Powerhouse of supermotard thrill
When you straddle the Hypermotard 698 Mono, you're taking hold of a machine that's designed to deliver one thing above all else: unadulterated excitement. This isn't just any bike; it's a Ducati, and it carries that legacy with a rebellious streak, as it proudly becomes the first single-cylinder road-going Supermotard in Ducati's storied lineup.
The essence of this machine is to offer a pure, visceral riding experience. It's the motorcycling equivalent of a street fighter – lean, aggressive, and ready for anything. There's something inherently beautiful about its simplicity. It’s stripped down to the essentials, shedding all pretense, leaving you with nothing but the thrill of the ride.
The heart of the beast is the new 659 cc Superquadro Mono engine, a masterpiece of engineering that takes the single-cylinder format to its performance peak. Imagine the spirit of Ducati's 1299 Panigale, distilled into one cylinder, and you begin to understand the character of this bike. It’s like listening to a symphony played on a single, perfect violin, revving higher than any other in its class, with power that punches through the noise of the everyday.
It's not just the heart that impresses; it's the entire body. The Supermotard aesthetic is executed with a street art flair on the RVE model, sporting “Graffiti” livery, or with the bold Ducati Red that encapsulates the raw energy of supermotard culture. It's a look that's bad in the best way possible, beautiful in its brazenness.
Yet, despite its aggressive stance, the Hypermotard 698 Mono is a marvel of modern design, from the LED headlamp with its “double C” DRL signature to the five-spoke Y-shaped alloy wheels that marry lightness with a sporty posture. The frame, a meticulous work of art in steel tube trellis, paired with a light aluminum swingarm, ensures the bike is as nimble as it is strong.
In the saddle, you're in command of a bike that speaks the language of fun fluently. It's all about the joy of riding, with a riding position that's quintessentially motard – upright, wide-barred, ready for action. The handlebar placement, the flat seat design, every aspect cultivates a sense of control and freedom that makes every ride an adventure.
And when it comes to stopping power, it inherits no less than the best from its sibling, the Panigale V4, with Brembo brakes that provide formidable stopping force. It's a machine that handles the corners with as much aplomb as it does the straights.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono isn't just about the ride; it's about the rider too. It's tailored for those who don't just enjoy the hype but live it. The dedicated Capsule Collection, crafted by the legendary Aldo Drudi and developed by Spidi, ensures you look as legendary as the bike beneath you.
For those who live for the thrills but are still working their way up the license classes, there's a depowered version, ensuring that the excitement of the Hypermotard 698 Mono isn't limited by your license bracket.
To put it simply, the Hypermotard 698 Mono is a singular expression of Ducati's racing DNA, a bike that makes every ride feel like the main event. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a statement, a way of life, a piece of art that you live, play, and ride. This is what Ducati brings to the streets – a symphony of engineering excellence, a celebration of motorcycle purity, a beacon of fun that’s hard to miss and impossible to forget.
Pros:
- Exceptional Power-to-Weight Ratio: With a 659 cc Superquadro Mono engine delivering 77.5 hp and the bike's light frame, it offers an exhilarating power-to-weight ratio that promises nimble and dynamic performance.
- Advanced Engine Design: The sophisticated single-cylinder engine, with a record-breaking 116 mm racing piston and desmodromic timing, inherits the high-performance DNA from Ducati's twin-cylinder Superbikes.
- Cutting-Edge Electronics: The comprehensive electronics package is tuned to enhance the riding experience, putting the Hypermotard 698 Mono at the top of its category in terms of technological sophistication.
- Ducati Style and Craftsmanship: The aggressive motard style combined with Ducati's signature design elements of clean, well-finished surfaces offers a visually stunning motorcycle that stands out.
- Premium Components: From the lightweight and adjustable Marzocchi upside-down fork to the high-performance Brembo braking system, the bike boasts components usually reserved for higher-end sportbikes.
- Service Intervals: Extended service intervals with an oil change every 15,000 km and valve clearance check every 30,000 km reduce ownership costs and time off the road.
- Customization Options: A range of Ducati Performance accessories allows owners to personalize their ride, enhancing both aesthetics and performance.
Cons:
- High Seat Height: At 904 mm, the seat height may be prohibitive for shorter riders, though a lower seat option provides some accommodation.
- Intimidating for Beginners: The combination of aggressive power delivery and supermotard design might be overwhelming for novice riders.
- Specialized Riding Style: The supermotard style is a niche market, and the bike's setup may not be as versatile for those looking for a more all-purpose motorcycle.
- Cost: Ducatis are typically priced at a premium, and the Hypermotard 698 Mono is likely to follow this trend, making it less accessible for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
- Availability: The mention of a “depowered version for A2 license” suggests that full power might be restricted in some markets, which could be a downside for those looking to experience the bike's full potential.
- Limited Practicality for Everyday Use: Supermotards are designed for fun rather than practicality, and the 698 Mono may not be the most comfortable or convenient for daily commuting or long-distance touring.
- Street Art-Inspired Graffiti Livery: While distinctive, the “Graffiti” version might not appeal to everyone's taste, and traditionalists might prefer more conventional color schemes.
