950sp Vs 698 Mono

Having recently swapped from a v4 mutley to a 937 DesertX I’m pleasantly surprised by how fun the 937 engine is , after being disappointed (eons ago) with the 821(?) version in a Monster.

 

I would say if your looking at just staying local and not going to far the 698 would be a blast but if your planning longer journeys then the 950 would suit better. Love my 950, best of both. Was even ok on a trip from the midlands to St Ives.

 

The 698 is a proper Hypermotard, the 950 is too heavy to be one.

 

I can't comment from personal experience, but the 698 reminds me of a two-stroke/highly tuned 4-stroke where you would clock the running hours before a rebuild, the hours being relatively low. If you exploited it's power every time you used it, to try and achieve similar speed/acceleration as with our twin engines, I don't think it would be a wise move in the long run.
So as said, great for an agile, short distance blast every now and then.

 

Hypermotard king as done a comparison video on his YouTube channel.

 

I think I’ve posted this elsewhere on ‘ere previously. I used to own a KTM 640 Duke back in the early noughties & I used it as an everyday bike but longest ride was a couple of tankfuls after which I used to feel like I’d been mainlining double espressos. I suspect the 698 is like that with the dosage turned up a few notches.

 

I've not ridden the 698, but the 950SP is a cracking bit of kit. It feels really small and light compared to my V4PP, and was fine for longer trips as well. I took it to Devon & Cornwall, where it excelled on the nadgier back lanes.

 

As said before Hypermotardking has both and is worth a watch, also he has binned a couple, lol.
Cudos for posting the crashes though.

Seems to have a tie up with BHP Ltd and is spending a bit on it.
I am also weighing up the merits of both.

No experience at all. however that won't stop me, lol.

1- I think for a little road work and go-kart track style, the 698
2 - Mainly road and larger track, the 950

From watching a few vids I think the 698 would soon have its limits reached on the road.
Also afaik there isn't a map out there yet.

It would be replacing my piped and mapped GSX S1000 so maybe i'm biased re power.

 

I get the milage thing but for me the bigger bike could do the small tighter roads better than the small bike could do the M roads.
I bet the 698 on an M road would be enough for many to reach for the For Sale section.

 

I picked up the Ducati 698 as my go-to fun bike, alongside my KTM 890 SMT equipped with a Givi Superflow windscreen. For anything beyond grocery runs or long hauls, I choose the Ducati every time. It’s hands-down the most exhilarating bike I’ve ever ridden—think motocross-level thrills, but engineered for the road. Phenomenal.

 

If you decide to go for a Hyper SP and are looking at the used market then give me a shout. Mine will be available very shortly, just serviced, Termi's and only 4,500 miles. Had it for 4.5 years and as much as I love it, it's time to try something different.

 

I was surprised at the difference in size when I saw them side by side at Ducati Cambridge the other week.
The 698 looks an absolute hoot but I suppose it’s what you get used to (I’m 6ft so not too worried about height on most bikes).

 

Hi,
What value would you be placing on her?
Thank-you

 

Lighter weight makes for more fun than more power does IMHO. The 698 feels almost like a pushbike.

 

Hyper 950 SP owner here who has spent time on the 698 Mono. Before I bought my 950 i was absolutely certain the 698 was for me. With an MX background and racing both 250 and 450s for awhile, i thought a big single was the way forward.

First thing with the 698 is the height, if you are sub 175cm you might struggle. It is such a tall bike and while it's light and narrow which plays into it's favour, for me it still didn't help and one of the factors that put me off. I also found the seat really uncomfortable after an hour.

But once you are riding it is a real hoot, really agile and does feel like a fat MX bike. It has KTM690 traits which is no surprise when it is fighting in the same category. The engine is a bit gutless low down and you have to make it sing to make the most of the torque and power. While fun, you are only doing it in short burst and not smashing the limiter for your entire ride. (Guess different on track) It is also quite a basic bike and for over 11k i just think it is too punchy, yeah it has all the latest rider aids but that dash is worse than the first edition Game Boy, plus not the easiest to read.


Onto the Hyper 950 SP, first it is not as tall which helps and i can get both feet down. And it is even better with the low seat option which is also softer than the OEM seat. While obviously heavier than the 698 i do not feel it is any less agile and the extra weight i think adds to the stability of the bike at higher speeds. It is comfier on a longer rider as well, so if you are trying to be a sensible rider you can just chug along with it at ease and that makes it feel less demanding than the 698 Mono. Of course a lot of that plays into the low down grunt which i think really suits motard type bikes. The dash on the 950 is is better, while dated a little now it is far better than the 698...still no fuel gauge though. (can't recall on the 698)

Obviously the suspension is leagues ahead with the SP compared to the 698 but i didn't think the pogos on the 698 lacking. Both bikes being really long travel require you to load up that front before turning in, but the 698 felt like you didn't need to load it as much as the SP. The 698 feels more neutral and leans more towards sportbike than supermoto in this case. Hyper feels more like a big supermoto when it comes to turn initiation. (If it matters the 698 is an easier bike to get both wheels off the ground . )

Overall for me though the 950 won as it's an easier daily bike to do it all on. Hoonage, exploring, chill ride to the shops even the odd pillion service. Also i feel it looks better and is a more of a special bike to be on.

Now saying all of that....i am now actually thinking of swapping the Hyper for the new Panigale V2S as my road and for the odd track day on more tighter circuits like Brands Indy, Cadwell etc. But won't be decided until i get out on the V2.