Test on Roots and Wings of Ducati, is carrying on its shoulders the soul of Ducati. Wings, it is for the largest ever built Monster still covers his imprint on a category it has itself initiated 22 years ago and, thanks to a 1,198 CC liquid twin engine.
More than it’s expected after the stunning 1290 KTM Super Duke R, the surprising Kawasaki Z 1000 and the bustling BMW S 1000 R, Ducati flows in turn in overheated bath sports roadsters with its newest Ducati Monster 1200s. Available in two different versions, the Italian has available to us in its livery called S, the most prestigious and the most efficient.
In order to properly situate things, be aware that this Monster 1200 comes as a replacement for the 1100 Evo in the range of the constructor. An evolution somewhat overwhelming for ducatiest hardliners because it crowds out without warning the famous four valve air cooled twin who did the reputation of the Monster 1200s. Aim: offer more power and especially of couple without harming “Ducati sensations. And if you can’t see the reality of the facts (145 horses and 12.7 mkg for this S), you should know that the operation is also accompanied by two painful immediate consequences: significant weight (+ 20 kg approx.) and a gain significant price increase plus US$ 2040 in basic version, + US$ 5440 for the S. Gloups!
Then, loses to the Exchange? The soul of the Monster remains? Will find the answers to these difficult questions on the side of the Canary Islands of Tenerife more precisely, instead of this presentation press, where the Sun joins comic roads obtain us a perfect testing ground. If, at first glance, the traditional line of the Monster survives, cannot but be struck by the new measurements of this Ducati monster 1200. The big Bologna roadster shows significantly larger than its predecessor. Logic will tell me you, the beast winning in displacement.
But more than in the taking of shoulders of twin, the reason for this growth is to seek in the design of new mechanics as well as in the adaptation of the part-cycle to the dynamic characteristics of the latter. The Testastretta 11 ° twin thus exposes its complex system of cooling large reinforced hoses, pumps and radiators, at the expense of a certain aesthetic purity on its left side. No doubt possible, the new Ducati Monster appears much more attractive on her right profile, detailing the beautiful exhaust line that furiously reminds one of the 1100, just like the magnificent rear rim – here put in value by the single sided swing arm.
Novelty also dare support plate how Diavel, moved close to the tire via an arm anchored on the rear hub. The stern line to win both lightness and modernity and originality, thus contrasting with a more massive engine/tank set. It should be noted in passing that the Italian took advantage of this major overhaul to glean no less than 4 liters of fuel now 17.5 liters! What more dispassionately consider long trips, even though the appetite of the Ducati monster 1200 should logically be more consistent than the 1100 Evo, which was rather of the frugal kind?
To complete the inventory, they praise the aesthetics of the nose wheel, nicely set off by a wide and flat Lighthouse optical overlooking a golden fork Öhlins signed fork which welcomes solid stanchion tubes of 48 mm. A specific equipment this version S, as the shock of the same sign Swedish (depreciation is here fully adjustable), the front fender carbon fiber, brake system before (330 mm discs and calipers Brembo M50, the end of the end), the rims to branches in Y, the flashing led, the warning, specific color, as well as a different engine electronic management to display 10 HP and 0.7 additional mkg (135 HP and 12 mkg on) the standard version, sold US$18340).
The finish of the whole does not lend the flank to criticism, the Ducati Monster 1200s releasing an undeniable feeling of robustness. It then moved quickly to commands to discover a new cockpit position. The handlebar has been
Enhanced 4 cm and approached the entire driver, providing hitherto characteristic less elongated posture. The seat, at 810 mm, will pose no problem to most templates because of its fineness in the crotch. It is even now adjustable on two heights, the low position displaying 785 mm and allowing smaller well to rest both feet on the ground. The operation requires the use of a screwdriver to remove two rubber strips and reposition the side panels placed on part and other saddle.
Well installed on board, the pilot view a changer compact and modern, where all of the instrumentation is displayed by a superb TFT color fully controllable from the left commodo. The 90 ° twin is shakes quickly and instantly displays his intentions: a deep and powerful voice, he scored willingness to performance on the slightest blow of gas. It is also quickly inebriates this hoarse sound wishes that the Ducati 1200s has wisely taken to its predecessor, including maintaining the crackling friendly during decelerations. Good sound in the ears and masculinity affirmed: this is how the twin intends to charm his new followers.
Now featuring three modes (Urban: 100 HP max and sensitivity of the gas very softened;) Touring: all the power and linear sensitivity; Sport: all the power and high reactivity to gas), it hastens to select the most suitable – Sport, obviously! -to discover a Monster responsive and torque, even if 2.2 mkg earned compared to the 1100 Evo seemed us a little shy. No doubt they still tempered by significant weight as well as the new geometry of part-cycle, less radical.
The two pistons have beautiful copiously pound cylinder heads with four valves and double ignition, it was expected more bestiality. Won by desired linearity, it does not offer the Vertigo which was entitled to expect such mechanics. Similarly, a ride at high speed does not cause dizziness at the sight of the proposed cavalry. On this point, the Super Duke R and S 1000 R, admittedly more powerful, are more demonstrative.
But do not believe that novelty Ducati is disappointing so far. Just take a look at the meter to see the 1200 displays everything even a sacred health!
It will also moderate terms this observation that may be a severe bit-side sensation by the fact that the majority of the roads where we could operate the Ducati Monster 1200 S to its full extent were located in altitude, at over 2,100 m for some. Course and at the level of the sea, the cones of admission respireraient better! Generous on intermediate regimes, the twin rumbles vehemently between 4 500 and 8 000 rpm before seeing its couple collapse beyond, leaving the power to speak. And if the engine we have left totally step mouth gaping – as could do his opponent from KTM-, cannot be said for the ease of driving.
Thanks to the new riding position, the first sequences of turns are more intuitive than in the past. Forget this disconcerting sensation directly to the front axle the hands. Forget the indispensable involvement of legs to the cockpit. Now, the 1200 points
the end of its wide handlebars, shiny of a copy of guide gear, neutrality on the brakes and precision. A treat. It also commended the excellent work of the suspensions, which filter perfectly irregularities of the coating, or even the awesome power granted by the front brake fully resumed at the Panigale…
At the time, the largest of the Ducati Monster fun in curves, leaving its driver to enjoy without restraint of its tonic mechanics, well helped by an efficient electronic
At the time, the largest of the Ducati Monster fun in curves, leaving its driver to enjoy without restraint of its tonic mechanics, well helped by an effective and less intrusive electronic (both on the side of the ABS and Traction Control). The selection, always as firm in its locks, proves quick and accurate. Pity therefore that among the multitude of information offered by the display missing that the ratio engaged! Would therefore confine himself to listen live twin to complete “the ear”, while it will benefit from a safe and considerate behavior.
Thanks to a wheelbase lengthened (+ 6 cm!), the Monster 1200 remains stable in all circumstances. Even the nose wheel remains unflappable on the bitumen’s damaged despite the lack of steering damper. There again, Ducati decided to play the card of serenity by slightly opening the Castor angle (+ 0.3 °) without undermining the liveliness. One surprise even to find particularly comfortable, thanks to a saddle at the fluffy to just. Is more than that to feed through this homogeneous unit which requires no other instruction than take pleasure, alone or even at two, the novelty with unpublished perfectly integrated passenger handles.
Verdict motorcycle Magazine About Ducati
the Ducati Monster 1200 S cultivates a genuine paradox. It is both more efficient due to a rise displacement and notorious, most sportingly equipped and more technological power while being more consensual than its predecessor (more comfortable position, adjustable seat, passenger grab, more natural and easy behavior). It thus seems to blow hot and cold, at the risk of antagonizing lovers of the ‘Monster Touch’ fond a some exclusivity. If the desire of Ducati Monster is to make his big Monster more accessible, it will be only on condition of paying almost 16 €000 for the S version! But who will sign the cheque, the satisfaction will be there: the object is the more seductive (technologically as to the eye) and presents real sporting skills without real instruction. A Ducati Monster 1200s real tour of force.
