DUCATI MONSTER 1200R (2016 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Power:	160 bhp
Seat height:	Medium (32.7 in / 830 mm)
Weight:	Low (397 lbs / 180 kg)

Prices

New £15,250

Used £7,000 - £9,500

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Powerful 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.

Related: Ducati Monster 1200R vs Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory
Related: Best naked motorbikes

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The 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: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Power 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: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

There’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

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Ducati have included their unique safety pack, which is a bucket full of riders aids which includes eight-way traction control, three riding modes and the latest Bosch 9MP cornering ABS braking system.

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
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	£117
Annual service cost	-
New price	£15,250
Used price	£7,000 - £9,500
Insurance group	16 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	2 years Unlimited

Top speed & performance
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
Overall rating:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	5 out of 5 (5/5)

5 out of 5 Finally a ‘keeper’ after 20 or so bikes….

29 April 2024 by Matthew Wood

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

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.

Engine 5 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I’m on my 3rd monster over the course of 20 years (with quite a few bikes in between). Never had any issues.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not terrible costs considering its 2-wheeled exotica.

Equipment 5 out of 5

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

5 out of 5 Great Track Bike

19 July 2017 by Old Racer Rob

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.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Rock Solid. I'm maybe not pushing hard enough.

Engine 5 out of 5

Low down grunt out of corners is amazing.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Rock Solid so far.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

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.

Equipment 5 out of 5

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.