Ducati Monster 1200 R 2019 — Specifications

The Monster completely blew the competition away. Already generous in power and technology in its 1200 version, it is now totally supercharged in this R version. Pushed to the heart of mechanical madness, the Bologna roadster rediscovers the fundamentals and the bestiality of the infamous S4, S4R and S4RS. Extreme! There is no better way to define this Monster 1200 R.

It distinguishes itself from the family with its more angular exhaust pipes, a sportier rear fairing like a Superbike monocoque, its high-end components and its engine. Here, the 11° Testastretta twin devoured like a lion. Ducati brings its power up to 160 horsepower (152 with the measurement cycle implemented at the end of 2017). Enormous. The highest dose of watts ever grafted onto a Bologna roadster. To achieve this, the diameter of the injection bodies swelled to 56 mm, the compression ratio goes to 13:1 and the exhaust line roars in 58 mm pipes. The Monster can now look down on the S 1000 R and spit its venom on the essentials of the hyperfighter segment.

Fiery. Yes, and not only that. Lively too. The factory raised the chassis by 15 mm at the front and rear, and the saddle to 830 m, in order to lean even more in the curves and torture the tire mount. Entrusted to Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, the envelopes promise big sport. It is straight 200 at the rear, which must support pig angles and 13.4 mkg of torque (12.7 with the other measurement). The damping is ensured by quality elements, excellent quality. The Öhlins fork, completely black (gold on the Monster S) is a 48 mm size. The rear and steering damper are also signed Öhlins. Of course, the suspensions are completely adjustable.

The weight takes advantage to drop to 180 kgs, or 2 less than the Monster S. Some carbon parts, forged Marchesini rims and specific footrests explain this weight reduction. And to brake, nothing less than the system of the 1299 Panigale, the latest of Bologna's hyperports. Namely, Brembo M50 evo calipers biting into 330 mm tracks; for the rear, the 2-piston caliper will be content with a 245 mm disc.

Ducati be, electronics you will receive. And of the excellent as possible. The Monster 1200 R carries a Bosch 9MP 3-level sport ABS, three riding modes (Sport – Touring – Urban), traction control with 8 sensitivity profiles and a TFT dashboard.

With this Monster 1200 R, Ducati restores to the roadster the powerful and burning taste of the Monsters of yesteryear, before the era of the 1098 Streetfighter. Meanwhile, power has crossed a big threshold, and the sporty spirit meets a premium and muscular identity. We can expect the same robustness in terms of price.

M.B - Photos manufacturer