Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Ducati has unleashed the Hypermotard 698 Mono in India, and it’s turning heads for all the right—and some eyebrow-raising—reasons. Priced at a cool Rs 16.50 lakh ex-showroom, this bike is already making waves, but not just because of its looks and performance. Let’s dive into what makes the Hypermotard 698 Mono a thrilling yet pricey new entry in the Ducati lineup.
Price Shock: Why the Hypermotard 698 Mono Costs More Than Its Big Brother
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. The Hypermotard 698 Mono costs Rs 50,000 more than the Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE. Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. Despite the 950 RVE packing a more substantial L-twin engine and extra features, the Mono still demands a higher price.
Why? Because it’s imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and attracts full duty. Unlike its bigger sibling, which benefits from the Indo-Thai Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Mono’s engine capacity of 659cc doesn’t qualify it for any duty benefits. So, while you’re paying a premium, rest assured it’s for the exclusivity of this Italian beauty.
Meet the Superquadro Mono: The World’s Most Powerful Single-Cylinder Engine
Now, let’s get to the heart of the beast—the engine. The Hypermotard 698 Mono boasts a 659cc, liquid-cooled Superquadro Mono engine that’s ready to roar. With 77.5bhp and 63Nm of torque, this big single-cylinder engine earns the title of the most powerful single-cylinder engine in the world. It’s paired with a six-speed gearbox and comes with a slip-and-assist clutch. If you want to up your game, you can opt for a quickshifter, although that’s an extra.
Styling That Screams Ducati: Bold, Aggressive, and Ready to Ride
Design-wise, the Hypermotard 698 Mono borrows plenty of cues from its 950 sibling. Up front, you get a similar LED headlight paired with that signature long beak. The bike features a slim fuel tank and a sleek side and tail section that look as if they were sculpted by the wind itself. And let’s not forget the twin exhaust pipes neatly tucked under the tailpiece—classic Ducati Hypermotard style.
Built to Thrill: Frame, Suspension, and Braking
Underneath that stylish bodywork is a steel trellis frame attached to a steel-tube subframe and an aluminum swingarm. This sturdy setup is suspended by an adjustable Marzocchi USD fork at the front and a Sachs monoshock at the rear. When it comes to stopping power, the bike is equipped with Brembo M4.32 brake calipers that grip a 330mm disc at the front. You know you can trust Brembo to bring you to a halt with precision.
Tech Talk: Features That Keep You in Control
Ducati didn’t skimp on the tech front either. The Hypermotard 698 Mono comes loaded with features like three power modes, cornering ABS, four ride modes, traction control, and even wheelie control. You can fiddle with all these settings through a 3.8-inch LCD instrument cluster. It’s like having your own personal pit crew at your fingertips.
The RVE Model: More Style and a Quickshifter Standard
For those who like a little extra flair, Ducati will bring the RVE model to India later. This version will feature some eye-catching graphics and a standard quickshifter. So if you’re the type who loves standing out in a crowd, the RVE model might just be worth the wait.
Booking and Delivery: Get Yours Soon!
Excited? You should be! Bookings for the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono are already open, and deliveries are set to begin by the end of July. If you’ve got the cash and the craving for something unique, now’s the time to get in line.
Why You Should Consider the Hypermotard 698 Mono
Sure, the price is steep, but the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono offers a mix of performance, style, and exclusivity that’s hard to beat. Its powerful single-cylinder engine, coupled with top-notch tech and Ducati’s iconic design, makes it a worthy contender for those looking to make a statement on the road.
Final Thoughts: Is the Hypermotard 698 Mono Worth It?
In conclusion, the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono is not just a motorcycle; it’s a bold statement. While the price tag might make you do a double-take, the bike’s unique features and performance capabilities justify the investment. Whether you’re a Ducati loyalist or a motorcycle enthusiast looking for something extraordinary, the Hypermotard 698 Mono is a thrilling addition to the Indian market. So, are you ready to ride?
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