Ducati go hyper… Spyshots reveal single-cylinder supermoto in development

Ducati look set to be gearing up for a supermoto revolution, with a beaky new single-cylinder Hypermotard spotted in testing on the firm’s development track in Italy.

• We’ve ridden it: Ducati Hypermotard Mono review

A surprise move from the Bologna brand, who went on record last year to say all bikes over 150bhp would now be V4s with V-twins sitting below them, it’s likely the new machine will be a direct rival to the 692.7cc KTM 690 SMC R – a machine that is also available in Husqvarna and GasGas flavours.

Despite bearing a front end that looks a lot like an Aprilia Dorsoduro, the new mystery machine is given away as a Ducati by the test rider’s team clothing, as well as a pair of twin-exit exhausts mimicking the larger 937cc Hypermotard 950, which uses a Testastretta V-twin engine.

Although performance and capacity for the new single are as yet unknown, it appears to be of lower performance than the existing twin due to the inclusion of just a single front brake disc and radially-mounted Brembo caliper. The double-sided swingarm is also considerably thinner, and the Pirelli-shod rear rim looks to be narrower than the 950’s 180-section offering.

Being a single and given the performance of its rivals, we would expect between 70bhp and 80bhp, making it restrictable for A2 licence holders and allowing Ducati to tap into a younger market, without sacrificing the premium image they have been striving for.

Sticking with the motor, it appears to be a stressed member in a trellis chassis that has been shrouded by bulky black bodywork. In fact, the only visible elements of the frame are between the rider’s seat and the wide side panels – with this particular test mule only offering provision for a solo rider without pillion.

Much like its bigger sibling, the single gets a pair of inverted forks. Although some degree of adjustment looks to be present, it’s likely to be less than the fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi units installed on even the base 950.

At the rear end, the monoshock looks to be at least preload adjustable, with a remote adjuster visible alongside the bulky exhaust routing – likely needed to help meet more stringent Euro5b emissions regulations.

MCN approached Ducati about the new model, but they declined to comment.

Ducati single-cylinder Hypermotard in detail

• Ready to roll: Although still under development, the inclusion of reflectors, indicators, and homologation number plate holder would suggest arrival is imminent.
• More models are likely: A single-cylinder supermoto model could well spawn an enduro variant in the future too – something KTM group also do with their options.
• New era: Ducati haven’t produced a single for decades, with the last one-pot to come from the firm being their 550cc Supermono racer of the early 90s. Only 67 bikes were built.
• Rubber down: The test bike appears to run Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, which are a sporty road tyre with some wet-weather performance.
• Spoilt for choice: The bike runs on 17in rims, giving plenty of choice for tyres, should you want to go sportier, or something with a little more all-weather performance.