Motorcycle specifications Ducati1200 Monster S 2018 When gold goes down with fire

The redesign of the 1200 Monster is nothing but the best. The promise of agility, lighter visuals and a return to the Monster spirit of the early days (although the weight is far from it...). Ducati fans will no doubt appreciate it. The S version will be less appreciative of this update. Yet it benefits from the same evolutions, boasts fine suspension and shares the same engine configuration. A yellow grin for a car that used to boast 10 more horsepower.

fortunately, it has many arguments to put forward, enabling it to get past this pill. And then some. The highlight of the S versions shines like a promise. The golden tubes are unmistakable: a fine pair of Öhlins suspensions provide superior roadholding. A monoshock holds both the swingarm and the Testastretta 11° DS's high wattage. The inverted fork, a 48 mm TIN model, houses two large Brembo M50 brake calipers in its arms. With 330 mm-diameter brake tracks, the 1200 Monster S features the same equipment as a Panigale.
It also sets itself apart from the standard model by adopting an Up&Down shifter, DRL daytime running lights, carbon front mudguard, 3-spoke Y rims, and a weight reduced by 2 kilos.

the ex-1200 Monster and Monster S each had their own power range. 135 hp for one, 145 for the other. Now it's fair game: 150 horsepower for everyone. We're not far from the R. A strength and violence akin to those boasted by the club of big monsters, S 1000 R, Tuono V4 1100 and Superduke 1290.
Ducati has done its utmost to channel this force, perhaps a little too much. The electronic package is impressive: power modes, 3 riding modes, 8-step traction control, 8-step anti-wheeling and cornering ABS. Thanks to the IMU inertial unit installed in this evolution of the 1200 Monster, braking is reactive to the angle taken and moderates force accordingly.

a few design tweaks accompany the welcome return of the fuel tank attachment loop. The chassîs, improved by a tighter column angle and shorter wheelbase, gets a boost of dynamism, even more so with Öhlins equipment. Always full of aplomb, muscular if not airy, the Ducati Monster 1200 S is one of those bikes you look at with envy and respect. The equipment, the technology, the performance are all equivocal. On the other hand, don't expect to be fooled financially, as Bologna's products are not known for being affordable. Especially at such a high level of sportiness.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos