DUCATI AUSTRALIA:

Ducati's all-new Hypermotard 796

Ducati has released the exciting first images of the Hypermotard 796 – before the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan!

The Hypermotard family will grow in 2010 with the addition of the thrilling new Hypermotard 796. Just as aggressive and striking as the 1100, the new Hypermotard 796 features a lower seat height and a brand new smooth and flexible engine, making it the perfect urban vehicle. Whether it’s on the daily commute or attacking the open roads, the 796 combines manners and madness by mixing Ducati’s unrivalled twin-cylinder power and sportbike heritage with the lightweight and minimalist supermotard concept.

The 796 weighs in at just 167kg (368lb), partly due to its lightweight engine, but also by continued chassis development that includes newly redesigned top and bottom fork clamps and an improved frame layout. This eliminates almost all of the forged elements previously used with the 1100.

At 825mm (32.5in), the seat height of the 796 is a 20mm (0.8in) lower than the 1100 and, when combined with the new engine’s smooth power delivery, this Hypermotard inspires confidence in all riding environments.

Ducati's new small-bore Hypermotard from the rear

The completely new Ducati 796 engine, which conforms to Euro 3 regulations, produces 81hp (59.6kW) of power and 55.7lb-ft (7.7kgm) of torque with the smooth and economic rideability expected from all Desmodue L-Twins.

The bike is equipped by an APTC ‘wet’ clutch to give a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilization of the rear-end during aggressive down-shifting, and it also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a fantastic feature for city traffic or during longer journeys.

The new 796 comes in an urban-style Dark finish with matte black tank and beak section, black frame and black wheels or, alternatively, matte white tank with contrasting matte black beak, black frame and black wheels. For the traditionalists, an 1100 look-alike red tank with matching beak section, red frame and black wheels is available on the 796.

Price will be announced closer to the time of arrival.