Ducati’s not done as well in the hyper-naked class as you might expect. Its Streetfighter didn’t strike a chord in the UK, and firms like KTM and BMW have been picking the Bolognans’ pocket with their Super Duke and S1000R.
But that could all be set to change with this new Monster 1200R, a fantastic looking new flagship Monster. Based on the 1200S, the new R cranks the chassis kit in particular up by a massive notch, and while the motor may be a tiny bit down on paper compared with the likes of the KTM or BMW, the overall spec looks properly cracking.
Of course, as a Ducati ‘R’ model, you’ll be expecting the full Ohlins front and rear. But did you also think of full superbike-spec Brembo M.50 calipers, with wild 330mm discs? That’s pretty much the whole nine yards when it comes to roadbike braking, so this new beastie should stop on the proverbial 1 Euro cent coin.
The motor is a new version of the 1200 Testastretta lump, and it’s had a proper makeover, now churning out a claimed 160bhp at 9,250rpm. That’s thanks in part to fatter header pipes, larger throttle bodies, and a compression ratio up from 12.5:1 to 13:1. Lovely stuff. Meanwhile the frame has been raised for more ground clearance and madder lean angles, and lightened for, er, less weight… Dry mass is a claimed 180kg – impressive for a fully Euro IV compliant bike with all the associated gubbins. Putting down all that grunt won’t be difficult with the 200/55 17 rear Super Corsa, mounted on a light forged rim.
That frame is suspended by a full-beans Ohlins setup, fat 48mm forks up front and a fully adjustable shock out back, on a single-sided swingarm. You also get an Ohlins steering damper, all the better to keep this mad bugger in check…
You also get some electronic assistance of course – the full Ducati Safety Pack is here of course, with ABS, traction, riding modes, and a sweet colour TFT dash to control it all. No leaning ABS or IMU though, and the quickshifter will no doubt be an optional extra. We’re not really moaning too much though – this 1200R Monster looks proper hardcore, and should be a genuine weapon on the road, and track…
