Few build a naked bike with more personality and bad boy sport attitude than Ducati with its Monster. Throughout its 23-year history, the Monster has become the rowdy but lovable face of the Italian brand. This spring, Ducati writes a new chapter of speed with its R-spec 1200 ($18,695 in red).
The ‘R’ expands on the original water-cooled Monster 1200 concept with a few key enhancements. It continues to utilize the Multistrada-spec Testastretta engine, but thinner crankcase-to-cylinder gaskets boost cylinder compression ratio by a half point. The L-Twin flows more fuel and air via larger 56mm diameter throttle bodies (versus the S model’s 53mm set-up).
On the exhaust end there’s 8mm larger diameter header pipes, and a new set of shotgun-style mufflers that not only push more spent gasses, but looks slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing, too. Stricter Euro 4 emissions and noise compliance was also factored in. A special piston coating and redesigned clutch cover complement the change and also help reduce engine clamor.
The Monster 1200 R is capable of higher lean angles courtesy of taller suspension components raising ride height by 15mm.
Ducati claims the R-spec mill pumps out 160 ponies and 97 lb-ft of torque (at the crank), a 10% increase versus the non-R spec 1200 S claims of 145 hp, and nearly a 5% increase in torque. (For reference, the S measured 128.3 rear-wheel horsepower and 82.6 lb-ft torque figures on the MotoUSA dyno last year). The engine certainly feels snappier across the rev-range, especially through mid-range, and up top at high rpm. Also of note is the enhanced fuel/ignition mapping giving precise, but not overly so, throttle sensation. This gives the rider a more connected feel to the back tire. Likewise, we appreciate the more ear-pleasing exhaust note, which sounds meatier and less tinny than the standard 1200.
The 1200 R’s L-Twin gets extra compression via thinner gaskets. Ducati claims a 10% increase in horsepower and 5% increase in torque over its ‘S’ model.
A revamped color TFT display keeps tabs on the Monster’s vitals, and now includes a gear position indicator. The display is crisper with sharper fonts, and once you get acclimated to the function of the menu and switchgear navigation, it’s easy to make adjustments at a standstill. However, the display remains difficult to read in in direct sunlight.
The 1200 S was never a slouch in the handling department, but it does feel a tad low and stretched out. So Ducati engineers honed performance by increasing ride height (15mm), physically lengthening the position of the Ohlins-sourced suspension and increasing lean angle capability (up to 50-degrees). Correspondingly, chassis geometry changed slightly with a minor reduction in rake and trail, as well as wheelbase. An Ohlins steering damper complements the package as do higher-spec Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires wrapped over lighter forged aluminum wheels by Marchesini. Another nice touch is the fitment of grippier, and nice looking, machined aluminum footpegs. All told the 1200 R is claimed to weigh 456 pounds, a nine pound reduction compared to the S version the last time we tested it.
The Monster 1200 R’s tail section is sharper and its seat gets special seat cover with premium red stitching.
Traditionally, Monsters have never been marketed as track bikes, but the R changes that. Think of it as a gentlemen’s Panigale: Nimble, but with a far less demanding riding position, the top-of-the-line Monster is a dream come true for riders seeking a bike that’s sporty, yet relaxed, compared to the pure-race stance of a Superbike. It’s also planted at speed making it superbly fun to wail around on track. And with its sleeker-looking tail section the Monster looks more the part, too. The seat cover’s premium red stitching and finely brushed metal radiator covers are also nice subtle eye candy.
There’s no question that the R-spec 1200 is more monstrous, but is it’s worth the nearly $2700 increase versus the ‘S’ model? If hardcore sport performance paired with a cheery and real-world friendly riding position is what you’re seeking, the Monster R is worth taking for a spin.
