Ducati has finally dropped the Hypermotard 698 Mono on the Indian shores with a staggering price tag of Rs. 16.50 lakh, ex-showroom. In case you’re wondering if the bike has anything to justify that price, here’s a look at the most noteworthy aspects about it which make it special and exclusive.
Most powerful single-cylinder bike
The 659cc, liquid-cooled, Superquadro Mono engine of the motorcycle is the most powerful single-cylinder motor on a production motorcycle. In fact, it is Ducati’s first single ever since the Supermono race machine. This unit produces 77.5bhp at 9,750rpm and 63Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. It comes mated to a six-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch.
Upmarket hardware
Accompanying its powerhouse is a set of top-drawer cycle parts. Underpinned by a steel trellis frame, the 698 Mono rides on 17-inch wheels along with an aluminium swingarm, Marzocchi USD forks up front, and a Sachs monoshock at the rear. The suspension setup is fully adjustable. And since it’s a supermoto, Ducati has shod it with super sticky, road-biased Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres.
Electronics galore
The small Hypermotard is impressively equipped with electronic aids for a mid-size, single-cylinder offering. It sports switchable dual-channel ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and launch control. One can also get the optional bi-directional quick shifter and wheelie assist for added fun. Plus, it gets four riding modes to offer a combination of different levels of intervention from the aforementioned rider aids. However, some may find the small 3.8-inch LCD console a little underwhelming.
Distinctive design
On the design front, the Hypermotard 698 Mono looks the part with an athletic supermoto design that shouts fun and playfulness. The petite headlamp, beak-style front fender, flat and long seat, and under-tail exhaust look almost identical to the Hypermotard 950. However, the Mono looks more approachable with compact dimensions, smaller engine and slimmer tyres.
Steep price
Ducati is bringing the Hypermotard 698 Mono via the CBU route from Thailand and Italy. Since it boasts a displacement of under 800cc, it doesn’t qualify for the Indo-Thai Free Trade Agreement. Hence, even the units coming in from Thailand are priced the same as those being imported from Italy. In fact, it demands Rs. 50,000 more than the bigger, twin-cylinder Hypermotard 950.
