Ducati's Hypermotard is one of those rare motorcycles that's a one-hit wonder, and I mean that in the best way possible. It's not a dual-sport, it's not a sportbike, it's just it's own thing. It's a master of one, and that one thing is being an unapologetic hooligan. And that ethos is one baked into the very DNA of the machine, as it's basically a horsepower-infused supermoto.
The recipe is simple, a lightweight frame, a short wheelbase, more power than One Punch's Saitama, and the theatrics of Nitro Circus. That special sauce was followed to the letter when the brand from Borgo Panigale introduced the 698 Mono was introduced last year, with a brand new single-cylinder engine, and enough torque to keep that front wheel in the air forever.
But Ducati has never been one to rest on its laurels. It's never been one to shy away from the limelight. And the Hypermotard is a motorcycle that craves the spotlight as if it were a Kardashian. It demands your attention and affection and want. That's why Ducati's brought out a second model to the range, and wouldn't you know it, it has even more power. Say hello to the Ducati Hypermotard V2 and V2 SP.
*insert Vegeta "His power level is over 9000" clip here. Someone please hide my credit card, as well as my license, as I fear I'll lose both to this machine in the most shit-eating-grin-inducing way.
Centered around Ducati 890cc V2 engine, the twin-cylinder motor pumps out 120 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. But it's where it makes that torque that makes the Hypermotard the beastly thing it is, as 70% of it is available basically at idle. Wheelie king, thy name is Hypermotard. Ducati also gave the stunt motorcycle, I mean, street motorcycle shorter gear ratios than the prior 950 iteration, which means it's quicker and will send that front wheel sky high whenever you twist the throttle.
Cradling that monster of an engine (no pun intended) is a monocoque frame that was developed specifically for the Hypermotard. According to Ducati, the new chassis "integrates the engine as a structural element and airbox, performing a dual function and ensuring maximum lightness and compactness. The steel rear subframe harks back to the first Hypermotard, while the aluminium double- sided swingarm, inspired by the Ducati Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm of the Panigale V4, ensures rigidity and a distinctive design."
Suspension is handled by Kayaba for the standard Hypermotard V2, while the V2 SP gets fancy-pants Ohlins units. Each are adjustable, but the Ohlins are fully adjustable, making it far more the weapon of the two. Further distinguishing the two, the standard Hypermotard gets cast alloy wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, while the V2 SP gets forged aluminium wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires. A set of track spec tires are also available, for a price. Both get Brembos, though the V2 SP gets slightly bigger units.
A 5-inch TFT display gives you all your motorcycle's health stats, while buried within the display, you can access Ducati's suite of electronic aids, including: Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC). The last one, however, will likely never be turned on, as it represents the antithesis of the machine. This machine is a wheelie god, and nothing will stop that.
The Europeans will get first dibs on the new Hypermotard V2s, with it arriving at dealerships in April of 2026. North American will follow in May, and then Japan and Australia in October. And as for price, the standard 2026 Ducati Hypermotard V2 will start at a pretty reasonable $16,995, while the Hypermotard V2 SP ups the ante to a slightly eye-watering $20,995.
According to the brand, "Some motorcycles become icons. Motorcycles that convey emotion, adrenaline, and fun at first glance. The Ducati Hypermotard is the motorcycle that best represents all of this. A motorcycle that couldn't be described as '"Supermotard,' and that's why it was called 'Hyper.' Twenty years after EICMA 2005, where Ducati presented the first prototype, which won the 'Best of Show' award on its debut, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer is writing a new chapter in the history of the 'Hyper' with the new Hypermotard V2 and Hypermotard V2 SP."
Now give me one so I can punch that 'Go Directly to Jail' card already.
