After the launch of the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono at the end of 2023, speculation began that the Italian brand was preparing a new range of models equipped with the exotic Superquadro Mono single-cylinder engine. From an Enduro to a Rally 698 Mono, they all fit within these short and medium-term commercial possibilities.
For those who do not yet know the high-performance single-cylinder from the transalpine firm, we advise you to take a look at the test where we talk to you in depth about the ins and outs of its design and the official figures related to the benefits it offers us.
In summary (for the most impatient) the Superquadro Mono inherits from the Panigale engine the 116 mm diameter piston, the shape of the combustion chamber, the 46.8 mm diameter titanium intake valves, the 38.2 mm steel exhaust and Desmodromic system.
As a final result, the Hypermotard 698 offers us a maximum power of 77.5 HP at 9,750 rpm, and is capable of reaching 10,250 rpm, while the torque figure rises to 62.7 Nm at 8,000 rpm. In racing configuration with Termignoni exhaust, we can enjoy up to 84.5 HP at 9,500 rpm, although only on a track.
Ducati initially scraps the idea of a Mono range
In the last few hours, we have learned of the statements of Domenico LeoDirector of Product Marketing at Ducati, in an interview with MCN colleagues, where he talks about the brand’s possible Mono range and why it will not finally happen. This explains that: “Looking ahead, I don’t know if now is the time to do something that is too different from the market. Due to the situation, we have to make products that fit the current market very well, so we cannot explore.”
In Christian: Things are not for commercial experiments, but rather taking a look at the current situation that KTM is going through. Leo understands this quite a bit, since, among other things, he was part of the 698 Mono development project, before taking up the position he currently holds. He goes on to explain:
“In this situation, sure, maybe in a year or two, we can change something, but now it is quite risky, and we know that Ducati has many employees and we believe that the brand strategy has to support all employees.” Also, about the post-COVID era, Patrizia Cianettidirector of marketing and communication at Ducati, argues:
“Of course, the situation is the same for all manufacturers and the post-pandemic peak, but I think we have been able to keep the focus on the right level of stock and the right level of delivery. Therefore, distributors and customers, to avoid what is happening now to many other manufacturers, where distributors have full stocks and there is no demand.”
He continues: “We want to protect the customer and the value of our bicycles, and in fact the current residual value of our bicycles is very high, one of the highest. “I think we have been able to understand the situation.” It is clear that Ducati’s perception of the viability of a Mono range, powered by the engine currently fitted to the Hypermotard 698, has changed.
As they explain, sales are not enough to make the effort to launch another model with this mechanic. The statements of the Ducati design chief are now far away, Andrea Ferraresiat EICMA 2023 when he said: “We have a very large market share in this niche and we want to attract the attention of a younger audience, so we thought that a single-cylinder Supermotard would be the right choice.”
Finally, Domenico Leo defends the presence of the Hypermotard 698 explaining that: “We are not looking for young riders, but a different type of rider, so the older sport riders really love this bike. So, people who have a superbike and then, at 40 or 50 years old, try this bike and fall in love with it. It is a slightly different target, of course, we have young people, but probably due to the price positioning it is not the correct target.”
