fit on one of these one day after I've got a bit more experience. Bloody short arse legs.

[@nerdsunscripted624]

Experience is everything. My legs are 30” inseam, so 76cm, and I handle the seat height just fine. But it’s best to get confident on a similar, shorter, bike. Ideally the trainer bike for this would be a Honda crf100f or CRF150r

[@perryburns6515]

So what are you going to replace it with Tim?

[@timrodierides]

Not entirely sure! I've had three Ducatis in a row though and have a slight itch to try a different brand

[@perryburns6515]

@@timrodierides something British perhaps?.......

[@ghowells5433]

I’d go ktm 890 or SDR

[@RoeyHaviv]

Angry carpet! It’s like me with my shirt off.

[@abysimon7088]

My drem bike💕💕💖

[@kretccx]

Tim, how does it compare to KTM duke 890r?

[@timrodierides]

Sorry for the late reply! The 890 R gives you more confidence in the corners, but the Hyper's engine is more fun. The 890 R is £4,000 cheaper though

[@kretccx]

@@timrodierides Thanks uncle Tim

[@sn00pgreen]

this or KTM 890 duke r ?

[@thatdopedude7217]

Is 175 cm an ok hight for this? 175cm = 5'9

[@timrodierides]

Yep that should be fine, the guy who bought it from me was about 5'8" and he was just about ok.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Is the SP worth the extra for pure road riding?

[@timrodierides]

Probably not to be totally honest, but I liked how it just sat higher.

[@freebehindbars8654]

That bike is heavier than I thought.

[@beetleything1864]

You sir are a holligan.

[@harleycharlie5330]

does it have cruise control?

[@timrodierides]

Nope, and it's not an option

[@harleycharlie5330]

@@timrodierides hmm I like having that

[@timrodierides]

@@harleycharlie5330 I like having it too! I did a few motorway trips on it and it was okay, obviously it’s not really designed for them though.

[@harleycharlie5330]

I’m going to get 22 plus peak multistrada

[@harleycharlie5330]

I don’t like the street fighter that I have now the power is deadly between 10-14k but I don’t want the power there I hope the new multi isn’t more of the same have you ride av4 multi

[@kikoy08]

Modern bikes getting more moder nowadays and does not have fuel guage?what the f

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Fuel pump is under the seat / tank.

[@Treo80]

KTM did this with the 990 SMT/SMR ten years ago...

[@timrodierides]

Yup... but they stopped making them...

[@Norquaymusic]

Got the Husqvarna 701 SM Mapped out its tits. And I love it to the max love. Wheelie every gear. Im wanting to move to Thailand so nightmare to get husky here. So thinking this bad boy ! Stock slip on would need to go though lol SO is it a beast overall for a supermoto lover ? Plus can you get power commander for this ?

[@racerx3669]

Seems like they all stall here in genociderville.

[@colinmonk9113]

why on earth would someone compare this motorbikes screen to a part of his genitalia is questionable, but will watch the rest as it's such an awesome looking motard, & his review is good so far.

[@timrodierides]

It was downhill from there, sorry Colin

[@colinmonk9113]

@@timrodierides looking at buying one of these to hoon around on,great fun motards had three prior.

[@iNFiN3]

I belive its a great bike, but the price is way to high, you get so much more with something like the 890R

[@timrodierides]

They're really chalk and cheese to ride - I've done an 890R video on the channel, but you could absolutely justify owning both

[@Damjan25]

5:05 xD

[@Davidkxf]

It needs protection under the engine, a motard style bikes needs to be a little dirt worthy.

[@jesseondrumsjd]

I’d paint mine purple paint the beak yellow and name it dark wing

[@monsteralex3098]

Hod does it compare to original hypermotard 1100?

[@timrodierides]

I never rode it I'm afraid - that air-cooled 1100cc is something I'd love to try at some point though

[@monsteralex3098]

@@timrodierides I have that 1100 engine in my monster. Very raw with great low and midrange punch but lacks top end. But I never tried hyper motard

[@vector409]

i bought a 701 instead

[@timrodierides]

I've still not ridden that engine - I need to get back up to KTM/Husqvarna UK and have a go. I've heard good things!

[@vector409]

@@timrodierides similar fun for less money

[@Damjan25]

14 000€ and no Fuel gauge ? xD

[@mikemcgovern3372]

The design of the fuel tank makes it impossible to fit an accurate gauge, according to Ducati. No biggie though.

[@modernserf2020]

Great looking bike. But a modern bike at that price without a fuel gauge? Fuckin wut.

[@colinmonk9113]

what no fuel guage!..how many out there have run out of gas?.although at 50+mpg you can do the math, as the americans say.

[@timrodierides]

I just reset the trip at every fill up and use that to work out when I'll need to fill up again

[@robertprosser6856]

Tail tidy🤷‍♂️

[@AjarnSpencer]

I have two ducatis and been offered one of these, test drived it and shat my pants. no thanks

[@timrodierides]

Because it was so good?!

[@kevinganser7895]

Ride a hyperstrada

[@timrodierides]

I did years ago as a courtesy bike! Loved it.

[@icemanjondoe]

this is giving me baron vibes..

[@HarryBahlz]

It’s an L twin; not V.

[@timrodierides]

90 degree V bro

[@beer3029]

It needs a bigger motor for actual hooning, it will barely power wheelie in second (it needs the 1198 motor)....100mph power wheelies would be the order of the day.

[@renechristensen3459]

Sorry to say. But all you English people have to stop complaining about how expensive bikes and cars are. When you clearly are one of the cheapest countries to own such things.. So NO. 15000£ Is NOT expensive

[@timrodierides]

You're right