In late 2009, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer introduced a new Hypermotard motorcycle in their range. The 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 was a smaller-capacity motorcycle compared to the 1100 machine, with less power.
In addition, the Hypermotard 796 featured several modifications, such as a 20 mm lower seat height, a wet slipper clutch instead of the dry unit of the 1100 model, and a non-adjustable 43 mm Marzocchi fork on the front coupled to a Sachs rear shock absorber.
The bike's overall weight was set at 167 kg (368 lbs), which was lower than any other 1100 models. In addition, the 796 model retained the single-sided swingarm and folding mirror system from the 1100 models.
Also, the bike's instrument cluster was similar to the one used on the Ducati Streetfighter but with orange backlighting to be differentiated from the 2010 Ducati 1100 models. The new 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 rolled on ten-spoke aluminum wheels made by Enkei.
In the appearance department, the bike was fitted with standard features, such as a duck beak-shaped front fairing, handguards with integrated LED turn signals, a one-piece dual seat, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system, and a single-sided swingarm.
In the performance department, the 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 had its heartbeat set by an 803cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine that delivered an output power of 81 hp at 8,000 rpm and 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) torque at 6,250 rpm.