The most powerful addition to the Monster family, the Ducati Monster 1200 R is equipped wih a 1200 cc Testastretta 11° DS “R” version twin-cylinder engine that makes 160hp and 97 lb-ft of torque. The engine is equipped with a new 2-1-2 exhaust system with 58mm diameter pipes and redesigned twin silencers. Although their routing has not been changed, the exhaust pipes have a new cross-section with a diameter that’s been increased by 8mm to boost engine efficiency which now breathes better thanks to a new throttle body.

The original round design with 53mm diameter bodies featured on the Monster 1200 has been replaced in the new version by a larger, oval section design with a 56mm equivalent diameter. A lower-height cylinder seal has made it possible to increase the compression ratio from 12.5:1 to 13:1, improving combustion efficiency. The Monster has a wet clutch with ‘slipper’ function actuated by a Brembo master cylinder. Thanks to its progressive self-servo mechanism, it can be operated smoothly and progressively.

As with the rest of the Monster family, the signature trellis frame remains a feature of the 1200 R, with attachment points directly on the cylinder heads, a race-derived solution pioneered by the Panigale. Thanks to this configuration, the resulting frame is highly compact and lightweight and, with large cross-section pipes, it offers massive torsional strength. The rear sub-frame is also attached directly to the engine, creating a compact structure designed to support the new passenger footpeg brackets – now a separate design from the rider’s, to guarantee greater freedom of movement for the best road and track sports riding experience. To ensure lean angles suitable for track use, the chassis set-up has been raised by 15mm both at the front and at the rear end, and the seating height has been adjusted to 830mm accordingly. Another major focus of attention was weight reduction. The new tailpiece, wheels, carbon fibre parts and the new footpegs together made for a 2kg weight saving – down to a total dry weight of 180kg.

The high-tech suspension system features new, fully adjustable 48mm titanium nitride-coated Öhlins forks with black-anodised bottoms and bodies and a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock. Operating through a progressive linkage, the rear suspension attaches directly from the rear vertical cylinder to the die-cast aluminium single-sided swingarm at the opposite end. The Öhlins suspension package is completed by the adjustable steering damper that controls handlebar movement under heavy acceleration and enhances the sports inspiration of the instrument panel view.

The Monster 1200 R features 3-spoke light alloy forged wheels inspired by the Panigale R design and is fitted with Pirelli DIABLO Supercorsa SP tyres – 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 200/55 x ZR17 at the rear. The braking system includes twin radially-mounted M50 Monobloc callipers gripping 330mm discs at the front, actuated by a master cylinder with remote reservoir. At the rear, the Monster 1200 R features one 245mm disc gripped by a single Brembo calliper with sintered friction material pads to improve efficiency. The braking system is controlled by the triple stage ABS Bosch 9MP system – which can be disabled by the user.

The Ducati Riding Modes offer different factory settings designed to optimise vehicle behaviour according to riding styles and environmental conditions. The Monster 1200 R comes equipped with three Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) – each programmed to adjust the Ride-by-Wire engine control system and the ABS and DTC intervention levels.

Sport
The Sport Riding Mode provides 160hp, delivered with direct Ride-by-Wire throttle response, reduced DTC system intervention (level 3) and ABS high braking performance (level 1) with no lift prevention.

Touring
The Touring Riding Mode provides 160hp, delivered with a more progressive Ride-by-Wire throttle response, increased DTC system intervention (level 4) and ABS-controlled lift prevention (level 2).

Urban
The Urban Riding Mode provides 100hp, delivered with a progressive Ride-by-Wire throttle response, further increased DTC system intervention (level 6) and ABS ensuring maximum braking stability and lift prevention (level 3).