2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 – preview
25-11-09 by Mark M
Ducati’s 2010 Hypermotard 796 is the perfect alternative to those who like the idea of the Hypermotard 1100 but want something a little smaller and more agile. With the same dramatic styling of the 1100 Hypermotard that is so unmistakable on the road, the 796 has some measurable benefits over its bigger brother. Not only is the new bike lighter with a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb), it also has a lower seat height of 825mm (32.5in) making it more accessible to more people.
The 796 sports a lightened frame that retains all the rigidity needed while making the bike even more flickable. The 17″ wheels by Enkei produced in lightweight aluminium also help to keep the unsprung weight low and handling, braking and acceleration performances high. The same 3.50 front and 5.50 rear rim sizes as the 1100 are used with Bridgestone tyres.
Ducati are quick to point out the engine isn’t a ’stroked’ 696 but a completely brand new Desmodue power unit. Claimed power and torque figures of the L-twin are 81hp (59.6kW) @ 8000rpm and 55.7lb-ft (75.5Nm) @ 6250rpm of torque. Weight savings through fully redesigned crankcases and lightweight 848-type flywheels have helped maximise the engines responsiveness.
An APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents the rear-end skipping around under aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a bonus when driving in manic city peak hour.
As with all late model Ducatis, service intervals have increased with the 796 requiring a trip to the dealer every 12,000 kilometres.
The suspension up front uses 43mm Marzocchi forks with the rear a Sachs shock with adjustable spring preload and return damping. The rear operates through a similar progressive link to the 1100 and uses the signature Hypermotard single-sided swingarm for the total Ducati look.
To haul the bike down, twin 305mm semi-floating discs with radially mounted 4-piston Brembo callipers should provide plenty of braking, while the rear is equipped with a 245mm disc and 2-piston calliper, also by Brembo.
The instruments have all the usual functions with a couple of extra ones thrown in such as the lap time memory storage, automatic light-off function after 60 seconds with the key on and immobiliser status.
It wouldn’t be a Hypermotard without those crazy mirrors and just like its bigger brother the 1100, the 796 mirrors can fold in for a more streamlined look.
Colours include a 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 purists, an 1100 look-alike red tank with matching beak section, red frame and black wheels keeps the 796 in traditional livery.
Specs next page.
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Tags: 2010, Ducati, Hypermotard 796
