Just as aggressively striking as the 1100, the new Hypermotard 796 features a lower seat height and brand new smooth and a flexible engine to make it the perfect urban assault vehicle.

The 796 weighs in at just 167kg (368lb), partly achieved by a lightweight engine, but also by continued chassis development that includes redesigned top and bottom fork clamps and an improved frame layout which eliminates almost all of the forged elements previously used with the 1100.

At 825mm (32.5in), the seat height of the 796 is a sure-footed 20mm (0.8in) lower than the 1100 and, when combined with the new engine’s smooth power delivery, this Hypermotard inspires confidence however and wherever it’s ridden.

The completely new Ducati 796 engine produces 81hp (59.6kW) of power and 55.7lb-ft (7.7kgm) of torque with the smooth and economic rideability expected from all Desmodue L-Twins.

The bike is equipped by an APTC ‘wet’ clutch to give a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilization of the rear-end during aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic or during longer journeys.

The new 796 comes in an urban-style Dark finish with matte black tank and beak section, black frame and black wheels or, alternatively, matte white tank with contrasting matte black beak, black frame and black wheels. For the purists, an 1100 look-alike red tank with matching beak section, red frame and black wheels gives the 796 a traditional livery.

The Hypermotard is expected to arrive in UK Ducati Stores in December. The bike Matt colour versions have an SRP of £6,995 and the traditional Red version is £7,195 SRP.