DUCATI MONSTER 1200R (2016 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (397 lbs / 180 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesPowerful 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.
- Related: Ducati Monster 1200 review
- Related: Ducati Monster 1200 S review
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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Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe 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.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityPower 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.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe 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.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThere’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.
Equipment
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.
It also gets 1299 Panigale-style wheels with the same huge 200 section Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyre on the rear; the new Monster R can certainly head straight to the race track.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1198cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 8v desmo V-twin |
| Frame type | Tubular Steel |
| Fuel capacity | 17.5 litres |
| Seat height | 830mm |
| Bike weight | 180kg |
| Front suspension | 48mm Ohlins fully adj |
| Rear suspension | Ohlins fully adj |
| Front brake | 2x330mm Brembo four piston monobloc, ABS |
| Rear brake | 245mm disc, Brembo single piston. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70X17 |
| Rear tyre size | 200/55x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 50 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | - |
| New price | £15,250 |
| Used price | £6,900 - £9,000 |
| Insurance group |
16 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | 2 years Unlimited |
Top speed & performance |
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| Max power | 160 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 97 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 150 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 170 miles |
Model history & versions
Other versions
Owners' reviews for the DUCATI MONSTER 1200R (2016 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their DUCATI MONSTER 1200R (2016 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your DUCATI MONSTER 1200R (2016 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
Year: 2016
Great for all day comfort and short blasts. Never a dull ride. The engine is an absolute peach, full of character and grunt. Brilliant technical specification geared for a pure riding experience.
Adjustable front and rear suspension. Razor sharp in sport mode for track and soft and compliant for UK roads set to comfort. Ohlins front and rear. Doesn’t get any better.
Distinctive v-twin sound that makes you happy to be alive! Not available with a quick shifter although aftermarket models are available. I prefer to keep the analogue nature of the bike and pure riding style and engagement with the bike.
I’m on my 3rd monster over the course of 20 years (with quite a few bikes in between). Never had any issues.
Not terrible costs considering its 2-wheeled exotica.
There isn’t any equipment missing that it should have as a 1200r. Sure I’d perhaps like cruise control for the odd motorway stretch and heated grips but it’s very few occasions and not needed as standard. Bike is designed for the task in hand. You have three riding modes to choose from plus a 4th which is completely programmable. I used the ‘Urban’ mode a couple of weeks ago during biblical rain to increase electronic assistance in braking and traction.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. Straight forward trade in for my Rocket GT
Version: Termignoni Exhausts
Year: 2016
Bought for the track after a 17 year break. Track ready out of the shop! After one track day in the medium group to ease myself back into riding, this bike is carrying me into the fast group at a respectful pace. So fast (for me) in and out of corners and very stable all round. Loads of fun without the cramped riding position as my old injuries are not very flexible. Went in to buy a Panigale and came out with a Monster.....I always thought they were for the 'show and no go' crowd. How wrong!....... Great decision. Got to find the bad points yet.
Rock Solid. I'm maybe not pushing hard enough.
Low down grunt out of corners is amazing.
Rock Solid so far.
No idea of servicing costs yet, but 4 out of 5 because I'm a Yorkshire man, and everything could be cheaper! Tyres lasting reasonably well with track abuse.
Go for the Termi's. Standard tyres take some beating. R&G Crash protection saved a few bob when forgetting side stand. Maybe I have been off bikes a while, but the digital display tells me more than I need.
Buying experience: Ducati Leeds...... Very Easy.
Ducati Monster 1200 R knee down cornering
Ducati Monster 1200 R front wheel
Ducati Monster 1200 R radiator
Ducati Monster 1200 R wheelie
Ducati Monster 1200 R fuel tank
Ducati Monster 1200 R screen
Ducati Monster 1200 R seat
Ducati Monster 1200 R cornering on track fast
