Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono launched in India at ₹16.50 lakh

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono is now available in India and starts at a staggeringly price of ₹16.50 lakh (Ex-Showroom). At this price point, it’s the most expensive single-cylinder bike to be sold in our country. The reason for this high prongs is the fact that the bike is imported directly from Italy as a CBU, while the larger displacement Hypermotards are imported from Thailand with whom we have a free trade agreement. Bookings are now open across all Ducati dealerships, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of July. The standard red colour scheme is available now, with the RVE edition arriving later this year.

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Design

The Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono doesn't shy away from its Supermotard racing heritage. The design has a compact and aggressive stance. Signature design elements include double exhausts mounted on the sides of the tail, five-spoke Y-design wheels, and a sharp tail section. An LED headlight with a double "C" light profile adds a modern touch, while the high and flat seat along with the high front mudguard is typical of a supermoto design DNA.

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Features

The Hypermotard 698 Mono comes loaded with a suite of rider-assistance features. Ducati has equipped the bike with the latest iteration of Bosch ABS Cornering. This has four levels of adjustment for an enhanced safety net to protect while hooning around corners. Additionally, features like Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, and Ducati Power Launch provide a comprehensive safety net and optimise performance for various riding conditions and skill levels. The Hypermotard 698 Mono also boasts four preset riding modes (Sport, Road, Urban, Wet) for further customization and rider comfort.

Additionally, while other bikes have wheelie control, the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono has “wheelie assist“. This is a track add-on and is not street-legal. It comes under its performance software.

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Engine

The heart of the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono lies in its Superquadro Mono engine. This 659 cc powerhouse cranks out an impressive 77.5 bhp and 63 Nm. The red line comes in at 10,250 rpm, a commendable number for such a big single screamer. Riders seeking extra fun can opt for the Termignoni exhaust (sold separately), which unlocks an additional 7 horsepower, reaching a staggering 84.5 bhp. Sadly that is only for track use.

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Underpinnings

The Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono has a lightweight design. At the core is a lightweight trellis frame. It is made with high-grade steel or aluminium. This keeps the weight down while offering a solid foundation for the motorcycle. A lightweight Marzocchi fork with full adjustability is connected to the frame. This USD fork with 45 mm aluminium sliders contributes to the overall lightweight design. Matching the adjustability of the front fork, a fully adjustable monoshock suspension system is located at the rear. The above setup allows riders to fine-tune the suspension for their weight, riding style, and road conditions.

Brake and tyres

The high-performance braking comes courtesy of a Bosch-Brembo ABS 10.3ME Cornering system paired along with a single 330mm front disc with a Brembo M4.32 radial calliper and 240mm rear disc. The 5-spoke alloy wheels are wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.

A Niche Dominator with Few Rivals

While the Hypermotard 698 Mono carves out its niche as the world's most powerful single-cylinder motorcycle, some rivals exist in the Supermotard segment globally. These include the KTM 690 SMC R, Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, and GasGas SM 700. However, these competitors may not be able to match the raw power and cutting-edge technology offered by the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono. More importantly all its competitors aren’t on sale in country, making this Ducati a rare and unique motorcycle in the Indian context.