Ducati has launched their first single cylinder motorcycle in India, the Hypermotard 698 Mono which is the world’s most powerful single cylinder bike. As the name suggests, the Mono is the launch platform for Ducati’s new Superquadro Mono engine. A single cylinder 659cc engine paired with a 6-speed gearbox is derived from the 1285cc V-twin used in the 1299 Panigale. The Mono has a high compression ratio of 13.1:1 which makes a staggering 77.5PS at 9750 rpm and 63Nm at 8000 rpm. Rev limiter is set at 10,250rpm which is unheard of in a single cylinder motor. The Hypermotard 698 is easily identifiable as it retains the looks of its elder sibling, the Hypermotard 950.
The front view is dominated by a “double C” shaped DRL along with a high fender, the rear fairings wrap around the exhaust. A unique feature are the twin silencers mounted high up on either side of the tail. In a true Ducati Style the Hypermotard is equipped with five-spoke Y-shaped alloy wheels which are wrapped around with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV.
In the tech front,the Hypermotard 698 Mono gets all the electronics one can think of. All electronics are managed via an 3.8” LCD display. It gets three power modes, four riding modes, wheelie control, engine brake control, IMU-controlled cornering traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake control, and launch control are all standard. The Hypermotard also gets 4 level ABS which has never been on a motorcycle before.
The Ducati gets a seat height of a lofty 904mm and is also offered with a lowering kit which drops the seat height by 40mm. The 698 Mono houses a 12-litre fuel tank which will provide an estimated range of about 240km.
The Hypermotard Mono gets a steel trellis frame with fully adjustable Marzocchi 45mm USD forks and a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are dealt with by a single Brembo M4.32 front calliper and a 330mm disc, aided by a single-pot Brembo and 240mm rear disc.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono is priced at Rs 16.50 Lakh which is Rs 50,000 more than the Hypermotard 950 RV. While this is quite the exclusive motorcycle, will the high pricing deter enthusiasts? Only time will tell.
