2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono – First Look

The engine is mounted to a steel trellis frame that Ducati claims to weigh a mere 15.9 pounds. The cast wheels, brake discs with aluminum flanges, and Marzocchi fork were also chosen in part to reduce weight, helping to keep the Hypermotard 698 Mono to a claimed weight of 333 pounds, though Ducati carefully notes that’s a wet weight but without any fuel in the 3-gallon tank.

The inverted Marzocchi fork is fully adjustable, with 45 mm aluminum sliders, weighing a claimed 17.8 pounds. A fully adjustable Sachs rear shock connects via a progressive linkage system to the double-sided swingarm. Wheel travel is 8.5 inches up front and 9.4 inches at the back.

Brembo provides the braking system, with a single M4.32 radial caliper and 330 mm aluminum flange disc on the front wheel. A floating single-piston caliper and 245 mm disc is used for the rear wheel. Bosch supplies the cornering ABS and IMU.

The ABS offers four levels, with levels 2 and 3 introducing a slide-by-brake function which uses the rear brake to perform easy power slides into corners. Level 4 is designed for low-grip situations, providing maximum intervention to provide stability. On level 3, the function activates during aggressive braking through a corner, keeping the bike at a manageable yaw angle. Level 2 offers wider sideways angle for more pronounced powerslides for more advanced riders, while still providing ABS as a safety net. For even more experienced riders, level 1 activates non-cornering ABS on just the front wheel.

Ducati also developed a track-only wheelie assist function that is only available with the optional Termignoni exhaust. An offshoot of the wheelie control system, the assist function adjusts torque delivery to make it easier to execute prolonged wheelies.

Bucking the trend towards full-color TFT displays, the Hypermotard 698 Mono uses a Improved Black Nematic (IBN) LCD screen with white characters on a black background. The high-contrast 3.8-inch screen provides all the necessary information including a gear change indicator LED that lights when you hit the rev limiter as on the Panigale V4.

Ducati designed the Hypermotard 698 Mono to provide optimum control when riding with a leg outstretched or with a knee on the ground (or even an elbow, as pictured below). The saddle is flat and narrow, with a fabric chosen to provide optimal grip. The variable section handlebar is designed to favor body movements and is adjustable through eccentric U-bolts. The footrests are designed to maximize lean angle, with rubber inserts featuring a uniquely processed edge to provide better grip for racing boots.