- Ducati could target KTM and Husqvarna’s 690cc models
- Single-cylinder enduro and streetfighter models could be under consideration
The Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono’s 659cc motor is the world’s most powerful single-cylinder engine on a street-legal motorcycle. Although the Hypermotard 698 Mono is the only offering based on this new platform, reports suggest that Ducati could work on different types of motorcycles that may use the new single.
With the amount of money, time, and expertise Ducati has invested in developing the new platform, it would be highly unusual if the Italian bike maker didn’t leverage the engine for multiple motorcycle types. Ducati could target the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas models that use the 690cc platform.
Some of the body styles Ducati could be looking at are enduro and adventure tourer models based on the 698 Mono platform. In addition to these, we can also expect a rally version based on DesertX’s styling with a long travel suspension and more off-road capability.
Moreover, a naked streetfighter, a scrambler, and a sportbike could also be the likely candidates to take on its European and Japanese rivals. While the idea of a single-cylinder Ducati scrambler or a sportbike may look farfetched, the other body styles seem to be promising.
