Ducati's Hypermotard 796.

Ducati Australia has announced the domestic reccomended retail price for the new-for-2010 Hypermotard 796 will commence at just $15,990*.

Released at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, the Hypermotard 796 features an all-new 803cc Desmodue L-twin engine developing an impressive 81 horsepower.

With a dry weight of 167kg, and a seat height 20mm lower than that of its very successful 1100cc stablemate, the Hypermotard 796 brings urban-assaulting attitude and agility within reach of even more riders.

“Whether you’re doing the daily commute or attacking the open roads, the 796 will ride 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,” commented NF Importers CEO Warren Lee. “This makes the 796 highly attractive to many riders, including those currently riding or considering the purchase of a mid to large capacity single cylinder Motard model, or even a mid-capacity Naked.”

The frame of Hypermotard 796 has benefited from intensive weight-saving engineering, while retaining the torsional rigidity of the 1100’s. Wheel and tyre sizes are identical.

The 803cc engine is all-new, incorporating advances seen in Ducati’s most recent Superbike and Streetfighter models. Lightweight 848-type flywheels, newly-designed crankcases (which alone save 1.2kg) and a wet clutch with slipper-type action all distinguish the potent new powerplant. Ducati’s trademark torque is delivered in abundance, with 75.5Nm ready to be unleashed on the city streets.

Hypermotard 796 is available in new tough urban matte-painted colour schemes including matte white tank with black headlight fairing over black frame and wheels, or matte-black tank and headlight fairing over black frame and wheels.

A Gloss Red version, with red tank, headlight fairing and frame over black wheels, is available at an RRP of $16,390*.

*RRP’s exclude Dealer and Statutory Charges.