Leading the technology fight
Italy’s bike brands are racing ahead when it comes to cutting-edge electronics and tech – and Ducati’s new shows they’re not slowing down Hypermotard 698 Mono
For decades it was Japanese manufacturers leading motorcycle development, but since the turn of the millennium there’s been a shift. It’s not about making more power or releasing untold levels of handling, but controlling that power and making bikes usable, accessible, smarter, safer. And Italy’s firms are at the forefront. Aprilia were first with a full ride-by-wire throttle (Shiver 750) and automatic rear preload adjustment (Caponord Rally). Ducati had the first proper traction control system (1098R) and TFT display (Diavel), and were first with integrated riding modes (Multistrada 1200) that linked power settings, traction, ABS and semi-active suspension. Now they’ve taken another step, with electronics to make you look like a superhero. Seen those videos of supermotos belting into corners sideways, hitting crazy lean, then hoisting a wild crossed-up wheelie? Now you can do that too – at the touch of a button. Ducati’s boffins have equipped their new Hypermotard 698 Mono RVE with cunning electronics that control all the silliness for you, and that take the 698 from being brilliant to… well, whatever’s better than brilliant. Beneath a simple LCD display lurks launch control, engine brake control, an up/down quickshifter, four rider modes and – importantly – oh-so tweakable traction and wheelie control and ABS. The ABS levels are tuned to assist riders of any ability; for example, level four is super-sensitive to keep less experienced riders super-safe. But from here they become more playful with increasing amounts of ‘Slide by Brake’. You head hard into a corner, stamp on the rear brake with 100% pressure as you fire down the ’box, and the electronics allow a genuinely surprising amount of rear tyre slip – but with the safety barrier of ABS. The Hypermotard just looks after itself as you drift wide-eyed into the turn. No clutch feathering or faffing with the rear brake. It’s like cheating.
Fit the accessory exhaust and you also get ‘Wheelie Assist’. Roll along in first gear, don’t over-think what’s about to happen, and twist the throttle to the stop. The 78bhp single hurls the front skyward…
and the electronics hold the wheelie angle as you bang up through the ’box and whoop like a fool. It’s upside-down wheelie control; instead of stopping lift, it lets it happen – then controls it. Incredible. It’s not just about silliness, though. Whatever your flavour of riding, the smart 698 has a setting to suit, boosting confidence and safety. Its ABS, traction and wheelie control are so good it feels like using all the ‘assists’ on a Playstation game. And the brilliant ride-by-wire throttle manages to be insanely responsive yet silky smooth.
Of course, there’s more to the Hypermotard than wires and sensors, and the new Superquadro Mono engine is wonderful. They claim it’s the most powerful production single ever, and it feels it; although it lacks a little punch at low revs, it more than makes up for it up top. It takes time to get used to how high this single can rev, but once you’re used to the redline it’s a peach. The top end never stops giving. We were expecting something radical – and it doesn’t disappoint. And agility? Oh my. Some supermoto-style bikes can feel alien to a road rider, but the
698’s riding position is super-naked-esque and gives you the confidence to push. Its chassis crisply rails into apexes and gives loads of feel, especially through the forks. With minimal unsprung weight it’s precise and nimble, and changes of direction are a doddle.
The Hyper’ is a supermoto like never before. Fast, as agile as a ballet dancer, it’ll be a hoot on tight B-roads or carving up a city. It’s a top-notch machine. But the highlight of this remarkable bike is its insanely clever brain and incredible electronics package.
‘Fast, as agile as a ballet dancer, a hoot on tight B-roads – but the highlight is its insanely clever brain’