2014 Ducati Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S – First Look Review

The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S makes a claimed 145 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque.
The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S makes a claimed 145 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque.

For the past 20 years, Monsters have been roaming the streets, striking fear in the hearts of commonfolk and stoking lusty fires in the hearts of Ducatisti. To kick off the Monster line’s third decade, Ducati has introduced the biggest and baddest beasts yet—the Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S. Replacing the previous heavyweight in the Monster family, the 1100EVO, the new models are powered by the 1,198cc liquid-cooled, desmodromic Testastretta 11˚ L-twin found in the Diavel power cruiser and Multistrada adventure tourer.

Read our review of the 2012 Ducati Monster 1100EVO

Read our review of the 2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

Advertisement
The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 and 1200 S are both more powerful, longer and more comfortable than the Monster 1100EVO.
The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 and 1200 S are both more powerful, longer and more comfortable than the Monster 1100EVO.

The Monster 1200 makes a claimed 135 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 87 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm, while the Monster 1200 S kicks it up a notch with 145 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque. The Testastretta 11˚ L-twin has dual spark plugs and 4 valves per cylinder, and fuel is injected through electronically controlled (throttle-by-wire) Mikuni throttle bodies. Three Ducati Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban), eight levels of Ducati Traction Control and three levels of ABS allow the new Monsters to be adapted to a wide range of conditions.

The Testastretta engine is now a stressed member of the tubular-steel trellis frame, with Panigale-style attachment points on the cylinder head. Naturally, the cast aluminum swingarm is single-sided. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission, a servo-assisted, wet slipper clutch and chain final drive. To enhance stability on such a powerful, lightweight bike (461 pounds wet, claimed), the wheelbase has been increased by 2.4 inches compared to the Monster EVO1100. And to enhance riding comfort, the handlebar is 1.6 inches higher and 1.6 inches closer to the rider than on the previous model. Seat height is now adjustable and can be set at either 30.9 or 31.9 inches; an accessory low seat reduces height to 29.3 inches.

Available in Ducati Red or White, the 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 is $13,495 and the Monster 1200 S is $15,995.
Available in Ducati Red, the Monster 1200 is $13,495. Available in Ducati Red or White, the Monster 1200 S is $15,995.

Suspension on the Monster 1200 consists of a fully adjustable 43mm Kayaba male-slider fork and a preload/rebound-adjustable Sachs rear shock. The higher-spec Monster 1200 S gets fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear. Both models have radial-pump master cylinders and radial-mount Brembo Monobloc opposed 4-piston front brake calipers—the 1200’s M4-32 calipers squeeze 320mm semi-floating discs and the 1200 S’s M50 calipers squeeze 330mm semi-floating discs. Both use the same Brembo 2-piston caliper and 245mm disc out back. As part of the Ducati Safety Pack, ABS and traction control are standard on both models. Panigale-style 10-spoke light alloy 17-inch wheels are shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II dual-compound tires.

The Monster’s halogen headlight is flanked by LED front position lights, and the brake/taillights are also LED. Instrumentation uses a TFT (thin film transistor) display that is fully customizable and includes three different displays (Sport, Touring and Urban) to match the selected Ducati Riding Mode. Fuel capacity is 4.6 gallons.

The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 will be available in Ducati Red with a red frame and black wheels, with an MSRP of $13,495. The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S will be available in Ducati Red with a Red frame and Gloss Black wheels or White with a Bronze frame and Gloss Black wheels, with an MSRP of $15,995. Availability is TBD.

Returning for 2014 are the Ducati Monster 696 and Monster 796. Both the 696 and 796 will be available in Ducati Red with Red frames and Black wheels. Other color options for the 696 include Dark Stealth or Stone White with Matte Black frames and Black wheels. Other color options for the 796 include Diamond Black Silk with contrasting Red frame and Black wheels. Pricing and availability are TBD.

Read our review of the 2013 Ducati Monster 696 ABS

For more information, visit ducatiusa.com.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here