Ducati Hypermotard 796 hauls itself across tight hairpins with confidence

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Front Angle

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Wallpaper

Setting our sites on the Bolognese countryside, we flipped the kickstand up and immediately took note that the 796 feels remarkably light on its feet. The clutch operates with minimal effort, though the shifter is a touch notchy going into first. Thrust produced by twisting the right grip is considerable; it may not summon the absolute torque of the Hypermotard 1100, but the 796's combination of a broad powerband, light weight, and shorter gears makes it feel exceedingly fleet. Upshift early and you get none of the driveline chatter of the 1100, and all is forgotten with a slight slip of the clutch, which encourages the L-twin to accumulate momentum. The engine pulls strongly and the fuel mapping and power delivery are completely devoid of surprises-- except when rev limiter cuts in abruptly at 8,500 rpm.

Turns are even more entertaining on the 796; simply shift the bike's weight and lean with light handlebar effort, and the whole motorcycle becomes intuitively obedient to your input. Though the 43 mm Marzocchi forks dive somewhat during aggressive front braking, a touch of rear brake tames much of that tendency. Stopping power is formidable (thanks to those 1100-spec Brembos), and despite the absence of a hard-edged suspension setup, the Hypermotard 796 hauls itself across tight hairpins with confidence.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Image

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 Rear Angle