2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Review | First Look
The new 2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono joins Ducati’s lineup as the first Ducati in nearly 30 years to feature a single-cylinder engine, called the Superquadro Mono. In typical Ducati fashion, the Hypermotard 698 Mono leans on its Panigale pedigree of top performance and technology but in a compact and lightweight package that’s sure to be a fun ride.
The new Superquadro Mono is a 659cc Single with a claimed max power of 77.5 hp at 9,750 rpm, power levels unheard of from a single-cylinder engine. Peak torque of 46.5 lb-ft arrives at 8,000 rpm, and the motor has a lofty rev limit of 10,250 rpm. The engine is derived from one cylinder of the Superquadro V-Twin found in the 1299 Panigale. In the Hypermotard 698 Mono, the 116mm bore remains but with a longer stroke of 62.4mm, giving it 659cc of displacement. The Superquardo Mono also inherits the Superquadro V-Twin’s combustion chamber, titanium intake and steel exhaust valves, and Ducati’s Desmodromic valve timing. Fitting the optional Termignoni exhaust increases power by 7 hp for a max of 84.5 hp, according to Ducati.
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In terms of style, the Hypermotard 698 Mono leans into a racing aesthetic with sharp lines and a slim profile. Adding to its look is a tall and flat seat, a high front mudguard, and a sharp tailsection, along with a compact LED headlight and double silencers mounted up high on the sides of the tail. The upmarket RVE version, which includes a bi-directional quickshifter, comes in a “Graffiti” livery with black and red graphics.
The Hypermotard’s steel trellis frame features various sections and thicknesses to cut weight, resulting in a frame weight of 16 lb. Cast-aluminum rims, brake discs with aluminum flanges, and an aluminum double-sided swingarm also help to keep weight down. Ducati says it weighs in at just 333 lb with its fuel tank empty.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono has a tall seat height of 35.6 inches for its flat seat covered in grip fabric. Up front, 8.5 inches of travel is provided by a fully adjustable inverted 45mm Marzocchi fork, which is paired with a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with 9.8 inches of travel. Providing braking power is a Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial-mount caliper biting a 330mm front brake disc and a 240mm disc at the rear. The Hypermotard rides on 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires.
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On the electronics side of things, the Hypermotard 698 Mono is equipped with several rider aides, including cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and power launch. A bi-directional quickshifter is supplied as standard on the RVE version and is available as an option on the standard version. All of this is managed by a 3.8-inch LCD display with white characters on a black background.
Riding modes include Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet, and each adjusts traction control, engine brake control, and ABS levels.
See all of Rider’s Ducati coverage here.
This model is Ducati’s first to offer four levels of ABS, two of which integrate the Slide-by-Brake functionality to facilitate backing in during cornering. Level 4 provides the most ABS assistance and is ideal for low-grip conditions and riding on wet roads. Level 3 is designed for less experienced riders at the track to provide a more manageable experience. Level 2 allows more sliding into corners, and Level 1 is for experienced riders who want the least amount of intervention. In Level 1, ABS is only active in the front.
The bike also offers four levels of wheelie control to regulate front-wheel lift. Level 4 allows the least front-wheel lift, and Level 1 allows the most lift. The Ducati Performance software is available as an accessory and adds Wheelie Assist to help riders execute wheelies by regulating engine torque based on how far the front wheel is off the ground. The Ducati Performance software is only available with the Termignoni Ducati Performance exhaust and is not street legal.
The 2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono will be available in Ducati Red with an MSRP of $12,995. The RVE version with Graffiti graphics, a black frame, and a quickshifter will be available for $14,495. Both versions will begin arriving at dealerships in February 2024.
For more information, visit the Ducati website.
Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
The post 2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Review | First Look appeared first on Rider Magazine.
