2014 Ducati Monster 1200/1200 S PreviewThough turning a young 21 in 2014, the Ducati Monster has more than proved itself. The naked motorcycle out of Bologna not only broke styling boundaries when released back in 1993, but also saved Ducati from financial turmoil.
And to celebrate its 21st year in existence, the Monster lineup has been revamped for 2014. Alongside the Monster 696 and 796 models that return as carry-overs, Ducati will offer the Monster 1200 in two versions – the base and the one that will bring back memories of the S4R and S4RS – the 1200 S.The new 1200 models, which replace the Monster 1100 EVO, arrive with the second-generation Testastretta 11-degree Dual Spark (DS) engine, the same powerplant offered in the Multistrada and Diavel. And like the Panigale 1199, the engine is a fully-stressed member of the chassis, mounting to the trellis frame.This wet-clutch engine derives from the Ducati 1198 superbike, but the valve overlap was reduced from 41 degrees to 11 for a stronger midrange, which is needed for real-world streetability. The water-cooled, 11-degree DS also requires 18,000 miles between service intervals, and is hooked to a six-speed transmission.The base 1200 Monster produces 135 horsepower at 8750 rpm and 86.8 ft.-lb. of torque at 7250 rpm, and, due to finely-tuned mapping, the 1200 S produces 145 horsepower at 8750 rpm and 92 ft.-lb of torque at 7250 rpm. Both versions, which each tip the scales at 401 lb. dry (461 lb. wet), arrive with the famed tubed-steel trellis frame, single-sided swingarm, naked styling, and a 31.8-inch seat height, though an optional lower 30.9-inch seat is available.These two new Monsters are also backed by the latest in Ducati electronics, including three Ducati Riding Modes, three levels of ABS, Ride-by-Wire, and eight levels of traction control.Of course, the 1200 S is upgraded with Ohlins suspension components and larger brakes, but the base 1200 is no slouch. It arrives with a 43mm Kayaba fully-adjustable fork up front, and a Progressive Sachs monoshock with adjustable springload and rebound damping out back.As for the 1200 S, it receives a 48mm Ohlins fully adjustable fork up front coated with TiN, and an Ohlins fully-adjustable progressive linkage system out back.The 1200’s brake system consists of two 320mm discs up front squeezed by Brembo Monobloc M4-32 four-piston calipers, with a single 245mm disc squeezed by a two-piston caliper out back. The Monster 1200 S is upgraded with 330mm discs up front, and Brembo Monobloc M50 four-piston calipers up front – the same brakes found on the 1199 Panigale superbike.Both models arrive with a three-level Bosch ABS 9MP Abs system that integrates with three Ducati Riding Modes – Sport, Touring and Urban.All three modes are per-programmed to change engine character based on the intervention of the ABS or the eight-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system.Following are characteristics of each mode:
Sport: Provides 135 horsepower (145 horsepower for the S Model) delivered with a “High” RbW throttle response, reduced DTC system intervention and level one ABS of sport oriented intervention with no rear lift-up prevention.
Touring: Provides 135 horsepower (145 horsepower for the S Model) delivered with a “Medium” RbW throttle response, increased DTC system intervention and level two ABS with rear lift-up prevention activated.
Urban: Provides 100 horsepower delivered with a “Low” RbW throttle response, further increased DTC system intervention and level three ABS with maximum braking stability and rear lift-up prevention.
The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 base rolls on 10-spoke alloy wheels, and the 1200 S on three-spoke alloy wheels. Both models arrive shod in Pirelli Diablo Rossi II tires (120/17 ZR17 front; 190/55 ZR17 back).The new Monsters arrive with a TFT instrument display that is fully customizable with three different backgrounds for each riding mode. Riders can further customize the display by choosing three different layouts of information – “Core,” “Full” or “Track.”Featuring comfortable, upright ergonomics, the 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 and 1200 S feature a larger, 4.6-gallon fuel tank, and a headlight and brake lights enhanced with LED technology. The S Model also features LED turn-signals, and a hazard light function.The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 base model arrives in Ducati Red with a red frame and black wheels. The 1200 S arrives in the same color but with glossy black wheels, or White with a bronze-colored frame and glossy black wheels.As for pricing, the base model runs $13,495, and the S model $15,995. Stay clicked to UltimateMotorCycling.com for a Review once this 21-year-old company saver is available to the press.2014 Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S Specs:Engine:
