- Speculated to be powered by a 659cc single
- Power output could be around 75hbp
- Will compete against the KTM 690 SMC R
Italian two-wheeler marque, Ducati is readying a smaller version of the Hypermotard. The spy shots of its camouflaged test mule have surfaced on the internet revealing ample details about the motorcycle.
As is clear from the spy shots, the test mule was running on a single-cylinder engine that looks considerably smaller than the 937cc, twin-cylinder mill of the existing Hypermotard 950. If speculations are anything to go by, this new motor will boast a displacement of close to 659cc. And since it will directly compete against the KTM 690 SMC R supermoto, which makes 75bhp, the power output of this Ducati is likely to be in the same ballpark. This engine evidently gets a vertically-placed cylinder along with a swingarm mounted directly to the engine; a setup similar to the bigger V4 Ducatis.
Speculations suggest that it might be an extremely light weight machine considering the engine seems to be acting as the stressed member of the chassis. Other visible cycle parts include 17-inch aluminium wheels, fully adjustable rear monoshock, upside-down front forks, twin discs up front, and a single disc at the rear. Moreover, the styling of the bike looks in line with the Hypermotard family with a minimalistic yet sharp bodywork along with a stubby, high-mounted exhaust sitting under the seat.
The last single-cylinder engine Ducati made was in 1993 for the Supermano race-only machine that had a displacement of 572cc with about 80bhp on tap. Now, for this upcoming motorcycle, Ducati might either retain the Hypermotard nameplate or come up with a new moniker paying homage to the Supermano.
