Hypermotard 659 ??

[weeksy]

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In a surprising turn of events, Ducati, despite previous statements, appears poised to unveil its smallest motorcycle in the last five years, challenging KTM's popular 690 SMC R in the process. This single-cylinder Hypermotard, recently spotted during testing in Italy, aims to establish itself as the company's small supermoto contender. Let's delve into the details.

Ducati's Hypermotard 659 to Feature an All-New Engine

While the current Hypermotard lineup utilizes Ducati's renowned 937cc twin-cylinder engine, generating 114 horsepower and 71 pound-feet of torque, the latest spy shots reveal a significant departure. The upcoming Hypermotard showcases a distinct engine design with a smaller, more compact configuration. Notably, it lacks a secondary cooler, indicating a considerably smaller engine.

Fortunately, details from certification documents in the United States shed light on this new powerplant. The Hypermotard 659 will boast a 659 cubic centimeter single-cylinder engine with a four-valve setup, liquid cooling, and an expected power output ranging between 75 and 80 horsepower. This output sets it apart from its 937cc sibling and positions it as a potent competitor against the 73-HP KTM 690 SMC R.

A Fresh Swingarm and Subframe for the Hypermotard 659

The spy shots also reveal significant changes in the 659's chassis. The most noticeable difference is the adoption of a conventional double-sided swingarm, departing from the 950's single-sided unit. Additionally, a new aluminum subframe replaces the 950's steel trellis subframe, indicating a comprehensive redesign beyond the engine.

[ChrisW]

Should be fun

[KungFooBob]

I know it's a test mile, but it's missing something from the front of the engine, it's too big a gap to the front wheel. Maybe it'll get a belly pan that will sort it.

[mangocrazy]

Interesting that it's in the Hypermotard/SMC-R segment. I wonder if Ducati would consider something along the lines of the no-longer-produced Duke 690 (R)? That might prompt a re-think or two at KTM.

[Count Steer]

They should keep the paint job for the production version.

[mboy]

I had heard on the grapevine it was going to be smaller and lighter... I hadn't anticipated quite that much smaller, and a lack of a V-Twin either!!!

Seems an odd decision to me, much as I love my Gasgas SM700, it's so single minded as to be almost useless for anything beyond an hours back road scratching once in a while. A bike like the current Ducati Hypermotard (also see KTM 890SMT) is heavier yes, but ultimately quite a bit more versatile, but nearly as focussed when you get them on the right back roads.

I will be gagging to get a test ride on one for sure, if only to compare to my Gasgas... But given how small and niche a market it is, I can only assume Ducati must be using the new Hypermotard as a launch platform for a range of other bikes to utilise the same engine going forward... But given how unpopular singles have become on anything other than dedicated off road bikes, it begs the question... "What exactly are Ducati's plans going forward?"

[mangocrazy]

It probably makes more sense when viewed Europe-wide, and also emerging markets. Europe used to like Supermotard singles, dunno if they still do...?

[Mr Moofo]

It seems to be missing stuff at the front of the engine ...

[Ditchfinder]

Surely they will trot something out to compete with the new Triumph 400's. Maybe replace the lower powered scrambler....

[Bustaspoke]

I know it's a test mile, but it's missing something from the front of the engine, it's too big a gap to the front wheel. Maybe it'll get a belly pan that will sort it.

At first glance I thought it was missing it's front cylinder

[Supermofo]

Surely they will trot something out to compete with the new Triumph 400's. Maybe replace the lower powered scrambler....

Suppose it depends on how Ducati want to pitch themselves. I read in MCN that Triumph have had 12k pre orders in India alone for their new 400s which is a significant uplift in their sales.

[Mr Moofo]

Surely they will trot something out to compete with the new Triumph 400's. Maybe replace the lower powered scrambler....

Suppose it depends on how Ducati want to pitch themselves. I read in MCN that Triumph have had 12k pre orders in India alone for their new 400s which is a significant uplift in their sales.

I am guessing the big markets are Latin America and then Far East and India sub continent. They won't be aimed at the Kool kids in Hackney.

[weeksy]

[Zimbo]

Single cylinder, twin exhausts? Wonder what it weighs?

[Supermofo]

There's a hint of FMX650 about that

[KungFooBob]

I'm getting a flashback.

I could be remembering wrong, but wasn't there a bloke put a Ducati 848 head on a KTM 690 motor and it made 80+ bhp... I wonder if it inspired Ducati to give it a go.

[Couchy]

Hmmm a single with a Ducati badge that looks like a Honda fmx650. Tbh I’m partly sold as I do like singles and Ducatis.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

It's total wank

[Taipan]

Ducatis are twins and nothing else. I dont care if they make the best single ever or how good the V4 is, for me they have to be a twin. I'd probably change my mind f i rode the v4, or this one, but in my head they're twins only.