EM KARTÓDROMO
In this presentation, we always rode with the bidirectional quickshifter in both versions, but with the 698 base we rode on a wet track with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires mounted, while the exhaust was stock. It must be said, the sound of the stock exhaust is somewhat disappointing, but it is what it is, and current homologation regulations do not allow for more. The sound of the Termignoni, on the other hand, is amazing (even with the “db killer” mounted) but we must remember that it is not a road-legal exhaust! As for the engine, it is very strong and even more elastic than we expected. On the wet track, we sometimes let the revs drop too low to avoid another gear change, but there were never any problems coming out of the corners. Then, on dry asphalt and Pirelli slick tires, we used the full power band of the single-cylinder and it was a lot of fun, with the lighter exhausts, which provide more power and are more audible, helping. Fun and tiring, because even though the sessions were only 10 minutes, riding at a high pace with a bike like this on a kart track leaves anyone out of breath (and with hands and arms needing a massage too).
PESO E CICLÍSTICA
A motorcycle that weighs only 151 kg (in running order, without fuel), so weight was almost an obsession for the technicians of the Italian brand. And we can see this in several aspects, such as the small lithium-ion battery, the Y-shaped rims – lighter than traditional spoked ones – and the braking system with only one disc, although the components are premium from Brembo and we did not miss braking power on the karting track. The frame and subframe are trellis steel and the suspensions are fully adjustable, with an inverted Marzocchi fork at the front and a Sachs mono-shock at the rear; with a 160/60 ZR17 tire size at the rear, which helps the handling of the whole.
Only one brake disc at the front but we didn’t miss more. The suspensions are effective and fully adjustable to achieve the best compromise.
This Termignoni exhaust system significantly transforms (for the better) the behavior of this Hypermotard, in terms of performance and sensations in terms of sound.
Very complete instrumentation despite the very small size of the panel.
The seat is very high, in true supermoto fashion, but at least for track riding we liked its shape.
The two-tone details of the RVE version look great on a radical model like this. The slick tires are not standard, of course!
A huge amount of work has been done here, both on the model’s geometry – trying to achieve the best possible compromise between stability and agility – and on the rider’s ergonomics, knowing that many will ride on the road and others on the track. Some will choose a Supermoto riding position (standing outside) and others a speed style (with the body leaning off the bike). Due to my past on the tracks, I felt most comfortable with the latter, even though the Hypermotard is so high that sometimes it forced me to lift the opposite foot on the footpegs when leaning off the bike. It has a seat height of 904 mm from the ground, making it impossible for a short rider (especially if lightweight) to place both feet on the ground. To address this, Ducati has designed a side stand that is very easy to put on and take off when seated.
ELECTRONICS
In terms of electronics, there is nothing missing either. Although the instrumentation is minimalist, with a very small panel where we have difficulty seeing some information in progress, the electronic package is complete. We find four driving modes, traction control, adjustable wheelie control at various levels, and ABS braking with a sliding function that is very interesting, especially for those who already have some riding skills! We never completely turned off the electronic aids of the 698, but if they ever came into action, we didn’t feel it. What we did notice is that the technicians stiffened the suspensions much more for the afternoon, which was sometimes too much for my riding. I reduced some compression in the fork, and the Hypermotard was excellent again, with all the necessary front-end feeling, even at the entrance of completely closed corners as found in a karting track. And yes, like any Ducati motorcycle, when it accelerates, brakes, and corners, it feels right at home! Electronic aids that make the rider’s task easier, whether they are an amateur with little experience in this type of motorcycles or a practically professional rider. And that’s what we witnessed on this track, both in the morning with a very wet track and in the afternoon with slick tires at the controls of the RVE. We rode quite fast (for our level of riding) and despite the high agility, we didn’t have any surprises, which means that the Italian brand achieved a good compromise between agility and stability. A good feeling of what was happening at the front and an engine that is easy to use in all ranges – it’s not sharp as one might think – so we also liked the dynamic behavior of this motorcycle, which is very interesting and suitable for all levels of riding.On the road we didn’t go this time, but we imagine it will be equally super fun. However, as any supermoto will always be radical, due to the riding position, seat height, and fuel tank capacity of only 12 liters! For those who are already in love, it is worth mentioning that the list of accessories is very interesting and there is also a specific clothing line for this model!
DUCATI Hypermotard 698 Mono
Single-cylinder ENGINE, 4 valves, desmodromic distribution, liquid cooling
DISPLACEMENT 659 cc
POWER 57 Kw (77.5 hp) at 9,750 rpm
TORQUE 63 Nm at 8,000 rpm
6-speed GEARBOX
Steel tube TRELLIS FRAME
FUEL TANK 12 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION 45 mm Marzocchi inverted fork, adjustable, 215 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION adjustable Sachs monoshock, 240 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 330 mm disc, radial pump and Brembo M4.32 radial caliper
REAR BRAKE 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliper, ABS
FRONT TIRE 120/70 ZR17
REAR TIRE 160/60 ZR17
WHEELBASE 1,443 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 904 mm
WEIGHT 151 kg
MSRP (from) 13,145 € / RVE from 14,245 €
