DUCATI MONSTER 1200S (2014 - 2021) Review

Super brakes and Öhlins suspension is plush as hell!

Super strong, responsive and powerful.

No more expensive than any other bike. I personally think this ‘Ducati desmo service’ costing more than anything else is a myth. It doesn’t cost anymore than a valve check on my Africa twin which is around £700/800. And considering the Monster is a performance bike, it’s still cheap and cost no more than an expensive sports car.

Could do with cruise control. Possibly a quick shifter (I know this came with later models and the R), and FFS Ducati, FUEL GUAGE!!!!

Solid

Solid, sweet hum has a lot of feel

12000 miles in new throttle, kept cutting out, new fuel sensor which just never worked 80% of the time, quick shifter turned off at dealer as unreliable, whole new clutch, parts took a month cost £450 before labour, engine has been solid though

Good spec, when it’s working.

Like most modern sport / street bikes, it will carry pillion at a push but won't match a tourer in that regard. No-one will want to be on the back anyway, the way this bike 'makes' you ride. Standard seat is comfy for longer than a tankful of fuel will last. Surprisingly - no real issues with wind blast either. I had a Street and Speed Triple before this bike and the Monster is noticeably better in that regard. The one niggle for me is the up-quickshifter. It is clunkier than a clunky thing. Coming from the Triumph, it feels like the Ducati version was made by John Deere. The downshifter on the other hand is superb.

Five out of five is not enough! It's an absolute peach. I have had faster bikes (race prep ZX-10R, new Speed Triple 1200), but this bike is not focused on outright speed. It just loves to pull, especially at low rpm, and makes the most fantastic noises whilst doing so! The

Had this bike for 8 months and about 3000 absolutely fault free miles, mostly A/B road spirited runs.

Its a Ducati - so never going to be the cheapest bike to own. Its not crazy though. Likes to eat a rear tyre in under 3000 miles.

Loads of aftermarket options available (at a price) to bling up this model. I have went for a number of parts from Ducabike, inc the clear clutch cover kit and anodised frame bungs (which arguably Ducati should really have considered providing). The expensive but lovely shaped pillion grab rails are perfect for manhandling the bike around the garage. Tank bags are a bit of a nightmare to fit on this. I found the clip on ones meant for enduro bikes (i use GIVI) fitted best, but obscured the entire dash.

Great on trackdays and great on the road. Perfect all rounder

Tremendous spread of power. Very torquey, fast and fabulous soundtrack on and off the throttle

Had reared hub replaced but Ducati paid

Service intervals are 18000 between big services so it's not bad. Not cheap but worth it

Good as it is, I've personalised mine with a full Termignoni system, lots of carbon bits Rizomi bar end mirrors and some tasteful stickers

The ride is firm but not jolting or unstable corners like on rails. Some tyres are sticky (super corsa's) but don't feel as secure and accurate as others (Metzler Roadtec 01). Very comfortable for rider and pillion. The footrests are very comfortable for road riders who keep need to keep their foot over the brake :)

Smooth and fierce like a hammer. Beautiful fuelling but the torque is massive and builds so it is hard for humans to ride above 7000 revs

11000 miles no hiccups no problems

big services are expensive: also has single sided swing arm so chain adjustment can seize if not stripped and greased

with that engine in that frame what other equipment do you need?

Brakes should be a lot better then they feel, although still have plenty for the job at hand.

Fantastic big lumpy twin with good power throughout and 3 engine modes

Italian electronics are not the best problems with a poor 12v battery trying to turn over two massive pistons. build standard is fantastic though.

High service costs, high fuel consumption, expensive parts and accessories

Avoid Michelin tyres advised standard Pirellis/bridgestone, no fuel gauge - very missed, recommend changing mirrors to bar end as the standard positions are pretty useless

Solid brakes - not quite M40s but still Brembos - and plush enough ride. Could use a suspension tune up but that'll only cost £70!

Not as smooth as a 3 or a 4 but that's the beauty - you get this enormous surge of power all at once that gives the illusion of it being faster than its competitors. Very smooth fuelling in Touring mode, not at all snatchy which is quite something for a huge V twin. Doesn't feel lumpy at all like the 2014 M1200 did.

Reliability not tested yet but the build quality is exceptional. It feels really solid and all the usually cheap looking parts - switchgear, mirrors etc are well designed.

First service was £180 (600 mile) which is a little steep for an oil change! But the value of the bike is solid - it's as cheap as any other super naked when you factor in the low rate finance.

All the kit you could want, with the possible exception of cruise control. Up and down quickshifter is £240 - a must! You don't get cornering ABS in any bike cheaper than this.

With Brembo brakes all round and dual discs upfront, she stops as well as a 1299. Ride is good especially with the adjustable suspension. I am 6'3" and have no hassles riding. She is light weight and chuckable in the corners, highly responsive.

Engine is rapid, really rapid. Responsive and sounds brilliant, either standard or with the Termignonis, not the smoothest at lower revs, but that is the nature of twins. One has to use 2nd and 3rd in town to keep the ride smooth, open roads and the torque comes alive, crazily so.

Touch wood, no issues as of yet, still early days.

Pricey to buy, but to me, great value. Ducati are quite transparent with their fees.

Added a small fly screen, reminiscent of the original monsters. Tyres are good as standard, but she will get the Michelin Road pilots later on.