Ducati unveils Hypermotard 796 for 2010

For those Ducatisti who longed for a smaller and more affordable version of the Hypermotard 1100, Ducati has answered for 2010 with the new Hypermotard 796. Using an enlarged version of the air-cooled two-valve V-twin found in the Monster 696, the Hypermotard 796 powerplant cranks out a claimed 81 horsepower and 56 ft/lb of torque, and includes the APTC clutch that reduces both lever effort and back-torque during downshifting. The triple clamps have been “redesigned” (no specifics were available, although we’d venture to guess it probably means that the trail has been reduced for lighter steering effort), and the frame layout has been revamped to allow for a nearly one-inch-shorter seat height. Claimed dry weight is 368 pounds, which should make for an agile-handling supermoto machine.

The Hypermotard 796 will be available at authorized Ducati showrooms beginning in December 2009. Color selections will include Ducati red, matte black, and matte white. MSRP for the Hypermotard 796 will be $9,995, joining the Monster 696 in Ducati’s sub- $10,000 price bracket; a bargain for the handmade Italian motorcycle.

The first public showing of the Hypermotard 796 will be at Milan’s EICMA international motorcycle show in November. Full information on the entire range of Ducati motorcycles can be found at www.ducati.com