Single and ready to mingle: Ducati’s Hypermotard 698 Mono

Introducing the latest addition to the Ducati Hypermotard family – the 698 Mono. This new model, unveiled today, has a single-cylinder engine known as the ‘Superquadro Mono’.

The Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono boasts class-leading supermoto performance as the first single-cylinder model from Bologna in decades! Here’s what you need to know.

The Superquadro Mono engine, unveiled by Ducati just last week, lies at the core of the new Hypermotard 698. This extraordinary single-cylinder motor is one of the most radical engines ever installed in a production motorcycle.

The bike utilizes MotoGP-inspired technology, taken from the Ducati Panigale V4 R and applied to one cylinder of the Superquadro engine as found in the Panigale 1299.

The result amounts to 77.5bhp in its standard form and goes into direct competition with the likes of KTM’s 690 SMCR and the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. With the addition of a Termignoni racing exhaust, this can be increased to 85bhp. Of course, handling such power means a high-spec chassis is needed!

To achieve this, Ducati utilizes a steel trellis frame for the Hypermotard 698 Mono. The frame’s variable thickness enables it to weigh just 7.2kg, with additional weight savings from cast wheels, a two-sided aluminium swingarm, and an aluminium flange on the brake discs. The overall weight of the bike is 151kg before adding fuel.

A Marzocchi 45mm inverted front fork, weighing only 8.1kg, offers full adjustability. The front tyre is the Pirelli Diablo Rossi IV in a size of 120/70 ZR 17, and the back tyre is a 160/60 ZR 17, also from Pirelli. Brembo handles braking with an M4.32 calliper and a single 330mm front disc, while the rear brakes consist of a single 240mm disc.

Ducati claims that the Hypermotard 698 Mono boasts impressive performance due to its advanced electronics. These include Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, Power Launch, and Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down. While DQS is an optional feature on the standard bike, it comes standard on the higher-spec RVE version. The bike also features Cornering ABS with four levels of intervention, including ‘Slide by Brake’ to aid with rear brake-induced slides. Additionally, the wheelie control has four levels, and there is an option for the Ducati Performance software, which includes the ‘Wheelie Assist’ setting.

The bike’s 3.8-inch LCD display allows for the selection and management of four riding modes – Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet – and three engine mode settings.

The bike has been ergonomically designed with performance as the primary focus. Its upper part is narrow, allowing for maximum rider movement. According to Ducati, the footpegs have rubber inserts that can be taken out for better grip with racing boots. (The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled had the same – which worked well).

In addition to the mentioned Termignoni exhaust, racing seat, motard footpegs, and engine covers, a variety of accessories are available for this Ducati. Carbon options are a staple for the brand, including a heat shield for the exhaust manifold and silencer. For added customization, billet aluminium pieces such as brake and clutch levers, reservoirs, and dynamic indicators are also offered.

There’s also great news for ‘new’ riders- a 35kW (47bhp) edition of the Hypermotard 698 Mono will be available for riders with an A2 motorcycle licence.

The 2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono offers a choice of two striking colours. One is the classic ‘Ducati Red’ while the other is the sleek ‘RVE’, which includes exclusive features like the Ducati Quick Shift and personalized delivery. The RVE version is priced at £11,895, and the standard model is priced at £10,995.