Ducati’s new Hypermotard 796 is another perfect motorcycle for women! It features a lower seat height and brand new smooth and flexible engine to make it the perfect urban assault vehicle. Whether it's working the daily commute or attacking the open roads, the 796 rides the common ground between manners and madness by mixing Ducati's unrivalled twin-cylinder power and sportbike heredity with the lightweight and minimalist supermotard concept.

HYPER HISTORY

November 2005: Prototype Hypermotard 1100 shown at Milan International Motorcycle Show: Awarded 'Best of Show'.
November 2007: Production Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S launched at Milan International Motorcycle show.
June 2007: Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S arrived in showrooms as an early release model year 2008.
November 2008: Model year 2009 Hypermotard 1100 updated with an additional colour option of pearl white. Hypermotard 1100 S updated with Kayaba forks, an additional colour option of black and DDA kit supplied as standard equipment. The Hypermotard 1100 S takes victory at Pike's Peak International Hill Climb, Colorado (1200cc category).
October 2009: Release of new model year 2010 Hypermotard 796.
November 2009: Model year 2010 Hypermotard 1100EVO and 1100EVO SP launched at Milan International Motorcycle show.

The Hypermotard's rigidly triangulated and now lighter than ever Trellis frame and track-tested chassis geometry is still stylised by a distinct high fender at the front and dual under-seat silencers at the rear, but the new 796's overall profile says it all: Go Hyper!

At 825mm (32.5in), the seat height of the 796 is a sure-footed 20mm (0.8in) lower than the 1100 and, when combined with the new engine's smooth power delivery, this Hypermotard inspires confidence however and wherever it’s ridden. The upright seating position offers a commanding view of the road ahead, while the wide handlebars make the bike effortlessly flickable through the urban maze.

The 796 has a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb), partly achieved by a lightweight engine, but also by continued chassis development that includes fork clamps, and radial fork bottoms. An improved frame layout eliminates almost all of the forged elements previously used on the Hypermotard. The lightened frame retains its torsional strength to become even more agile and easier to handle than before, while 17" wheels by Enkei are produced in lightweight aluminium to keep the unsprung weight low and handling, braking and acceleration performances high. The 796 uses exactly the same 3.50 front and 5.50 rear rim sizes and Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres as its 1100cc big brother.

Suspension duties up front are taken care of by a pair of very capable 43mm Marzocchi forks, while the rear is managed by a Sachs suspension unit featuring adjustable spring pre-load and return damping, allowing adjustments for riding style or load. The rear operates through a similar progressive link to the 1100 and uses the signature Hypermotard single-sided swingarm.

Twin 305mm semi-floating discs gripped by radially mounted 4-piston Brembo callipers provide powerful and progressive front-end braking with that all-important rider-friendly 'feeling', while the rear is equipped with a 245mm disc and 2-piston calliper, also by Brembo.

A brand new Ducati engine

NEW FOR 2010

• New controls and instrumentation
• Hyper mirrors - Flipped out for high visibility street mode and easily folded in for a quick change to 'Hypermode', the mirror handguard assemblies also integrate the LED directional indicators for an even cleaner front-end.
• Lighting and indicators
• Tailpiece - high intensity LED rear light assembly is moulded into a unique tailpiece positioned high behind the seat.
• Foot pegs - Rider foot pegs have removable rubber inserts to expose the serrated metal edge and increase boot grip on the peg during extreme riding.

Manufacturer's suggested Retail Canada: $11,495./ USA $9,995.