Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono track test

In autumn of last year, Ducati caused a sensation by introducing the Hypermotard 698 Mono - a nimble and highly athletic supermoto that is street-legal. At its core lies the newly developed single-cylinder Superquadro Mono engine with a displacement of 659 cc, delivering a peak output of 77.5 hp at 9,750 rpm. What sets it apart is the incorporation of various components from the V2 engine found in the 1299 Panigale, such as the 116 mm racing piston, a combustion chamber design with a very short stroke, and the desmodromic valve system with large titanium intake valves. The materials used are top-notch as well: the aluminum cylinder barrel is sourced from the 1299 Superleggera, while the alternator, clutch, and cylinder head covers are crafted from a high-quality magnesium alloy.

This desmodromic setup, also utilized in MotoGP, allows for a particularly smooth power delivery and impressively high engine speeds. In fact, the rev limiter is set at 10,250 rpm - a truly remarkable figure for a single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Despite this, the Mono's specifications show a maximum torque of "only" 63 Nm at 8,000 rpm, suggesting a lower torque output at lower speeds.

Certainly! When it comes to power and torque, the Ducati Supermoto may not match the performance of the Austrian single-cylinder at very low revs, but the engine, gearbox, and secondary transmission are so finely tuned that there are no shortcomings even in the lower rev range. With 70% of maximum torque available from 3,000 rpm and 80% from 4,500 rpm, the torque curve is impressively linear. The gearbox, inspired by the Panigale V4, features a longer first gear for low-speed cornering and delivers strong acceleration when exiting corners.

As revs increase, the engine truly comes alive and propels you effortlessly from one curve to the next. Thanks to the two balancer shafts in the crankcase, vibrations are minimal, comparable to those of a 90° V2 engine.

Regarding the sound, despite meeting the Euro 5 standard, the dual under-seat mufflers produce a subdued yet distinctive hum that may seem louder and more powerful to the rider than to bystanders. Stationary noise levels are measured at only 92 dB(A) according to the type certificate. Overall, the bike emits an excellent sound for a Euro 5 model, making it unnecessary to consider replacing the mufflers.

Thanks to the narrow engine, the Ducati Supermoto boasts a slim and sporty design - the high, flat seat, the front mudguard pulled up high, and the striking rear all make it stand out. The twin-pipe exhaust adds to the overall look, reminiscent of classic supermoto racing bikes. Ducati's designers have successfully blended an aggressive Supermoto racing style with sleek, elegant lines. The new Mono at the rear features an LED headlight with daytime running light, giving it the distinctive Hyper look. This same unique light signature is also present in the LED tail light.

Once seated on the Ducati Supermoto, the ergonomic differences compared to the 950 Hypermotard are immediately apparent. On the Supermoto, the rider is positioned far forward over the front wheel, almost at the tank, with a narrow knee angle for optimal control. Although the stated seat height of 904 mm may seem high, it doesn't feel extreme in reality. This could be attributed to the shock absorber's suspension travel or the seat's design, as it doesn't feel much higher than typical single-cylinder bikes. The grippy seat also offers a surprisingly high level of comfort. Additionally, for shorter riders, Ducati's Performance accessory program provides a seat that is 15 mm lower.

The seating position is crafted to accommodate traditional Supermoto riding with the leg extended and knee-down riding. Riders seeking a more front-wheel-focused position can adjust the handlebars 8 mm forward by rotating the clamps. Despite the generous ground clearance and lean angle, the footrests remain in a comfortable position, and the knee angle is suitable for long rides.

The new Ducati Supermoto features an engine mounted in a short, butted tubular steel frame following the Trellis principle, connecting the steering head, engine, suspension strut, and steel rear end. The aluminum double-sided swingarm is light, stiff, and straight, while the cast wheels save weight compared to spoked wheels. The brake discs come with an aluminum flange for added performance. To keep weight low, a Li-Ion battery is included. Ducati specifies a weight of 151 kilograms including all fluids except fuel ("wet weight without fuel"), with a full tank expected to reach around 160 kg.

The chassis of the Ducati Supermoto meets the latest standards in Supermoto design. It features a fully adjustable, lightweight Marzocchi upside-down fork at the front with a stanchion tube diameter of 45 mm and a spring travel of 215 mm. The rear is equipped with a progressively deflected, fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber with a spring travel of 240 millimeters.

With a wheelbase of 1,443 millimeters, the Ducati Supermoto is a full 55 mm shorter than the Hypermotard 950 - a truly remarkable difference. Despite its high level of agility, the Supermoto is not nervous or imprecise. One possible explanation for this could be the steering head geometry: thanks to the short wheelbase, the steering angle has been flattened by one degree and the trail extended by a whole 4 mm compared to the 950. Additionally, the Supermoto boasts an extremely balanced weight distribution of 48.5% front to 51.5% rear, resulting in a perfect blend of agility and stability.

For shorter riders, Ducati offers a lowering kit that can reduce the seat height of the Supermoto by 40 mm. This kit includes a shorter side stand and replacement springs for the fork and shock absorber. While this reduces suspension travel by 40 mm, it does not alter the motorcycle's geometry. Although some lean angle freedom is sacrificed, riders gain a lower center of gravity and a more secure stance.

Despite all the super sportiness, the Ducati Supermoto comes equipped with 5-spoke alloy wheels from the factory, paired with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires suitable for everyday use - 120/70 ZR 17 in the front and the agile 160/60 ZR 17 in the rear. While Supercorsa SP V4 tires would have been a great choice, the Rosso IV tires are still sporty and provide excellent grip in all weather conditions.

True to Ducati's reputation, the brakes on the Ducati Supermoto are top-notch. The front wheel features a Brembo brake system with radial pump (including adjustable lever), an M4.32 caliper, and a large 330 mm single disc specially developed by Brembo for the Supermoto. At the rear, a 1-piston caliper with a 245 mm single disc, also with a special design, ensures strong braking power.

During our track test, the Ducati Supermoto was equipped with Supercorsa SC1 slicks at the front and SC2 at the rear, providing excellent performance with tire warmers. We relied on Ducati technicians for the air pressure, maintaining a hot pressure of around 2 bar. With the slicks, low tire pressure, and grippy asphalt on the track, direct performance comparisons with road riding are challenging. However, the braking performance of the Supermoto is outstanding, with precise modulation and a consistent pressure point even under heavy braking.

The Ducati Supermoto comes equipped with the most advanced electronics package ever seen in a Supermoto. Some features have been borrowed from the Panigale V4, while others have been specifically developed for the Supermoto. The bike features a user-friendly 3.8-inch LCD display with white text on a black background, including a gear indicator and rev limiter display. The electronics package offers four customizable riding modes (Sport, Road, City, and Wet), three power modes, advanced cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control, Ducati Traction Control, Engine Brake Control, Ride-by-Wire, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quickshifter for seamless upshifting and downshifting, and the Ducati Brake Light, which rapidly flashes to alert vehicles behind when braking hard at speeds exceeding 55 km/h.

A unique feature of the Ducati Supermoto is the 4-stage ABS system with "Slide by Brake" function, a first for this model. This system allows for safe and consistent drifts on the track when applying aggressive rear brake pressure.

• Level 4: Front and rear cornering ABS engaged - providing maximum stability and safety in low-grip conditions.
• Level 3: Front wheel cornering ABS engaged - rear wheel slide-by-brake function suitable for riders without supermoto experience.
• Level 2: Front wheel cornering ABS engaged - rear wheel slide-by-brake function suitable for experienced riders on the track, allowing up to 50° lean angle.
• Level 1: Standard ABS engaged on the front wheel - rear wheel ABS deactivated for professional riders.

With this advanced ABS system, riders can brake hard, initiate turns, and let the electronics handle the rest. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes of supermoto riding or an experienced rider looking to perfect your techniques, the Ducati Supermoto provides a controlled approach to pushing the limits.

Another new feature exclusive to the Ducati Supermoto is the 4-stage wheelie control system. Levels 4, 3, and 2 are designed to enhance acceleration coming out of corners by keeping the front wheel from lifting off the ground excessively. Level 1, on the other hand, enables a controlled and safe lift of the front wheel to optimize performance and enjoyment of the ride. Experienced riders have the option to deactivate the Wheelie Control entirely, but this requires a high level of skill and control.

If you're looking for more power than the 77.5 hp offered by the Ducati Supermoto, you can boost it up to 84.5 hp at 9,500 rpm with the Termignoni racing exhaust, a different air filter, and a special mapping (not approved for road use). This modification also shaves off 1.5 kg of weight. Additionally, you'll get the Ducati "Wheelie Assist" software, which automatically adjusts the height of the front wheel during wheelies to match the engine torque in DWC stage 1.

For those who prefer country roads, Ducati Performance provides approved slip-ons and various tuning options. Carbon and aluminum components not only reduce weight but also enhance the aesthetics of the single cylinder Supermoto. From the front cover to the rear end, including heat protection for the exhaust manifold, these parts add a touch of style. You can also opt for brake and clutch levers, anodized aluminum tanks, a fuel filler cap, and sleek LED indicators. To improve long-distance comfort, heated handlebar grips, a rear bag, and a smartphone holder are available.

The Ducati Supermoto 698 Mono is a powerful, confident, and safe ride that should not be underestimated as a "small", "cheap", or "entry-level" hyperbike. It offers real performance, thanks to its electronics, and handles similarly to the 950 Hyper as a kickboxing world champion does to a middleweight world champion.

On the Supermoto track, the 698 Mono truly shines, providing pure fun for riders. With a full tank, it is over 40 kg lighter than the 950, offering increased lean angle clearance and more agile handling. Having ridden both the 698 Mono and the 950 on a supermoto track, we can attest to this from our own experience. The 950's riding position is too central, lacking front wheel pressure, quick to heat up the brakes, hindered by the 180 rear tire in tight corners, and prone to ground-touching gearshifts, causing engine stuttering due to the engaging blipper.

Nevertheless, the 950 can be ridden like a hyper-sporty naked bike, suitable for solo or duo rides on longer tours, and capable of effortlessly covering longer distances on the highway.

The brand new Ducati Supermoto 698 Mono is now available at your authorized Ducati dealer, either in the iconic Ducati red with a powder-coated frame or in an RVE version featuring special graphics, a black frame, and a standard quickshifter. The quickshifter can also be added to the standard version if desired.

For younger riders holding an A2 driver's license, there is a 35 kW version with 43.5 hp at 6,250 rpm and 49 Nm at 5,750 rpm.

In Germany, the Ducati Supermoto 698 Mono is priced at 12,390 euros, while the RVE version costs 13,390 euros. In Switzerland, the 698 Mono is priced at CHF 13,290, with the RVE version at CHF 14,290. In Austria, the standard version is priced at 14,595 euros, and the RVE version at 15,595 euros.