Since the original, iconic M900 was introduced for 1993, Ducati has built Monsters in a wide range of shapes, sizes and power levels. The 2017 Monster lineup includes six models: the all-new, air-cooled 797, the 821 and 821 Stripe, the track-ready, 160-horsepower 1200 R and the updated-for-2017 1200 and 1200 S.
Read our 2017 Ducati Monster 797 first look review
Read our 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 R first ride review
Read our 2015 Ducati Monster 821 first ride review
Introduced for 2014, the Ducati Monster 1200 and 1200 S were the first bikes in the Monster family to get the versatile, torquey, liquid-cooled, 1,198cc Testastretta 11˚ L-twin that powers the Multistrada 1200 and Diavel.
Read our 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S first ride review
Updated for 2017, the Monster 1200 and 1200 S are now Euro 4 compliant, and the shared Testastretta 11˚ L-twin has been tuned to produce 150 horsepower at 9,250 rpm—15 more horsepower than the previous Monster 1200 and 5 more horsepower than the previous Monster 1200 S—and 93 lb-ft of torque at 7,750 rpm (claimed, at the crank). Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox, a hydraulically actuated wet assist-and-slipper clutch and chain final drive. As before, a tubular-steel trellis frame uses the L-twin as a stressed member, but bolted to it is a beefier single-sided swingarm and new die-cast aluminum footpegs.
The same three riding modes return—Sport, Touring and Urban—that automatically adjust power, throttle response, ABS sensitivity and Ducati Traction Control (8 levels). New for 2017 are an Intertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Bosch cornering ABS (3 levels) and Ducati Wheelie Control (9 levels).
The Monster 1200 features a fully adjustable 43mm Kayaba fork, a preload- and rebound-adjustable Sachs shock, Brembo brakes with M4.32 monobloc radial front calipers squeezing 320mm discs and 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires. Claimed curb weight is 461 pounds.
The higher-spec Monster 1200 S has a fully adjustable 48mm fork and shock by Öhlins, Brembo M50 monobloc radial front calipers squeezing 330mm discs, triple Y-spoke cast aluminum wheels with exclusive “S” graphics and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires, a carbon fiber front fender, a headlight with LED Daytime Running Light and LED turn signals. Claimed curb weight is 465 pounds (the extra few pounds is probably due to the beefier fork).
Both have full-color TFT instrumentation, 4.36 gallons of fuel capacity, an adjustable seat height (31.3/32.3 inches), a removable passenger seat cover and a USB power socket.
The 2017 Ducati Monster 1200 ($14,695) is available in Ducati Red with a red frame and black wheels, and the Monster 1200 S is available in Ducati Red with a red frame and black wheels ($16,995) or new Liquid Concrete Grey (shown) with a black frame and black wheels ($17,195). Both models should be in dealerships starting in January 2017.
