Fresh news from Borgo Panigale: Ducati have just thrown the wraps off the new Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE. Riffing off the eye-catching Hypermotard 950 Concept that they unveiled at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza last year, the RVE is mostly a styling exercise—but it should hit the mark for fans of Ducati’s twin-cylinder hooligan machine.
The biggest drawcard is the ‘graffiti’ livery, lifted directly from the original concept bike. Ducati used a different method to apply the graphics than they usually do, with ultra-thin decals and a lengthy finishing process that results in an airbrushed-like finish.
The graphics extend onto the front fender and radiator side panels, and the seat now features a two-tone cover. There’s a hit of red on the RVE’s wheels too, and the front and back sections of the trellis frame are finished in black and silver, respectively.
On the tech side, Ducati have given the RVE one of the higher-spec SP’s features: a quick-shifter. And it naturally features all the same rider aids as the base model Hypermotard 950 too, like cornering ABS with a ‘slide by brake’ function, traction control and wheelie control.
What it doesn’t have, is the SP’s longer-travel Öhlins suspension or Marchesini forged rims, but it’s probably not going to cost the same as the SP either. Last year’s Hypermotard 950 Concept also had a few carbon and hop-up bits that are missing here, but again, these would have priced it out of contention. *
Even though Ducati have really just pulled the old ‘bold new graphics’ trick here, the RVE’s styling suits the Hypermotard’s raucous nature. It’s a wildly fun bike, with aggressive ergonomics, and a hearty 114 hp / 98 Nm from its 937 cc Testastretta motor. And that quick-shifter upgrade might seal the deal for many riders.
Are you tempted?
* Pricing and availability for South Africa to be confirmed.
