The Ducati Hyper family boasts a storied past, beginning in 2007 with an air-cooled 1078cc Desmodue DS twin. Since then, the Hyper has undergone continuous refinement, culminating in the modern 950, propelled by a liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° twin.
These bikes have always boasted substantial engine capacities, making the twin-cylinder Hyper models stand out as uniquely styled naked machines. The Hypermotard 698 opens a new chapter, leaning towards the world of motard. It's designed around the extraordinary new single-cylinder engine: the Superquadro Mono, born from a Superbike powerplant. Fascinating beginnings: let's take a closer look.
The heart of the Hypermotard
The Superquadro Mono: a one-of-a-kind single-cylinder powerhouse, redefining the boundaries of engine performance. It incorporates numerous cutting-edge technological solutions derived from Superbikes, and is in fact born from the 1285cc Superquadro engine of the Panigale 1299, the pinnacle of Ducati twin-cylinder technology.
Here we find the cylinder (the front one), with the same bore size (116mm, a record for a production single-cylinder) and a slightly increased stroke (62.4mm instead of 60.8mm), resulting in a compression ratio of 1.86, the highest for any production single-cylinder motorcycle. With titanium intake valves controlled by a desmodromic system, this engine can rev to incredibly high RPM: 10.250 rpm (category record).
Additional highlights include counter-rotating balance shafts, a slipper clutch (particularly useful for power slides into corners, typical of motard riding), and a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, perfect for sporty riding. Available with the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), this bike allows for seamless upshifts and downshifts without using the clutch.
This is the ultimate single-cylinder powerhouse
As expected, performance is impressive: it delivers a maximum power of 77.5 HP at 9,750 rpm and a peak torque of 63 Nm at 8,000 rpm. As the most powerful production single-cylinder, it's already impressive, but there's room for even more power. The design is specifically tuned for sporty riding, even in extreme conditions. This is evident in the torque delivery: 70% of maximum torque is already available at just 3,000 rpm, and 80% is consistently on tap from 4,500 to 10,250 rpm.
But the real excitement begins when you configure it for racing: without Euro 5 restrictions, a dedicated Termignoni exhaust, and a specific filter, power jumps to an impressive 84.5 hp at 9,500 rpm, with a torque increase across the entire rev range.
Electronic package
The full electronic package is packed with electronic features, starting with ride by wire offering four distinct riding modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet) that adjust throttle response via Power Modes (High, Medium, Low), traction control, wheelie control, and engine brake. Plus, it includes a launch control system (Ducati Power Launch) for lightning-fast starts. An inertial platform refines every aspect of the bike, from braking to overall performance.
Safe braking in all situations
The ABS system is nothing short of phenomenal, with 4 advanced intervention functions. It ranges from maximum safety for wet conditions to controlled drifts for countersteering corner entries (Slide by Brake with 2 levels, for beginners and experts). These modes are designed to work with the bike's lean angle, providing enhanced safety while cornering. For the ultimate thrill-seekers, Level 1 lets riders lock the rear wheel for extreme riding, though without the safety net of cornering ABS.
Agility and safety
The Hypermotard 698 delivers the raw excitement of motard riding while maintaining unwavering stability. To achieve this, engineers focused on three key areas: optimising the steering geometry and wheelbase; shifting more weight to the front; and reducing the front wheel's rotational mass with lightweight Y-spoke wheel rims and a single 330mm disc brake with Brembo caliper. To achieve this, engineers focused on minimising the bike's weight, resulting in a remarkably lightweight 151 kg dry weight.
The trellis frame is constructed from steel tubes of varying dimensions, featuring a removable subframe, an aluminium swingarm, and a progressive suspension linkage. Up front, a 45mm inverted Marzocchi fork provides precise handling, while a Sachs rear shock with off-road tuning delivers a compliant ride. Both the front and rear suspension are fully adjustable, offering substantial wheel travel: 215 mm at the front and no less than 240 mm at the rear.
Secure footing
While its styling hints at off-road adventures, the Hypermotard 698 is strictly a street bike. The bike sports lightweight 17-inch wheel rims with a striking Y-shaped design, fitted with Pirelli DIABLO ROSSO IV™ tyres with a generous sidewall (120/70; 160/60).Inspired by World Superbike racing, these tyres feature a multi-compound tread with silica for exceptional grip, even on wet roads. Designed for pure riding pleasure, the DIABLO ROSSO IV™ delivers exceptional grip and traction, allowing riders to lean into corners with confidence and power out of them. Agility has also been refined, ensuring a quick response to direction changes and feedback during cornering.
Street art design
The style of the Hypermotard 698 is similar to that of the 950 twin-cylinder. While retaining the family's distinctive character, the 698 takes a more aggressive stance with a sleeker profile, inching closer to the raw excitement of a motocross bike. There are two distinct styles to choose from: the classic Ducati red base model and the eye-catching RVE, featuring a graffiti-inspired decal pack. In this version, the Ducati Quick Shift electronic gearbox comes standard.
