The result is a slim and elegant motorcycle. The minimal superstructures immediately communicate the Ducati’s sporty character and underline the vertical development of the new Superquadro Mono. The high and flat seat, the raised front fender, the tapered rear section, and the rear number plates are all elements that reaffirm its attitude.
In line with Ducati’s style, the lightweight alloy wheels with five “Y” arms combine a sporty image with the advantage of lightness. Another unique element is the two high-mounted silencers, on both sides of the rear section, a distinctive feature of the Hypermotard family as well as competition supermotos. The super-compact LED front headlight integrates the DRL function with a double “C” luminous profile and makes the Hypermotard 698 Mono a bike that doesn’t go unnoticed. The same luminous signature is found in the rear presence light.
The fun-bike personality of the Hypermotard 698 Mono clearly emerges in the RVE version, characterized by the dedicated ‘Graffiti’ color scheme. This color scheme was created using water decals to achieve a complex and refined graphic design, inspired by urban artworks.
Superquadro Mono Engine
The Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono debuts the new Superquadro Mono, the latest addition to Borgo Panigale’s engines, which sets itself as the new benchmark in terms of performance among single-cylinder engines for road motorcycles. Powerful, light, and compact, it comes from the most powerful and refined twin-cylinder ever created by Ducati, the 1285 cc Superquadro of the 1299 Panigale. It retains the 116 mm diameter of a piston from that engine, a record value for a road single-cylinder, combined with a stroke of 62.4 mm for a displacement of 659 cc and highly sophisticated solutions.
The ‘box-in-box’ piston, titanium intake valves, aluminum cylinder liners, DLC-coated piston pin, and, of course, the Desmodromic distribution, make the Superquadro Mono capable of reaching speeds normally reserved only for competition single-cylinders (the limit is set at 10,250 rpm) and delivering a maximum power of 77.5 hp at 9,750 rpm.
The torque, with a maximum value of 6.4 kgm at 8,000 rpm, is distributed in a particularly favorable manner, resulting in a linear delivery that can be exploited in sporty driving. In addition, thanks to the Termignoni competition exhaust, in track configuration the power increases by 7 horsepower, reaching the incredible value of 84.5 hp, 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 in the Panigale V4, specifically developed for this bike. It features ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, Ducati Power Launch, and the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down, which can be purchased as an accessory for the standard version and comes standard in the RVE version. The goal is always the same: to increase the fun of riding. And with the Hypermotard 698 Mono, less experienced riders can approach a supermoto riding style with the certainty of having sophisticated electronics at their disposal. The Hypermotard 698 Mono has four riding modes (Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet) for which the Engine Mode (available in 3 levels), as well as the levels of DTC, EBC, and ABS, are assigned by default, but can be changed by the user. Everything is managed by the 3.8’’ LCD instrumentation with white characters on a black background, to ensure the readability of the information. Just like in the Panigale V4, the Hypermotard 698 Mono also features a gear shift indicator when the limiter is reached.The Hypermotard 698 Mono is the first Ducati to offer four levels of ABS. Two of these are integrated in the Slide-by-Brake functionality, which, through the use of the rear brake, allows for safe and repeated ‘powerslides’ in a sporty track riding.
With ABS set to level 3, using the rear brake during aggressive braking on the track activates Slide-by-Brake, allowing the bike a controlled turning angle that is easier to manage. Just brake, start turning into the curve, and the electronics take care of the rest. This level was developed for less experienced track riders who want to start approaching riding by ‘sliding’ the bike into turns. With this level of Slide-by-Brake, ‘powerslides’ become more easily controllable, leaving room for fun.
When ABS is set to level 2, Slide-by-Brake allows for a greater angle of turning and more pronounced ‘powerslides’ when entering a curve. This level was developed for sporty track use by those who already have experience with power slides but want the added safety of the ABS system.
For more experienced riders who want to independently manage powerslides when entering a curve on the track, level 1 is available, in which ABS, not Cornering, is only active on 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 associated by default with the Riding Mode Wet.
The bike offers 4 levels of Wheelie Control. Levels 4, 3, and 2 ensure maximum acceleration coming out of corners while minimizing front wheel lift. Level 1, however, was developed for track use and allows for a safe front wheel lift, maximizing both performance and fun.
Additionally, exclusively for track use, the Ducati Performance software for Ducati Wheelie Control is available as an accessory. This feature can only be activated in conjunction with the Termignoni Ducati Performance exhaust, not road-approved, 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 by managing the delivered torque.
Chassis and ergonomics
The Hypermotard 698 Mono is light and compact, weighing 151 kg without fuel. This result is achieved thanks to solutions such as the trellis frame with differentiated sections and thicknesses, weighing only 7.2 kg and capable of combining rigidity and lightness, the alloy wheels (-0.5 kg compared to similar spoked wheels), the disc brakes with aluminum flange (-17% compared to steel units), and the lightweight Marzocchi inverted fork, fully adjustable and equipped with external adjusters, with 45 mm aluminum stanchions, weighing only 8.1 kg.
The swinging arm, light and with simple lines, works through a progressive connection with the fully adjustable rear shock absorber. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires are mounted on the rims, in the sizes of 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 160/60 ZR 17 at the rear.
The front braking system is entrusted to a single 330 mm disc, specifically developed by Brembo for the Hypermotard 698 Mono, with Brembo M4.32 radial caliper. At the rear, we have a 240 mm disc, also with a dedicated design.
The riding position was designed to ensure maximum control in sporty riding, supporting both traditional riding with the leg stretched towards the ground and knee-down riding. The variable-section handlebar determines a dominant position, favoring body movement. The reach is adjustable through U-shaped eccentric screws.
The design of the footrests was studied to maximize the leaning angle. In addition, by removing the rubber inserts, it is possible to achieve maximum grip with competition boots when used on the track, thanks to a specific processing of the edges. The extremely slim upper structure of the bike and the flat seat covered with a fabric with optimized grip facilitate body and leg movements.
Colors and availability
The new Hypermotard 698 Mono will be available at Ducati Authorized Dealers starting in January, in the classic Ducati Red with a powder-coated frame, or in the RVE version with dedicated graphics, black frame, and standard DQS quickshifter.
For younger motorcyclists, holders of the A2 license, Ducati offers the version with power limited to 35 kW. In this version, the Superquadro Mono delivers 43.5 hp at 6,250 rpm and 5 kgm at 5,750 rpm.
