2024 Hypermotard 698 Mono debuts Ducati's new single-cylinder engine

Nov 03, 2023

Last week, Ducati introduced its first single-cylinder engine in nearly 30 years, the Superquadro Mono. There was just one problem. No one gets very far on an engine alone. So, yesterday, the 659 cc thumper found its home in the all-new Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono.

The single life

The latest Duc may be a newcomer to the single-powered supermoto scene, but it receives a helping hand from a proven platform. Namely, the 1299 Panigale sport bike. Ducati engineers achieved the new, over-square mill by lopping a cylinder off the decomissioned 1,285 cc Superquadro V-twin. Just like its forefather, the Superquadro Mono retains a 116 mm bore, but its piston travels 62.4 mm through the combustion chamber, resulting in a 659 cc capacity.

The Superquadro Mono's boasts 9,000-mile interval services and 18,000-mile valve clearance services. Ducati photo.

The Mono’s performance pedigree is also evident in its metallurgic materials. We’re talking titanium intake valves, magnesium engine cases, and an aluminum cylinder liner. Ducati’s Desmodromic valvetrain and a 10,250 rpm rev limiter only support the 698’s sporty ambitions. By 8,000 rpm, torque peaks at 46.4 foot-pounds. Spool the single up to 9,750 rpm and the Hypermotard produces 77.5 horsepower. Ducati claims that its accessory Termignoni racing exhaust system boost those power figures to 84.5 ponies and 47.3 foot-pounds.

Practicality isn’t lost in the process, though. Twin counterbalancing shafts combat the thumper’s rumbly nature, reducing vibrations to the bars and pegs, according to Ducati. The addition of a slipper clutch also maximizes stability without hindering the Hypermotard’s greatest superpower: agility.

Light on its feet

The Borgo Panigale firm is well acquainted with trellis frames and the 698 Mono’s 16-pound unit speaks to the model’s lightweight priorities. Cast wheels and aluminum-flanged rotors only contribute to the cause. Without fuel, Ducati lists the Hypermotard 698 Mono at 333 pounds. Considering the model’s three-gallon gas tank, the Italian supermoto might weigh closer to 350 pounds in running order.

Ducati's Slide-by-Brake rider aid allows users to practice "backing it in" on corner approach without sacrificing the "security offered with the ABS system." Ducati photo.

With a seat height of 35.6 inches, that low curb weight will be welcomed by many. At the rear, the fully adjustable shock benefits from a progressive linkage system and 9.4 inches of travel. Up front, an inverted Marzocchi fork yields 8.5 inches of wheel travel. The Hypermotard’s wheelbase comes in at just 56.8 inches, pairing the model’s lightweight build with light-on-its-feet handling.

In true supermoto style, a Brembo M4.32 radial caliper and 330 mm disc amplify front braking feel while Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires provide sufficient grip on both road and track.

Tech, anyone?

It wouldn’t be a modern Ducati if it didn’t come with oodles of tech, and the 698 backs up its hardware with top-tier software. The Hyper comes standard with advanced rider aids like traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, power launch, and engine brake control. The up-spec RVE variant also features a bi-directional quickshifter, but base-model buyers can add the upgrade from Ducati’s accessories catalog.

How do you do, fellow kids? The 698 Mono FVE Edition includes a street-art-inspired livery and a bi-directional quickshifter as standard but retails for $1,500 more than the base model. Ducati photo.

Separating itself from the supermoto pack, the Mono not only offers four ride modes (Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet), but also allows users to better control both slides and wheelies. While four ABS modes are available, settings two and three feature the brand’s “Slide-by-Brake” function. When the rider engages the brake pedal and enters a corner, the system automatically contains the yaw angle to set parameters.

Four levels of wheelie control unlock similar levels of tomfoolery. Customers can go one step further with Ducati’s Wheelie Assist accessory. Activated only in conjunction with the Termignoni one-into-two exhaust, the aid prolongs wheelies by adapting torque delivery based on front-wheel height.

Levels 2-4 of Wheelie Control limit front wheel lift to maximize acceleration. Expert supermoto riders will likely select Level 1 for unmitigated hooligan fun. Ducati photo.

The finish line

In true Ducati fashion, a model-branded apparel collection and full accessories lineup accompany the Hypermotard 698 Mono’s release. Customers can expect the single-cylinder supermoto to arrive in North American dealers by February, 2024, with the standard trim starting at $12,995 and the RVE Edition going for $14,495.

2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono
Price (MSRP)	$12,995 (base), $14,495 (RVE Edition)
Engine	659 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve, single
Transmission, final drive	Six-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower	77.5 @ 9,750 rpm
Claimed torque	46.4 foot-pounds @ 8,000 rpm
Frame	Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension	Marzocchi 45 mm fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 8.5 inches of travel
Rear suspension	Marzocchi shock, adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping; 9.4 inches of travel
Front brake	Single Brembo M4.32 four-piston caliper, 330 mm disc with ABS
Rear brake	Brembo single-piston caliper, 245 mm disc with ABS
Rake, trail	26.1 degrees, 4.2 inches
Wheelbase	56.8 inches
Seat height	35.6 inches
Fuel capacity	3.0 gallons
Tires	Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV, 120/70 ZR17 front, 160/60 ZR 17 rear
Claimed weight	333 pounds (without fuel)
Available	February 2024
Warranty	24 months
More info	ducati.com