After recently presenting the new Superquadro Mono engine, Ducati has now unveiled the first model based on the new single-cylinder: the Hypermotard 698 Mono. According to Ducati, the Hypermotard 698 Mono was created with the sole purpose of racing through the corners, between the curbs of the circuits but also in the city, where every movement is transformed into the most fun moment of the day.
Ducati says the Hypermotard 698 Mono is designed and built to achieve maximum performance on tarmac. It is equipped with the new Superquadro Mono, the most advanced and powerful single-cylinder road engine ever created. A record engine thanks to the maximum power of 77.5 hp and the maximum speed of 10,250 rpm, which set new standards for this category.
This engine is derived from the twin-cylinder of the Panigale 1299, from which it inherits the piston with a bore of 116 mm, the combustion chamber, the titanium intake and steel exhaust valves and the desmodromic distribution, the same solution used by Ducati in MotoGP.
According to Ducati, the new Hypermotard 698 Mono combines typical Supermotard racing aesthetics, essential, compact and aggressive, with the clean lines and attention to surfaces typical of Ducati design.
The result is a sleek and sleek motorcycle. The superstructure, reduced to a minimum, immediately exudes Ducati sportiness and reinforces the vertical development of the new Superquadro Mono. The high and flat saddle, the high front fender, the sharp rear end and the rear license plates are all elements that confirm its attitude.
In keeping with Ducati style, the five-spoke alloy wheels with a “Y” design combine a sporty look with the advantage of lightness. Another unique element are the dual exhaust silencers, a distinctive element of both the Hypermotard family and the racing Supermotards.
The super-compact LED headlight integrates the DRL function with a double “C” light profile and makes the Hypermotard 698 Mono a motorcycle that does not go unnoticed. The same light signature can be found in the rear light.
The fun bike personality of the Hypermotard 698 Mono is clearly evident in the RVE version, characterized by the special ‘Graffiti’ paint scheme. This coloring was created using water stickers with the aim of obtaining refined and complex graphics inspired by street artworks.
As mentioned, the beating heart is the new Superquadro Mono, which, according to Ducati, is a new benchmark among single-cylinders. The block has the same bore as the Superquadro V-twin of 116 mm, which combined with a stroke of 62.4 mm has resulted in a cylinder capacity of 659 cc. Ducati claims a top power of 77.5 hp at 9,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 63 Nm at 8,000 rpm.
In terms of electronics, the new little Hyper is equipped with cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, Ducati Power Launch and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down, which can be purchased as accessories for the standard version and are standard on the RVE version.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono has four riding modes (Sport, Road, Urban and Wet) to which the Engine Mode (available in 3 levels), DTC, EBC and ABS levels are assigned as standard, which can be adjusted by the rider.
Everything is managed in the 3.8″ LCD dashboard with white characters on a black background to ensure readability of the information. As with the Panigale V4, the Hypermotard 698 Mono also features a shift light when the limiter is reached.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono is the first Ducati to offer four levels of ABS. Two of these integrate the Slide-by-Brake functionality, which enables safe and repeatable cornering during power sliding during sporty driving on the track through the use of the rear brake.
When the ABS is set to level 3, using the rear brake during aggressive braking on the track activates the Slide-by-Brake, giving the bike a limited steering angle that is easier to manage. Just brake, enter the corner and the electronics will do the rest.
This level is designed for less experienced drivers on the track who want to drive sideways when entering corners. This level of Slide-by-Brake makes the rear powerslides easier to control, leaving room for fun.
When ABS is set to level 2, Slide-by-Brake provides a wider side angle and more pronounced powerslides in the corner. This level has been developed for sporting use on the circuit for those who already have experience with powerslides but want to be able to count on the safety offered by the ABS system.
For more experienced riders who want to independently manage powerslides when entering corners on the track, level 1 is available where the ABS, and not Cornering, is only active at the front.
Finally, the ABS of the Hypermotard 698 Mono also has level 4, developed for low-grip situations to ensure maximum stability and safety. It is linked to the wet driving mode by default.
The bike offers 4 levels of Wheelie Control. Levels 4, 3 and 2 provide maximum acceleration out of corners while minimizing front wheel lift. Level 1, however, is designed for track use and allows controlled and safe lifting of the front end, maximizing both performance and enjoyment.
In addition, the Ducati Performance software for Ducati Wheelie Control is available as an accessory exclusively for track use. This functionality can only be activated in combination with the Termignoni Ducati Performance exhaust, is not street legal, and offers an additional driving assistance called Wheelie Assist. In this case, the electronics help the rider perform and maintain a sustained wheelie, controlling the angle using the engine torque delivered.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono is compact and light, Ducati claims a curb weight without petrol of 151 kg, which is partly due to the lattice tubular frame with differentiated sections and a weight of only 7.2 kg, as well as the cast wheels (-0.5 kg compared to spoke wheels), the brake discs with aluminum flange (-17% compared to a steel unit) and the lightweight and fully adjustable Marzocchi 45 mm upside down front fork.
The feather-light double-sided swingarm works via a progressive ribbon system with a fully adjustable rear shock. The wheels are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, size 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 160/60 ZR 17 at the rear.
The front braking system consists of a single 330 mm disc, specially developed by Brembo for the Hypermotard 698 Mono, with a Brembo M4.32 radial brake caliper. At the rear there is a single 240mm disc, also with a special design.
The riding position is designed to ensure maximum control for sporty riding, supporting both traditional straight-leg riding and knee-on-the-ground riding. The adjustable handlebar determines a dominant position and promotes body movements. The position is adjustable by means of eccentric U-bolts.
The design of the footpegs was studied to maximize the angle of inclination. In addition, by removing the rubber inserts it is possible to obtain maximum grip with racing boots when used on the track thanks to a specific processing of the edge. The extremely slim upper construction of the bicycle and the flat saddle covered with an extremely grippy fabric facilitate body and leg movements.
The new Hypermotard 698 Mono will be available from January at dealers in the Ducati network in the classic Ducati Red with powder-coated frame, or in the RVE version with special graphics, black frame and standard DQS quickshifter. Of course, the bicycle is also available in A2 trim. In this version, the Superquadro Mono produces 43.5 hp at 6,250 rpm and 49 Nm at 5,750 rpm. Prices from €14,690.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.