I’m guessing in the not too distant future, the new V2 890cc engine will end up in the Hypermotard, replacing the 937cc engine. Doesn’t suit my timescale so needs must which gives me the choice of the 950SP or the new 698 Mono. I’ve read some interesting comments about the 698, not all glowing and I know the 937cc engine from our Monster. Anyone ridden both models for a reasonable mileage ? I’d appreciate some constructive feedback. Just looking for a hooligan hack to sit alongside the V4 Pikes Peak. Andy
I have seen that there are currently 10 low (900) to very low (45) mileage 698 Monos on eBay which doesn’t fill me with confidence. Andy
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 like the 937cc engine, especially with the full Termignoni I do think it could have been awesome with the outgoing V2 engine but that’s not going to happen with the new 890. Just need something to scratch on, like my 1st gen Multistrada 1200, unfortunately my V4 Pikes Peak is just too heavy. Andy
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.
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.
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.
