Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Nera joins single-cylinder family

Ducati adds blacked-out Hypermotard 698 Mono Nera

Ducati has added a third model to its single-cylinder Hypermotard family, with the new Hypermotard 698 Mono Nera bringing a blacked-out livery, Ducati Quick Shift, and homologated Termignoni silencers to the 659 cc Superquadro Mono platform.

The Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono line-up now comprises the standard 698 Mono, the more extroverted RVE, and this new Nera variant, which leans into a darker black-and-red theme while retaining the same compact, lightweight and high-revving single-cylinder base.

The Nera will arrive in European Ducati dealerships from June 2026, while Ducati Australia is already listing the model at $24,825 Ride Away. That positions the Nera between the standard 698 Mono, listed at $24,125 Ride Away, and the RVE, listed at $25,425 Ride Away. Australian arrival timing still appears likely to be early 2027, but local timing should be confirmed closer to launch.

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Nera

The Nera treatment is more than simply a dark paint option. The black bodywork is contrasted with Ducati Red wheels and frame, while the rear section is sharpened by Termignoni type-approved silencers with black-and-red detailing. Ducati Quick Shift up/down is also standard, joining the existing Power Modes, Ducati Power Launch, full LED lighting, DRL, tapered aluminium handlebars and lithium-ion battery.

At the centre of the 698 Mono remains Ducati’s Superquadro Mono engine, a 659 cc single-cylinder derived from the architecture and thinking of the Superquadro twin used in the 1299 Panigale. The big-bore single uses a 116 mm bore, 62.4 mm stroke, Desmodromic valve timing, titanium intake valves, steel exhaust valves and twin balance countershafts.

Peak output is unchanged from the rest of the 698 Mono family at 57 kW, or 77.5 hp, at 9750 rpm, with 63 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm. The rev ceiling is 10,250 rpm, a notably high figure for a production single-cylinder road engine, and a key part of the 698 Mono’s character.

Ducati claims a wet weight without fuel of 151 kg, helped by a tubular steel trellis frame, lightweight cast wheels, aluminium-flanged brake discs and a relatively pared-back supermotard layout. Suspension comprises fully adjustable 45 mm Marzocchi forks and a Sachs fully adjustable monoshock, working with a double-sided aluminium swingarm and progressive rear linkage.

How it compares with the Hypermotard V2

The Nera sits in a very different part of the Hypermotard family from the new Hypermotard V2. The 698 Mono Nera makes 77.5 hp and weighs 151 kg wet without fuel, while the 890 cc Hypermotard V2 produces 120.4 hp and weighs 180 kg on the same wet-no-fuel basis.

That gives the V2 a 42.9 hp advantage and 31 Nm more peak torque, but the bigger twin also carries an extra 29 kg. In power-to-weight terms, the 698 Mono Nera works out at around 513 hp per tonne, while the Hypermotard V2 sits at around 669 hp per tonne. The V2 is clearly the stronger outright performer, but the Mono counters with a much lighter, narrower and more single-minded supermotard package.

The key distinction is not simply capacity or peak output. The Hypermotard V2 is the bigger, faster and more powerful road and track Hypermotard, while the 698 Mono Nera is the more compact and deliberately single-cylinder interpretation of the same idea. It is aimed more squarely at riders who want the immediacy, narrow waist and playful feel of a big-bore street motard, rather than the broader muscle of a twin.

Electronics and supermotard focus

The 698 Mono’s electronics package remains one of its major points of difference in the big single-cylinder supermotard space. The Nera uses Riding Modes, Power Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control and Ducati Brake Light. Ducati Power Launch is also standard.

The Cornering ABS package includes settings designed to support supermotard-style track riding, including Ducati’s Slide-by-brake function. Ducati Wheelie Control also allows a measured degree of front-wheel lift in its lower intervention settings, while the separate track-only racing Termignoni exhaust accessory unlocks Ducati’s Wheelie Assist strategy and adds a claimed seven horsepower. That racing system should not be confused with the homologated Termignoni silencers fitted to the Nera as standard equipment.

The braking package comprises a 330 mm front disc with aluminium flange, Brembo M4.32 caliper, radial master cylinder and adjustable lever, backed by a 245 mm rear disc and single-piston floating caliper. Bosch Cornering ABS is standard at both ends.

Chassis, ergonomics and service intervals

The Nera runs 17-inch light-alloy wheels, with a 3.5-inch front and 5.0-inch rear rim wearing Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres in 120/70 ZR17 and 160/60 ZR17 sizes. Wheel travel is generous, with 215 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear, which helps explain the tall 904 mm standard seat height.

Ducati offers a low seat accessory that lowers the seat height to 889 mm, while the combination of a low seat and a low suspension kit brings it down to 849 mm. Wheelbase is 1443 mm, with rake and trail listed at 26.1 degrees and 108 mm, respectively.

Service intervals are set at 15,000 km or 24 months for oil service, with valve clearance checks at 30,000 km. Ducati lists a 24-month unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono Nera specifications

Specifications and equipment may vary by market.

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