2014 Ducati Monster 1200

Engine
Both versions are powered by the Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta 11-degree Dual Spark engine, which is now a fully-stressed chassis member, using Panigale-style attachment points.

In the standard Monster, the second generation Testastretta DS pushes out 135hp @ 8,750rpm, while an extra 10 horses are available for the Monster 1200 S - 145hp @ 8,750rpm. Peak torque of 87lb-ft (12kgm) for the Monster 1200 and 92lb-ft (12.7kgm) for the 1200 S version, both values @ 7,250rpm, further enhance riding pleasure. Ducati claim a major service interval with this engine of 30,000 kms.

An oil bath clutch with 'slipper' function uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that results in a much lighter clutch lever at the handlebar. When the drive force is reversed (over-run), the same mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like 'slipper' action.

The 2-1-2 exhaust system enables efficient power delivery, with the engine management system using a lambda probe in each header to provide precise fueling, while the cannon-style, vertically stacked silencers carry catalytic converters feature an electronically controlled mid-section valve to optimise exhaust pressures throughout the rev-range.

New frame
The new 1200 retains the Monster's signature Trellis frame, but engine attachment points move directly to the cylinder heads, as pioneered on the innovative Panigale Superbike. More compact, the new design also effectively doubles the torsional stiffness of the previous Monster frame.

Ergonomics
Wheelbase is 60mm longer on the new model, which makes for great stability, especially when riding two-up. Handlebars now sit 40mm higher and 40mm closer to the rider, while an all-new seat design features a high-grip surface and 80mm of foam at its deepest point. In a first, the seat is now adjustable, using a block-and-pin system to adjust height from the standard 810mm down to as low as 745mm (with the accessory low seat).

Grab-rails are subtle, while a sleek and sporty single seat cover comes as standard equipment, which combined with a Diavel-style registration plate holder, gives the rear-end a clean, minimal look.

Additional styling changes on the new Monster include a larger fuel tank, more compact headlight and clean, minimal handlebar area with adjustable brake and clutch levers on radial master cylinders, with detail touches including tinted, transparent reservoirs.

Suspension
Fully adjustable 43mm Kayaba front forks and a single Sachs rear unit (adjustable preload and rebound) features on the standard Monster, while the Monster S gets an upgrade to fully adjustable 48mm Ohlins front forks and a fully adjustable Ohlins unit on the rear with integrated piggy-back reservoir.

Wheels and Tyres
17-inch wheels are used front (3.50 x 17) and rear (6.00 x 17), with the 1200 S using a different wheel design to the standard 1200. Diablo Rosso II tyres, in 120/70 for the front and 190/55 for the rear, use Pirelli technologies to optimise grip and enhance wet weather characteristics.

Brakes
Included as an integral part of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP), both the Monster and Monster S are equipped with Bosch's ABS 9MP controlled Brembo braking system as standard. The 3-level ABS system provides shorter stopping distances with enhanced stability, while being fully integrated with the electronic Riding Modes. The ABS can be disabled, via the instrumentation, with the system allowing settings to be saved and memorised at the next ignition-on.

Twin 320mm discs up front feature radially-mounted Brembo, four piston, Monobloc M4-32 calipers on the standard Monster, while the Monster S uses 330mm discs and M50 Monobloc calipers. Both models use radial front brake pumps with remote reservoirs and a single 245mm disc on the rear gripped by a single Brembo caliper.

The new Monster uses the very latest Ducati Traction Control (DTC) software, an intelligent system that detects and controls rear wheel-spin, which is now optimised with seamless intervention to ignition timing only.

Riding Modes
Three Riding Modes - "Sport", "Touring" and "Urban" - can be individually customised and saved to suit the rider, with a 'Default' option available to easily return all settings to factory pre-sets. Each Riding Mode is pre-programmed to instantly change engine character, ABS and DTC intervention - even while riding.

An electronic Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system uses Ducati's innovative e-Grip throttle to administer different mappings to regulate power delivery, while the Ducati Traction Control system (DTC) uses eight levels of system interaction to enhance control by reducing rear wheel-spin and the ABS processor provides pre-programmed three levels of anti-lock braking.

Instrumentation
The new Monster and Monster S use Ducati's industry-leading Thin Film Transistor (TFT) technology. The system changes its display layout - to "Core", "Full" or "Track" - depending on the Riding Mode selected.

"Core" offers the bare minimum of information appropriate to the urban environment, and in a style immediately and easily readable.

In Touring Riding Mode the display completely changes to "Full" layout, delivering the maximum amount of information required during a long journey - fuel reserve, trip time and lap times (if activated), actual fuel consumption, average speed, air temperature and more.

In Sport Riding Mode the display adopts the "Track" layout, presenting sport-essential information only. The rev-counter graphic recalibrates itself in a Superbike style, with speed prominently displayed in the centre of the screen, along with ABS, engine temp, DTC and other information.

When stationary, the instrumentation doubles as a user-friendly control panel to personalise and save ABS, DTC, and RbW settings within each Riding Mode as well as redesignating any of the three layouts to each of the three Riding Modes. In addition to listing the last 30 recorded lap times, each time

When the bike is stationary, the instrumentation doubles as a control panel to personalise and save ABS, DTC, and RbW settings within each Riding Mode as well as redesignating any of the three layouts to each of the three Riding Modes.


Australian dealers are now taking orders for the 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 and 1200 S for local delivery in late April.