950sp Vs 698 Mono

Multirider75 · May 29, 2025

Gav101 said: ↑

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.
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That’s a great report, thanks for posting. I had a 950 SP, it was a cracking bike, but lacking in a few areas. I’m very keen to see what the replacement will be like, as there’s rumours it’ll get an update with the latest V2 engine. That could be one hell of a bike.

Gav101 · May 30, 2025

Multirider75 said: ↑

That’s a great report, thanks for posting. I had a 950 SP, it was a cracking bike, but lacking in a few areas. I’m very keen to see what the replacement will be like, as there’s rumours it’ll get an update with the latest V2 engine. That could be one hell of a bike.
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Thanks bud. I am too interested to see what the new Hyper will be like, if it has the new V2 and loses a few lbs and keeps the same silhouette of the present Hyper then it will be a winner.

Multirider75 · May 30, 2025

Gav101 said: ↑

Thanks bud. I am too interested to see what the new Hyper will be like, if it has the new V2 and loses a few lbs and keeps the same silhouette of the present Hyper then it will be a winner.
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It may very well tempt me back on to one

duke63 · May 30, 2025

The 698 is very single minded. I wouldn't want one as my only bike but as I am lucky enough to have two, it suits my purposes better.

950sp Vs 698 Mono

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