Ducati says its Hypermotard 698 Mono was ‘created with the sole objective of thrilling through the curves, between the curbs of the tracks but also in the city, transforming every move into the most fun moment of the day.”
But let’s face it…it’s here to set fire to your license.
While the Hypermotard 698 Mono is in fact designed and built to achieve maximum performance on asphalt and we don’t cover road bikes here at ADV LIFE, we thought it best to at least take a peek behind the curtain given it’s just a set of nobbys away from being a freak in the bush.
The Superquadro Mono engine is a definite highlight thanks to the maximum power of 77.5 hp and the 10,250 rpm maximum rotation which constitutes a new benchmark for the category.
This engine is a derivative of the twin-cylinder found in the 1299 Panigale, from which it inherits the 116 mm bore piston, combustion chamber, titanium intake and steel exhaust valves and Desmodromic distribution, the same solution that Ducati uses in MotoGP.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono has four riding modes (Sport, Road, Urban and Wet) to which the Engine Mode (available on 3 levels), DTC, EBC and ABS levels are assigned by default, which can be modified by the rider. Everything is managed by the 3.8″ LCD instrumentation with white characters on a black background.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono is the first Ducati to offer four levels of ABS. Two of these integrate the Slide-by-Brake functionality, which through the use of the rear brake allows safe and repeatable cornering when powersliding on the track.
Aside from the ABS there is also Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control (4 level), Engine Brake Control, Ducati Power Launch and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down, which can be purchased as an accessory for the standard version and is supplied as standard on the RVE version.
The 17/17-inch rims are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, measuring 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 160/60 ZR 17 at the rear.
The front braking system relies on a single 330 mm disc developed specifically by Brembo for the Hypermotard 698 Mono, with Brembo M4.32 radial calliper. At the rear there is a single 240 mm disc, also with a dedicated design.
Give your licence advanced warning before you take this beast out for a spin!
The Australian ride-away price for this model will be $22,800 whilst in New Zealand the ride-away price will be $23,791. The Hypermotard is expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in the Second Quarter 2024.