DUCATI MONSTER 1200R (2016 - on) Review

Powerful and track focused the Ducati Monster 1200S is a true supernaked. The R model has 15bhp more than the S model and is 2kg lighter.

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It has improved handling due to uprated Ohlins suspension and improved ground clearance with a revised foot-peg position. For a large naked bike it’s hugely impressive on track. 

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The Ohlins forks and shock have increased in length to lift the main body of the bike by 15mm. This has resulted in an increase in gound clearance.

The Ducati Monster 1200 R also gets new bigger brakes, a new sub-frame which holds the slimmer tail unit, new colour dash and the Öhlins steering damper – all as standard.

The handling is really impressive for a large-capacity naked bike; quick steering is really accurate and it doesn’t run wide on corner exits.  

Power is up 10% over the S model thanks to an increased exhaust diameter (up 8mm), larger throttle bodies and raised compression. Other internal changes are mainly to reduce noise and comply with Euro 4 regualtions. Ducati quote 160bhp with 97ftlb of torque. Power and drive is impressive but it feels a little lazy in the higher gears, a quick shifter would help keep the revs buzzing.

The 1198 engine has proven reliable over the years, and depsite the increased performance, reliability shouldn’t be a problem, service intervals reamain the same. 

Our Ducati Monster 1200 R owners' reviews show largely very positive reports.

There’s no arguing it’s an expensive fun naked bike but extended service intervals of 9000 miles helps keep running cost down. Valve clearances need checking every 18,000 miles.

The Monster R comes with the same rider modes and safety pack as the S model. The very clever full colour ‘iphone-like’ clocks come with a gear position indicator.