Rumors turned into fact as Italian motorcycle manufacturer officially Ducati gave the popular Hypermotard 1100 a little brother.

Surely topping the list as one of the worst kept secrets in recent motorcycle history, Ducati announced the new Hypermotard 796 and its specifications. With a L-Twin 796 cc engine delivering 81 horsepower and 55.7lb-ft of torque, the latest from Ducati designers promises smooth and very economic rideability.

When first unveiled at the Milan International Motorcycle show, the Hypermotard 1100 won instant praise. Just hours after its launch it was awarded "Best of Show" and motorcyclists the world over have made it a popular model in the Ducati line-up.

Embracing the latest motorcycle fashions, the new Hypermotard 796 will come 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.

But don't worry, for the purists an 1100 look-alike with Ducati red tank with matching beak section, red frame and black wheels gives the 796 a traditional livery.

According to Ducati, the new model is as aggressively striking as the 1100 with the lightweight new Hypermotard 796 featuring a lower seat height of 32.5in and a lighter dry weight of only 386lbs.

The new power unit is also equipped with 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 adjustable lever, a great advantage in stop-start city traffic or during longer journeys.

Its first official appearance is scheduled for the EICMA International Motorcycle show taking place in Milan Italy during November. But the most avid Ducatisti will be happy to know the new motorcycle will ride into US showrooms by December, easily appearing on two-wheeled Christmas wish lists across the country.