Ducati Drops Dark-Mode Masterclass: Meet the Hypermotard 698 Mono Nera

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Red-and-black Ducati rider doing a wheelie on a racetrack, with blurred grass and barriers in the background.

Ducati has just injected a fresh dose of attitude into its single-cylinder lineup, pulling the covers off the new Hypermotard 698 Mono Nera. Dropping into European dealerships this June, the Nera wraps Ducati’s rowdy street-motard package in a stunning, stealth-inspired aesthetic.

While Ducati New Zealand has yet to officially confirm if the Mono Nera will make its way down under, we can’t help but think it would look right at home on Kiwi roads. Boasting a striking "All Black" livery punctuated by a Ducati Red frame and matching wheels, it's a bike that practically screams New Zealand style.

Stealth Styling, Premium Performance

The Nera isn't just a simple black paint job; it’s a carefully curated dark-mode masterclass. Black dominates the bodywork, creating an aggressive backdrop for those sharp red accents.

Adding to its gritty, premium look is a set of road-homologated Termignoni steel silencers coming straight out of the box. Finished in black with red detailing, these pipes perfectly match the livery while giving the bike's rear end a serious aesthetic upgrade.

Black-and-red sport motorcycle on a red stand on an empty racetrack under a clear blue sky.

The Ultimate Single-Cylinder Heart

Underneath the stealthy bodywork lies the same mind-bending Superquadro Mono engine that shook up the motorcycle world when it debuted. Derived directly from the 1299 Panigale, this 659cc single inherits a massive 116 mm bore, titanium intake valves, and Ducati's signature Desmodromic valve timing.

The result? A staggering 77.5 hp that screams all the way to a class-defining 10,250 rpm.

Because power is nothing without control, the Mono Nera is a true lightweight athlete, tipping the scales at just 151 kg ready to ride (sans fuel). That featherweight mass is paired with a trellis frame of variable thicknesses, cast wheels with aluminium brake flanges, and a fully adjustable rear shock working through a progressive linkage.

Close-up of a black Ducati motorcycle on an asphalt road, showing handlebars, tank, and red accents in bright daylight.

Next-Gen Electronics Suite

To help you exploit that power without ending up in the scenery, Ducati has equipped the Nera with an electronics package derived straight from the Panigale V4. The standard kit includes:

Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down
Cornering ABS with a dedicated 'Slide-by-brake' function for track-day sideways action
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) & Wheelie Control (DWC)
Engine Brake Control (EBC) & Power Launch

For those looking to turn the hooligan dial up to eleven, bolting on the track-only racing Termignoni exhaust not only unlocks an extra 7 horsepower but also activates Ducati’s Wheelie Assist. This clever strategy manages engine torque delivery to help riders execute and maintain prolonged wheelies safely on the circuit.

Will We See It in NZ?

As it stands, European riders will get first dibs on the Nera this June with a starting price of €13,990. We are still waiting on official word regarding New Zealand availability and pricing.

Given how perfectly that total-black livery aligns with our national sporting colours—and how much Kiwis love a high-performance corner carver—we've got our fingers firmly crossed that Ducati New Zealand brings this single-cylinder weapon to local showrooms.