By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supermoto
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 (MY2010-EvoSP) vs Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 (MY2011)
Out of a tight bend, the Ducati Hypermotard 1100's air-cooled twin thumps hard from low revs, and it's already lifting the front wheel. On the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200, a twist of the grip snaps the bike forward with an edge that doesn't soften as the revs rise. It's still pulling long after the apex.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the Hypermotard 1100 if…
Keeping running costs low
Clear edge: Hypermotard 1100
The Hypermotard 1100 costs clearly less to keep on the road. You'll notice it at every service.
The Hypermotard 1100 has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Inches ahead: Hypermotard 1100
On a closed course, the Hypermotard 1100 edges ahead. That comes from stronger brakes. Not by enough to settle it.
Daily commuting & city riding
By a nose: Hypermotard 1100
For the ride to work, the Hypermotard 1100 noses ahead. Most of that is simpler maintenance. Don't let that alone make the call.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear winner on value
The Dorsoduro 1200 costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the clear better buy. Neither bike wins on value alone.
What makes each one tick
Hypermotard 1100
Wide bars and an upright perch put you in command of the Hypermotard 1100, and its trellis frame flicks through a chicane like a dirt bike. Corner entry asks for barely a nudge at the bars. It dives in and doesn't lose its composure when the road switches direction at speed. There's desmo music in every gear.
Dorsoduro 1200
Behind a sparse cluster and a small screen, the Dorsoduro 1200 steers off its wide bars and doesn't wander at speed. A bump finds the stock rear shock out of its depth once you're past easy road pace. A few clicks sort it out. The seat's comfortable enough to tour on.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Dorsoduro 1200 makes more peak power: 130 hp (96 kW) vs 95 hp (70 kW).
- The Dorsoduro 1200 makes more peak torque: 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) vs 76 lb-ft (103 Nm).
- The Dorsoduro 1200 has the larger engine: 1200 cc vs 1078 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both fall short
Neither of these is a sensible first motorcycle. Learn on something smaller and lighter, then come back.
Call it even on twisty roads. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Hypermotard 1100
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive air-cooled V-twin torque
- Pure supermoto fun factor
- Top-shelf chassis and brakes
Trade-offs
- Zero wind protection
- Firm suspension on rough surfaces
- Tall seat height challenges shorter riders
Dorsoduro 1200
Strengths
- Corner Exits Embarrass Sportbikes
- Sharper Engine Than Expected
- Stripped, Purposeful Cockpit
- Engagement Over Everything
- Lean Clearance And Soundtrack
Trade-offs
- Stutters On Light Throttle
- Rear Shock Too Soft
- Neutral Is A Hunt
- Front Brake Lacks Bite
- Aggressive throttle in Sport mode
Known problems to check before you buy
Hypermotard 1100
- Fuel line cracking and leakage (safety recall) Recall 12V053000 Incorrect manufacturing of fuel lines led to micro-cracking and fuel leaks at the fuel pump flange connection, posing a fire risk. Affected 2011-2012 EVO SP models were recalled for replacement lines (NHTSA 12V-053).
Dorsoduro 1200
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 14-year-old Hypermotard 1100 with a 14-year-old Dorsoduro 1200.
- Hypermotard 1100
- about $7,800
- Dorsoduro 1200
- about $6,500
At 14 years old, the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 sits around $7,800 while the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 lands near $6,500. That's a $1,300 gap in the Dorsoduro's favor. These are estimates from the used market, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Hypermotard 1100 | Dorsoduro 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 34.4 in (875 mm) | 34.3 in (870 mm) |
| Hypermotard 1100 | Dorsoduro 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1078 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | 90° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 95 hp (70 kW) | 130 hp (96 kW) |
| Torque | 76 lb-ft (103 Nm) | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) |
| Top speed | 123 mph (198 km/h) | 135 mph (217 km/h) |
| Hypermotard 1100 | Dorsoduro 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 32 mpg (US) / 7.4 L/100 km | 34 mpg (US) / 6.9 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.3 US gal (12.4 L) | 4.0 US gal (15 L) |
| Hypermotard 1100 | Dorsoduro 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 305 mm | 320 mm |
| Ground clearance | 7.7 in (195 mm) | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.7 in (195 mm) | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
| Rear travel | 6.1 in (156 mm) | 6.1 in (155 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Hypermotard 1100 | Dorsoduro 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Traction Control | Not offered | Option |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
