2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Review

Introduction

The first and most important thing about this entirely new Ducati is the 803cc L-Twin engine with a bore and stroke of 88mm x 66mm, which gives it the ability to rev high and develop 81hp (59.6kW) and 55.7lb-ft (7.7kgm) of torque very smoothly. Although designed with performance in mind, the new engine is claimed to be very reliable and meets Euro 3 regulations. Also, given the bike’s 368 lbs (167 kg) dry weight, the new powerplant returns 49mpg, which is good considering the thrill.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

Being light, the engine has most to do with the new Hypermotard’s low weight, but the improved steel-tube trellis frame – which eliminates forged elements – and redesigned top and bottom fork clamps also bring a noticeable contribution.

A slipper clutch with adjustable lever is there to keep the rear end stable when down-shifting very fast and induce the overall easy-to-live-with feel that Ducati brags so much about. Speaking about this, we should also mention that the seat is positioned at 32.5 inches (825 mm) above the ground, which is a significant 0.8 inches (20 mm) lower than on the Hypermotard 1100 model.

History

Exterior

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

The Ducati Hypermotard 796 borrows its bigger brother’s aggressive looks, despite early speculations regarding the lack of the single-sided swingarm as well as integrated brush guards, mirrors and indicators. Furthermore, it also comes in exciting colors: matte white, matte black or Ducati red.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

Test Ride

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

While we would have loved to ride Ducati’s Hypermotard 796 on dry, the weather showed its awful face just as we left Bologna to head down the winding mountain roads surrounding it. Still, this didn’t stop us from immediately noticing that the middleweight Hypermotard’s forward-positioned saddle allows the rider to control his machine with much better accuracy, while the footpegs and handlebar are just where they need to be in order to offer a fairly natural riding position. Also from the first time on the bike, you immediately notice that it feels much lighter than its bigger brother, especially at slow speeds.

Now, this is clearly a motorcycle that Ducati created for pure rider fun and, although many of you will say that the 1100/1100S models are obviously much fun, we would have to contradict you right from the start. With just 9 horsepower less than its large-displacement sibling, the 803cc air-cooled L-twin Desmodromic engine sounds powerful and offers a rush that we would call just as satisfying, if not more, for less money. This is obviously thanks to the 27-pound weight loss, but a good power-to-weight ratio has always been the key for turning middleweight bikes, regardless of category, in much greater bangs for the bucks.

The Italian motor is mated to a precise six-speed transmission and the APTC wet slipper clutch in between them helps riders who are just starting out to gently create a connection between them and the extremely lively mill underneath them. The engine is tuned for low-to-mid rpm sweetness, so it can be quite surprising just under 2000 rpm, which is also when most beginning riders tend to release the clutch in their own fast way. Well, Ducati helps them improve.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

But if you’ve ridden Ducs before, this thing offers no surprise and you’ll be easily achieving first-gear wheelies. It will feel even lighter when doing so and you’ll find that the trellis rearframe/Sachs shock (offering preload and rebound damping adjustment) package was the adequate choice for the bike, while the airborn wheel holds on a 43mm Marzocchi fork.

Handling feels light and very natural and the small Hypermotards can go pretty fast around the corners. That is thanks to good mass centralization and a low center of gravity. Around parking lots, the 32.5-inch seat will allow the average sized rider to safely touch the ground with his feet.

The 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 feels overall quite reassuring, but there’s one more thing it needs to do before considering it “complete” and that is to stop. And by relying on Hypermotard 1100-spec brakes, it can be surprising from this point of view too, but we haven’t heard anyone complain about this aspect so far.

All in all, this Italian bike turns out to be one hell of a ride and the great news about it is that it offers premium quality without the premium price.

Price

Ducati will officially take the wraps off this brand new model at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan and send it to dealerships across Europe next month. Expect to see it in the United States in December with a $9,995 price tag.

Conclusion

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

Aware of the fact that many riders were not getting their Hypermotard 1100 because the bike looks and sounds intimidating, not to mention the fact that it is quite expensive without even considering the S model, Ducati proceeded by launching this all-new Hypermotard 796, which offers the same thrill for a much smaller MSRP. Honestly, we’re happy about this move and can’t wait for a longer ride on it. 

SPECIFICATIONS

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

Engine: air-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder Desmodromic

Displacement: 803cc

Maximum output: 81 hp @ 8,000 rpm

Gearbox: six-speed

Frame: steel-tube Trellis

Front Brake: dual 305mm discs with 4-piston radial-mount caliper

Rear Brake: single 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper

Front Tire: 120/70-17

Rear Tire: 180/55-17

Seat height: 32.5 inches (825 mm)

Dry weight: 368 lbs (167 kg)

Fuel tank: 3.3 gallons (12.4 liters)