Single-Cylinder DUCATI?

Leaks are always fun because they spark a carousel of guesses, assumptions, theories and hopes. This time, we have received such a leak with spy photos of the new Ducati, which may herald a very interesting and, above all, unexpected machine.

At first glance, it's just an ordinary Hypermotard. However, it is worth looking (at least) twice, because if you look closely you will notice that the engine is missing one cylinder! The unit looks like the Testastretta 11, but with one cylinder instead of the standard two. This is very interesting, because it would seem that in times of increasingly strict exhaust emission standards, creating a relatively powerful single-cylinder engine is becoming more and more difficult and less and less profitable.

Apart from the engine, which in itself triggers the imagination, the photos also do not show the truss frame. Does this mean that the new Ducati supermoto will be based on an aluminum frame? It seems that the design of the machine is focused on lightness, as evidenced by the single front brake disc visible in the photos. At the same time, we can expect that maximum power is not a priority here.

We can't see this in spy photos anymore, but - knowing Ducati - we assume with a high degree of certainty that the machine will be equipped with a full electronics package. In our opinion, this goes against the idea of big singles, whose characteristic features have always been maximum simplicity, directness and downright brutality. However, it seems that due to a number of factors - including regulatory issues - such units should be forgotten.

What puzzles us most, however, is the meaning behind this construction. On the one hand, we see that Ducati has been sticking to the premium segment for years, offering innovative machines with enormous power and even higher prices. On the other hand, we come across a design that could compete with, for example, the KTM 690 SMC-R as a light motorcycle intended mainly for fun in the city and on winding mountain roads. There are many questions... Is there a demand for a supermoto on the market today? Will it be the most expensive supermoto in history? Will the new platform also be used to create an enduro version?

We hope that this is not just an experiment and in a year or two we will see what is behind this audacious project.