Ducati Hypermotard 796 launch

IT'S MISERABLE here today! Started off with bright sunshine, then the heavens opened. Oh well. We’ve just been riding the smaller Hypermotard on the road, no track action today. Probably just as well given the weather.

Engine’s great, much punchier than the 696 which is a bit gutless, this motor has a lot more midrange, hit the torque at 5,000rpm and off she goes. Ducati claim it’s not just a bored-out engine, as it’s got higher compression, smaller crankcase, lighter internals. The chassis is pretty much the same as the 1100, although forks are thinner, the shock is different, and although chassis is specced-down from the 1100 model, at just 167kg dry for the whole bike it does feel very light.

They’re trying to make the Hypermotard family a lot more accessible to regular riders, the seat height is lower, the 796 is less intimidating to ride than its 1100 cousin and cheaper. No snatch off the fuel-injection, not on-offy at all, been riding it in the piss wet absolutely freezing and it’s been absolutely fine, and the Bridgestone BT016 tyres have been very good on slick roads.

Looks-wise it holds together: white looks alright but you’ve always got to have Ducatis in Red, I reckon.