Ducati Gives the Hypermotard 950 a U.S.-Exclusive Graffiti Skin
Besides unique touches and special features, the main appeal of a real limited-edition machine is its limited availability. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, tough luck. But sometimes, demand and praise reach high-enough levels to make companies reconsider. That’s how the MV Agusta Superveloce 800 went from a limited-production concept to a regular model with additional special editions, for example. And it’s why, just for the U.S., Ducati is bringing the graffitied-up Hypermotard 950 RVE back for 2022.
Ducati gives the U.S. a second chance to snag the Hypermotard 950 RVE’s sweet graffiti ink
Although its Panigale sportbikes are arguably its most iconic product in the U.S., Ducati’s lineup has always been diverse. There’s the naked Monster, for instance, as well as the Diavel power cruiser. Also, the popular retro Scrambler family. And for those who want a dual-sport’s tall, upright stance with more on-road sportiness, there’s the Ducati Hypermotard 950.
The latest in a line of Italian supermotos, Ducati updated the Hypermotard 950 in 2019 and created a one-off concept bike. Dubbed simply ‘Hypermotard 950 Concept,’ it featured a street-art-inspired livery called ‘Graffiti.’ And when Ducati showed it off at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the crowd went wild. So wild that Ducati decided to make a production version in 2020.
The resulting Hypermotard 950 RVE didn’t have the company’s trademark dry clutch, RideApart says. However, it had the same Graffiti livery, as well as a few upgrades over the base model. But while it was a worldwide bike, supplies were limited. Hence why North American riders had to fight over just 100 examples.
That fight must have moved someone at Ducati, though, because the company is throwing U.S. customers a bone. It’s still a limited-edition motorcycle, but the Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE is back for a second go at the American market.
It’s not quite a 950 SP, but the 2022 950 RVE brings more than just its looks
| 2022 Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE | |
| Engine | 937cc liquid-cooled ‘Testastretta’ L-twin (90° V-twin) |
| Horsepower | 114 hp |
| Torque | 71 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with hydraulic slipper clutch |
| Front suspension and travel | 45mm Marzocchi fully-adjustable inverted fork; 6.7” |
| Rear suspension and travel | Preload- and rebound-adjustable Sachs monoshock; 5.9” |
| Seat height | 34.2″ |
| Curb weight | 440 lbs |
As before, the 2022 Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE slots between the base bike and the SP. And as with the 2020 model, the RVE doesn’t get all the SP’s goodies. So, no longer-travel Ohlins suspension or forged Marchesini alloy wheels.
However, the RVE does get a up/down electronic quickshifter, which is standard on the SP but optional on the base bike. Also, like the standard Hypermotard 950, the RVE has Brembo brakes with cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and slide control. Plus, three customizable riding modes, a TFT display, and a USB power socket.
The main 2022 Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE’s main draw, though, is that stylish Graffiti paint job. No, those graphics aren’t stickers: they’re painted on. Ditto the dual red-and-black wheels. And the process is reportedly rather laborious, though hopefully less so than what former VW Group sibling Bugatti went through with the ‘Ladybug’ Divo.
Is the limited-edition 2022 Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE worth snagging?
The painting process is also why the 2022 Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE is a limited-edition motorcycle, too. But at least this time, the U.S. isn’t fighting over the allotment with Canada and Mexico. Instead, all 100 RVEs are destined exclusively for the U.S. If you want one, though, you’ll need to talk to a dealership ASAP, because presale orders are already open, RideApart says.
For 2022, the RVE starts at $15,695. That’s $1500 more than a base Hypermotard 950 but $2000 less than the SP. The quickshifter alone counts for $320 of that $1500 premium, which means the rest is for the Graffiti paint. $1200 might seem a lot for graphics, but premium motorcycle paint jobs can easily cost over 10 times that amount.
Also, while the RVE doesn’t get the SP’s Ohlins shocks or fancy wheels from the factory, the rear shock is available as a $930 aftermarket part. Plus, though RideApart says the Ohlins shocks are great on racetracks, the stock units are more than fine on the road.
Ultimately, though, it depends on whether you dig the Hypermotard 950 RVE’s looks. Though seeing as it’s the second version of a limited-run model, it seems plenty of people do.
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