Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono: the New Benchmark for Road Supermotards

In the fifth episode of the Ducati World Première web series 2024, Ducati revealed to the public the new Hypermotard 698 Mono (watch here), the first Ducati single-cylinder Supermotard.

The 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 — an objective achieved by applying technical solutions derived from the world of the Panigale for the engine, electronics and chassis to a new segment for Ducati, creating a motorcycle capable of unforgettable riding emotions.

The Hypermotard 698 Mono is designed and built to achieve maximum performance on asphalt and is equipped with the new Superquadro Mono, the most sophisticated and high-performance single-cylinder road engine ever made. With a record-breaking engine producing 77.5 horsepower with maximum rev limit of 10,250 rpm, a new benchmark for the category, this engine derives from the twin-cylinder of the 1299 Panigale, from which it inherits the 116-millimeter bore piston, combustion chamber, titanium intake and steel exhaust valves and Desmodromic distribution, the same solution that Ducati uses in MotoGP (all the technical details of the Superquadro Mono engine can be found here).

Its electronic package, unrivaled in the category, allows the less expert to learn to ride like a Supermotard rider, supported by anti-lock brake (ABS) Cornering, which for this bike boasts settings specifically developed to manage “backing in” on the track.

The same package allows more experienced riders to fully exploit the high power of the Superquadro Mono engine and the stable and rigorous chassis. The Hypermotard 698 Mono combines the precision of the front end of Ducati sports bikes with the typical nimbleness of Supermotards, for easy, intuitive riding like a fun bike should have. This balance was achieved from chassis dimensions that provide a more neutral and communicative front end compared to motorcycles derived from the offroad world, which are typically more understeering.

Added to all this is a design that enhances the presence of the new Superquadro Mono engine, combining the distinctive traits of racing Supermotards such as simplicity, aggressiveness and visual lightness with the cleanliness and sophistication of the finishing details to which Ducatisti are now accustomed.

Unmistakable Ducati Style

The new Hypermotard 698 Mono combines a typical Supermotard racing aesthetic, minimal, compact and aggressive, with clean lines and attention to detail typical of Ducati design.

The result is a slim and sleek motorcycle. The superstructures reduced to a minimum immediately communicate Ducati sportiness and enhance the vertical development of the new Superquadro Mono. The high and flat seat, the high front mudguard, the sharp tail and the rear number plates are all elements that confirm its attitude.

In line with Ducati style, the five-spoke alloy wheels with a “Y” design combine a sporty look with the advantage of lightness. Another unique element is the double silencers mounted at the top on the sides of the tail — a distinctive element of the Hypermotard family and racing Supermotards. The super compact LED headlight integrates the daytime running lights (DRL) function with a double “C” light profile, making the Hypermotard 698 Mono a motorcycle that does not go unnoticed. The same light signature is found in the rear position light.

The fun-bike personality of the Hypermotard 698 Mono emerges clearly in the RVE version, characterized by the dedicated “Graffiti” livery. This was created with the use of water decals with the aim of obtaining refined and complex graphics inspired by works of street art.

Superquadro Mono Engine

The Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono debuts the new Superquadro Mono, the latest addition to the Borgo Panigale engines, which presents itself as a new performance benchmark among single-cylinder road bikes. All the information on the new Ducati engine can be found here.

Powerful, light and compact, it comes from the most powerful and refined twin-cylinder ever created by Ducati: the 1,285 cc Superquadro of the 1299 Panigale. It retains the 116 mm bore of that engine, a record value for a road single-cylinder, combined with a stroke of 62.4 millimeters for a displacement of 659cc and highly sophisticated solutions.
The “box-in-box” piston, the titanium intake valves, the aluminum cylinder liner, the piston pin equipped with DLC coating and naturally Desmodromic distribution make the Superquadro Mono capable of revving at speeds normally reserved only for racing single cylinders (the limiter is set at 10,250 rpm) and delivers a maximum power of 77.5 horsepower at 9,750 rpm.

The torque, whose maximum value is 46.4 pounds at 8,000 rpm, is distributed with a linear delivery that can be exploited in sports riding. Furthermore, by fitting the Termignoni racing exhaust in track use configuration, power increases by 7 horsepower, reaching an incredible 84.5 horsepower, another record for a single-cylinder.

Electronics

The standard electronic equipment of the Hypermotard 698 Mono is the most complete in its category and includes many of the controls present on the Panigale V4, developed specifically for this bike: ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control (EBC), 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 goal is always the same: to increase riding fun. And with the Hypermotard 698 Mono, less experienced riders will be able to approach Supermoto-style riding with the support of sophisticated electronics.

The Hypermotard 698 Mono has four riding modes (Sport, Road, Urban and Wet) to which the Engine Mode (available on three levels), DTC, EBC and ABS levels are assigned by default, which can be modified by the rider. Everything is managed by the 3.8-inch LCD screen with white characters on a black background. As on the Panigale V4, the Hypermotard 698 Mono also features gear change indicator lights when the rev limit is approaching.

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 rear brake allows safe and repeatable cornering when backing in during competitive riding on the track.

With the ABS set to level 3, when using the rear brake during aggressive braking on the track, the Slide-by-Brake activates, allowing the bike a contained yaw angle that is easier to manage. Just brake, start entering the corner, and the electronics will take care of the rest. This level was developed for less experienced riders on the track who want to start learning sideways corner entry techniques. With this level of Slide-by-Brake, “backing in” becomes more controllable.

When ABS is set to level 2, Slide-by-Brake allows for a more extreme style and more pronounced slides into the corner. This level was developed for sporting use on the track for those who already have experience with “backing in” braking but want to count on some of the security offered with the ABS system.

For more experienced riders who want to independently manage slides when entering corners on the track, level 1 is available in which the ABS, not Cornering, is active only on the front.

Finally, the ABS of the Hypermotard 698 Mono also has level 4, developed for low-grip situations to guarantee maximum stability and safety, and the default setting with Wet Riding Mode.

The bike offers 4 levels of Wheelie Control. Levels 4, 3 and 2 ensure maximum acceleration out of corners while minimizing lift from the front wheel. Level 1, however, was developed for use on the track and allows controlled and safe lifting of the front, maximizing both performance and fun.

Furthermore, exclusively for use on the track, the Ducati Performance software for Ducati Wheelie Control is available as an accessory. This functionality can be activated only in association with the Termignoni Ducati Performance exhaust, not street-legal, and provides an additional assistance strategy called Wheelie Assist. In this case, the electronics assist the rider in executing and maintaining a prolonged wheelie, regulating the angle using the engine torque delivered.

Chassis and Ergonomics

The Hypermotard 698 Mono is compact and lightweight, with a curb weight of 333 pounds (151 kilograms) without fuel — a result obtained thanks to solutions such as the trellis frame with differentiated sections and thicknesses weighing only 16 pounds (7.2 kilograms), capable of combining strength with rigidity and lightness, to the cast rims ( minus 1.1 pounds compared to similar spoked wheels), to the brake discs with aluminum flange ( minus 17% compared to a steel unit) and to the lightweight, fully adjustable 45-millimeter upside-down Marzocchi fork weighing only 17.8 pounds (8.1 kilograms).

The double-sided swingarm, light and minimal, works via a progressive linkage with a fully adjustable rear shock absorber. The rims are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, 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-millimeter disc developed specifically by Brembo for the Hypermotard 698 Mono, with Brembo M4.32 radial caliper. At the rear, there is a single 240-millimeter disc, also with a dedicated design.

The riding position is designed for maximum control in sports riding, supporting both the “leg out” Supermoto style and “knee down” track style. The variable section handlebar determines a dominant position on the bike. Fore and aft adjustment is made via eccentric U-bolts.

The footrests are designed to maximize the lean angle. Furthermore, 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 structure of the bike and the flat saddle covered with an optimized grip fabric facilitate body and leg movements.

Accessories

Enthusiasts who wish to exploit the high performance of the Hypermotard 698 Mono on the circuit will find various options in the Ducati Performance catalog, starting from the Termignoni racing exhaust, racing seat, motard footrests, as well as sliders and protective covers for the engine crankcases.

There are also different carbon fiber components that help to lighten the Ducati single-cylinder and make it more aggressive: from the front panel to the heat shield for the exhaust manifold, up to a homologated muffler in titanium and carbon fiber. Finally, those who want to embellish the aesthetics will find various parts in aluminum machined from solid, such as brake and clutch levers and their fluid reservoirs, a fuel cap, and dynamic turn signals.

Apparel

The Hypermotard 698 Mono is a fun bike, easy to ride with great style. For this reason, Ducati has created a dedicated clothing line.

The Overlay Yo jacket is the main piece of the collection, with a contemporary and original design created in collaboration with Drudi Performance. It combines a transparent outer fabric with a thermoregulating 3-D mesh. This super-versatile jacket, produced by Spidi Sport, can be connected to a protective vest for use on a motorbike.

The collection is enriched by the sweatshirt, certified for use on motorbikes thanks to the technical fabric reinforcements and CE protectors on the shoulders and elbows. The perfect match is with the dedicated helmet with an aggressive Supermotard look and a strong personality.

The collection also includes technical boots specific for Supermoto riding and sports shoes designed for daily use.

Colors, Availability and Pricing

The new Hypermotard 698 Mono will be available in dealerships in the Ducati network starting from February in the classic Ducati Red with powder-coated frame, or in the RVE version with dedicated graphics, black frame and DQS quickshifter as standard.

U.S. pricing will be $12,995 for Ducati Red and $14,495 for the RVE Edition. Canadian pricing will be $15,295 for Ducati Red and $16,395 for the RVE Edition.

The dynamic video of the Hypermotard 698 Mono can be seen on the Ducati YouTube channel.

Hypermotard 698 Mono

Main Standard Equipment

Ducati Superquadro Mono engine with bore and stroke of 116 and 62.4 millimeters, 659cc, maximum power of 77.5 horsepower at 9,750 rpm, maximum torque of 46.4 pound-feet at 8,000 rpm, box-in-box piston, desmodromic distribution with titanium intake valves
Steel trellis frame with tubes of different sections and thicknesses, steel tube subframe, and aluminum double-sided swingarm
45-millimeter Marzocchi upside-down fork, fully adjustable, with upper adjusters for hydraulic calibrations, 8.5 inches (215 millimeters) of travel.
Fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with interposition of progressive linkages, external adjusters for hydraulic calibrations and a wheel travel of 9.8 inches (240 millimeters)
Five-spoke alloy wheels 120/70-17 inches and 160/60-17 inches with Pirelli DIABLO Rosso IV tires
Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering braking system
330-millimeter diameter front disc with aluminum flange and Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial caliper
Rider footrests optimized for sport riding with removable rubber covering for maximum grip with racing boots
Full LED headlight with double-C DRL, Full-LED rear light
Dashboard with 3.8-inch Improved Black Nematic (IBN) LCD screen with gear shift LED
Lithium-ion battery
Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Three Power Modes (Low, Mid, High)
Four Riding Modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet)
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Engine Brake Control (EBC)
Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
Ducati Link Ready with infotainment apps
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up&Down