Hypermotard gets middleweight twin

Ducati has launched details of the latest addition to its 'extreme' roadbike range, the Hypermotard 796. Originally expected to be unveiled at EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan in November, the new 796 joins the muscular Hypermotard 1100 released by the company in 2008.

Ducati says the new 796 "features a lower seat height and brand new smooth and flexible engine to make it the perfect urban assault vehicle".

The middleweight Hypermotard is powered by a new short-stroke 796cc version of Ducati's two-valve 90-degree V-Twin (Ducati calls it an 'L-twin') that pumps out 81ps (59.6kW) and 7.7kgm. The bike weighs in at 167kg.

Seat height is 825mm -- a handy 20mm lower than its 90ps 179kg 1100 stablemate.

The new powerplant is equipped with 'slipper' style wet clutch to prevent "destabilization of the rear-end during aggressive down-shifting". Ducati claims the new set-up also reduces clutch lever effort.

The standard colour scheme of the 796 is "an urban-style Dark finish with matte black tank and beak section, black frame and black wheels". There's also a matt white/black option and "for the purists" a predominately red "1100 look-alike".

Ducati will launch the 796 in Europe in October (ahead of the Milan Show). No definite timing on the bike's local arrival yet, but Ducati Australia says it is hoping to land the new Hypermotard Down Under before the end of 2009.