A Closer Look at the Ducati Hypermotard 796
After reviewing the new 2019 Hypermotard 950 in its standard and SP editions, we’re going to scale back and take a closer look at the entry level member of the family, the Hypermotard 796. This bike is well deserving of thorough inspection as it has received a high rating of 5 out of 5 in most categories from riders who seem to like everything about it. You can find quite a few used examples on the market in a price range from $4,000 through about $6,000. This is a price tag that most riders can live with and for Ducati enthusiasts it represents one hell of a value for this stormer machine.
What riders like about the Ducati Hypermotard 796
While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a bike that has its share of followers. This bike features an 803cc fuel injected twin-valve and 90 degree Desmodromic engine. It’s been redesigned with a lightening of 1.9 kg over the previous version with the same bore but a longer stroke than its inspiration the Monster 696. Ducati has redesigned the pistons crankshaft and crankcases and inserted their brand’s 848 type flywheel. The 803cc delivers 81 bhp and gets an average of 51 mpg with a range of 168 miles on the highway. Improvements in the power spread through the revs and a smooth throttle response are other particulars that make it a popular choice among riders. The clutch action is lighter and the bike is a lot easier for less experienced riders, but it comes with features that more experienced riders can embrace as well. It’s a bike for everyone. It’s one of Ducati’s most frugal bikes, along with being a massive amount of fun with good looks to add to its amenities.
Other perks
The seat height is medium in the 796 at 825 mm which is 20mm lower than the 1100. Overall the bike is 12 kg lighter than the 1100 model and it’s easier to ride in yet doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of speed. The 796 gets a 5 out of 5 for town riding as most riders are able to set their feet firmly flat on the floor when rolling up to traffic light stops. It presents an effortless ride with amazing lightness and agility in comparison to the 1100 which is a standard that many enthusiasts will hold it to. The reliability and quality of the build are other factors that riders give the Hypermotard 796 perfect marks for. It’s considered a top draw and the dodginess of previous Ducati’s has been done away with and the reliability factor has shot to the top with this model.
Affordability
The Hypermotard 796 is one of Ducati’s most affordable bikes all around. The cost of insurance, the running costs and the price for a used version all combine to deliver high on savings over the majority of the other available models and this counts for a lot when you’re looking for a multi purpose bike that delivers on performance, speed when it’s needed and riding enjoyment. It’s superb handling in city environments and its capacity for taking you down the road comfortably at highway speeds are all notches in the belt. It gets a rating of 4 out of 5 for equipment but we can’t have everything because it’s not a perfect world that we live in. The forks are not adjustable but no big deal. The Hypermotard 796 opens up the availability for newbies to get their feet wet with a Ducati machine and it’s something that everyone from beginners through experienced riders can appreciate. The Mate black version of this bike adds a little extra value by enhancing the aesthetics, which is a part of the entire package.
Final thoughts
Highly affordable, good looks and high performance are the hallmarks of the Ducati Hypermotard 796. It’s a bike for everyone that has a lot to offer and it won’t break the bank when you make the purchase or when you fill the fuel tank. Upon close inspection of the 796, we were hard pressed to find anything that isn’t great about the bike.