First Ducati Hypermotard 796 Review

This is the first review I've seen for the new 796. I'm still sticking with my 1100S, but this review does make the bike sound awfully nice. The 796 is priced at a tempting $9,995 (compared to $11,995 for the 1100 or $14,495 for the higher end "S" model like mine). While I'm generally of the opinion that bigger is always better when it comes to engine displacement, this reviewer says:

By keeping the compression ratio high (at 11.1:1) and revising the entire bottom end, the 796 produces 81 horsepower -- only 9 horsepower less than its big-twin sibling. Torque drops to 55.7 lb-ft, but those changes also accompany an overall weight loss of 27 lbs which brings the Hypermotard 796's total mass to 368 lbs dry; pretty svelte, by any standard.

And the reviewer concludes that, with a lower seat height and cleaned up cockpit (gone are the urine specimen clutch and brake fluid reservoirs), the 796 might be the better model, especially at the lower price. Unfortunately, just like its larger sibling, the gas tank is so small that the bike averages about 100 miles per fill-up.

All I can say is it still looks damn sexy and from all appearances is undoubtedly a blast to ride, just like the original.