When a brand develops an engine completely from scratch, it tries to recoup the investment by using it in as many models as possible. Certainly, there are models in history where the engine has been intrinsically linked to only one bike. Yamaha, for example, did the same with the FJR1300 and the V-Max 1700, while Honda used the latest air-cooled engine ever manufactured in its CB1100.
So, after the launch of the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono, people have been wondering if this engine might end up in other models as well. A Reddit conversation from a few months ago brought us some really interesting renders, which we reproduce below.
Ducati could bring us an Enduro and a Rally 698 Mono
Obviously, our first thought might be a more radical supermotard model, but that seems complicated. By regulation, it could not exceed 450 cc, which would mean that it would derive from its cross model when thinking about a track model. And if we want to compete with other registered Supermotards, the Hypermotard 698 Mono is more than up to the task, as you could see in our test.
So, the roads take us to the most extreme trail and rally trails, with single-cylinder mounts designed for uncompromising off-road use. And, with them, face to face with what is perhaps its most direct rival: KTM.
We would therefore have a possible single-cylinder big enduro. But also a Rally-style trail bike, like the DesertX, but in a single-cylinder version. An even more extreme bike in terms of market positioning, with height, very long-travel suspensions, true off-road capabilities…
Obviously, it would be a very high-end, niche bike, but as we have seen in recent years, Ducati does not really focus its production on affordable, “general public” motorcycles.
So… why not?
