Ducati spruced up its Monster 1200 and 1200 S ahead of MY2017, and it looks as though the Italian giant is carrying over those new models at least through 2020. Both bikes sport new fuel tanks on top of updates to the subframe and swingarm that shorten the wheelbase and change the overall look, however slightly; but in the bigger picture, it adds to agility. The electronics suite delivers all the safety and ride-quality control features you can reasonably expect; it's especially true now that items that were considered top-shelf have become ubiquitous enough to be part of the expected gear package.

2017 - 2020 Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 - 2020 Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: L-Twin
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S Design

Aesthetically speaking, the Monster 1200 and “S” variant are nearly identical, but the differences make...well...all the difference. The front fender is cut down to the absolute limits of functionality with deflector-style supports that double as guards for the swept area of the inverted forks, and while the “S” runs with the same shape, its fender is made of lightweight carbon fiber.

A newly-redesigned cyclops headlight carries a double parabola setup, and the “S” model adds a DRL feature for greater daytime visibility. The LED front blinkers are now mounted to the upper tripletree rather than the headlight housing, and I must admit it does clean up the front end just a bit.

Also new for this year bracket is an updated Thin-Film Transistor LCD screen that doubles as an instrument cluster complete with dummy lights to deliver all the pertinent metrics. Plus, it doubles as a user interface for the adjustable electronic ride-quality controls.

In profile, the flyline maintains that old recognizable silhouette, but the 4.4-gallon fuel tank dropped some of its girth and a quart from its capacity to take on a narrower/sportier shape as part of the updated looks. The deep knee pockets remain a constant across the board and the tank narrows down dramatically to meet the narrow saddle and frame. This gives the Monster 1200 siblings a narrow waist to help you reach the ground, and the factory lets you position the seat at either 31.3 inches off the deck or at 32.28 inches high so you can dial in for your inseam length.

Behind the pilot's saddle is a narrowed tail section that comes with a monochromatic cover to give the Monsters a solo look, but remove the cover and flip out the footpegs and you're ready to share your Monster with a friend. The underslung taillight is braced by J.C. handles that are likewise tucked under, and a mudguard mounts the rear blinkers and license plate to help keep the rear end clean. The factory gave spray control a boost out back from the swingarm-mount hugger that completes the coverage.

Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S Chassis

Welded steel tubing makes up the Trellis frame, and on the Ducati Red bike, the skeleton is shot in the same red to make it pop against the blacked out innards. The steering head sets a shortish rake angle of 23.3 degrees with a 3.41-inch trail over a shortened, 58.5-inch wheelbase to make for a more agile ride at the expense of straightline tracking. A gull-wing swingarm finishes the standing structure with a Sachs monoshock to tame the motion on the base model, and an Öhlins shock on the S model, both with the full trinity of adjustments.

Up front, the base model rocks a set of 43 mm, usd front forks from Kayaba while the “S” pulls from the top shelf with inverted, 48 mm Öhlins forks, and as with the rear shocks, you can expect the trifecta of adjustments across the range.

There's an offset in the brakes as well; the base model relies on dual, 320 mm discs and four-bore, Brembo M4.32 Monobloc calipers to slow the front wheel while the “S” rocks a pair of 330 mm discs and Brembo's Evo M50 anchors up front. Both rides come with a 245 mm disc and twin-pot caliper out back with a cornering-ABS feature from Bosch as part of the standard equipment package. Oh, and the kneedraggers can go ahead and rejoice; this Monster will tuck in as far as your nerves can handle.

Model:

Monster 1200

Monster 1200 S

Frame:

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Front suspension:

43 mm Kayaba fully adjustable usd forks

48 mm Öhlins fully adjustable usd forks

Rear suspension:

Progressive linkage with Sachs monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable. Aluminum single-sided swingarm

Progressive linkage with Sachs monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable. Aluminum single-sided swingarm

Rake:

23.3°

23.3°

Trail:

3.41 in (86.5 mm)

3.41 in (86.5 mm)

Front wheel:

10-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17

Y shaped, 3-spoke in light alloy with “S” graphics, 3.50 x 17

Rear wheel:

10-spoke in light alloy 6.00 x 17

Y-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy with “S” graphics, 6.00 x 17

Front Tire:

120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

Rear Tire:

190/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

190/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

Wheel travel, Front / Rear:

130 mm (5.1 in) / 5.87 in (149 mm)

130 mm (5.1 in) / 5.87 in (149 mm)

Front brake:

Dual 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo M4-32 calipers, 4-pistons, radial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Dual 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo M50 calipers, 4-piston, radial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Rear brake:

245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment


Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S Drivetrain

The beating heart and associated electronics are another common thread throughout the family. For power, the factory shoehorned in its 1,198 cc, Testastretta L-Twin plant with 147 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 91 pound-feet of torque that maxes out at 7,750 rpm. It rocks a quartet of valves in each of the two, dual-spark heads with Ducati's signature Desmodromic valvetrain that uses a pull-closed cam in lieu of the more common, spring-type closure. Astute readers will notice the 11-degree rider on the engine name; this refers to the number of degrees of rotation where valve overlap occurs, and is a means of reducing the amount of free and partially-burned hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream. The Euro 4 emissions rating is the payoff.

Massively oversquare, the Monster's mill runs with a 106 mm bore and 67.9 mm stroke that gives it a sizzlin' hot 13-to-1 compression ratio. Yeah, you can go ahead and forget about feeding it anything less than the finest road champagne. There was a time when Desmodromic engines were considered to be high-maintenance items, but this mill will go 18,000 miles between valve-lash checks so the old days of being a slave to the adjustments is in the past.

A hydraulic hand control actuates the slipper-type clutch that delivers a light pull at the lever and adds some backtorque protection to the mix. It couples engine power to the six-speed, overdrive transmission, and on the “S”, the tranny comes with the Ducati Quick-Shift feature that works both up and down the range. The base model comes ready to be fitted out with same, but it's an accessory item that'll add to the overall ticket at checkout.

Across the board, the Monsters boast a Riding Modes feature that lets you switch on the fly to the desired levels of intervention from the traction- and wheelie-control along with the ABS. As for top speeds, this pair of Monsters clock in at 145 mph.

Model:

Monster 1200

Monster 1200 S

Monster 1200

Ducati Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, Dual spark, liquid cooled

Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, Dual spark, liquid cooled

Monster 1200 S

1198.4 cc

1198.4 cc

Engine:

106 mm x 67.9 mm

106 mm x 67.9 mm

Displacement:

13:1

13:1

Bore x Stroke:

147 hp (108 kW) @ 9,250 rpm

147 hp (108W) @ 9,250 rpm

Compression ratio:

91 lb-ft (124 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm

91 lb-ft (124 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm

Power:

Electronic fuel injection system, 56 mm oval throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire

Electronic fuel injection system, 56 mm oval throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire

Torque:

Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminum covers and end caps

Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminum covers and end caps

Fuel injection:

6 speed

6 speed

Exhaust:

Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1

Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1

Gearbox:

1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25

1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25

Primary drive:

Chain drive, Front sprocket Z15; Rear sprocket Z41

Chain drive, Front sprocket Z15; Rear sprocket Z41

Ratio:

Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run


Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S Pricing

Ducati 

Ducati packs a lot of value into the Monster between its power and safety electronics and this gives you a lot of bike for your buck. The range starts in Ducati Red for $14,995 for the base model. For 2020, the Monster 1200 S is available in Ducati Red or the new Black-on-Black colorway with alternating gloss and matte black finishes.

Instrumentation:

Color TFT display

Color TFT display

Standard Equipment:

Passenger seat cover

Passenger seat cover, carbon fiber mudguard, LED indicators

Ducati Electronics:

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Bosch Cornering ABS+ DTC + DWC), RbW, Passenger seat cover, Carbon fiber front mudguard, Anti-theft system ready, DMS ready, DDA, DRL, LED position light and tail light, LED side indicators, USB power socket

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Bosch Cornering ABS+ DTC + DWC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down, RbW, Passenger seat cover, Carbon fiber front mudguard, Anti-theft system ready, DMS ready, DDA, DRL, LED position light and tail light, LED side indicators, USB power socket

Warranty:

24 months unlimited mileage

24 months unlimited mileage

Color:

└ 2019:

Ducati Red

Ducati Red, Liquid Concrete Grey

└ 2020:

Ducati Red

Ducati Red, Black on Black

Price:

└ 2019:

$14,995

$17,395

└ 2020:

$14,995

$17,795


Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S Competitors

Ducati can be a tough act to follow, but I think British manufacturer Triumph may have a worthy match in its Speed Triple S model. As a roadster, the “STS” carries minimal body panels, and that makes it a good pick from an aesthetics standpoint since it's a fine line that separates roadsters from naked sports.

Side-by-side, goggle-shaped headlights lead the way below a short, wide flyscreen, and it's clear that Trumpet didn't waste any drag or weight on superfluous gear and body panels. Bar-end mirrors are a nice touch, and credit where it's due, Triumph managed to get some feminine curvature in the STS's flyline.

The rest of the look is fairly similar, all the way down to the mudguard-mount blinkers and single-side swingarm. Fully adjustable Showa suspension components float the Triumph to more or less break even with the Duc in that department, and the same is true of the brakes 'cause no matter which brand you choose, Brembo gets to sell some brakes.

Triumph almost matches in the fandanglery with a quartet of Riding Modes that come with switchable ABS and Traction Control, but fall short from a lack of a wheelie control feature and quick shifter. Power output is respectable from the British triple; it claims 148 horsepower and 86 pound-feet against 147/91, so there's very little to choose between the two in the brute numbers. As for price, both offer a lot of bang for your buck, and the STS rolls for $14,350 for a razor-thin advantage at the checkout counter.

He Said

“I still call the Ducati a superior product, price notwithstanding. It carries itself with that sexiness that pervades the Italian marque, and I'm just shallow enough to admit the looks alone are almost enough to nose the Monster ahead. The extra electronics just seals the deal.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “I like the TFT screen. It's very clear and easy to take in at a glance. The riding position is a bit forward and your feet are tucked up a bit, but still upright enough to be comfortable. It's much more flickable than I was expecting considering the weight, but it isn't heavy at all so I guess it just looks heavier than it is. The changes in the steering geometry and the shorter wheelbase contribute to that flickability, no doubt; and the engine remap results in 15 horsepower and something like 6 pound-feet of torque more over the previous gen.”

Ducati Monster 1200 / 1200 S Specifications

Model:

Monster 1200

Monster 1200 S

Monster 1200

Engine:

Ducati Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, Dual spark, liquid cooled

Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, Dual spark, liquid cooled

Displacement:

1198.4 cc

1198.4 cc

Bore x Stroke:

106 mm x 67.9 mm

106 mm x 67.9 mm

Compression ratio:

13:1

13:1

Power:

147 hp (108 kW) @ 9,250 rpm

147 hp (108 kW) @ 9,250 rpm

Torque:

91 lb-ft (124 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm

91 lb-ft (124 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm

Fuel injection:

Electronic fuel injection system, 56 mm oval throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire

Electronic fuel injection system, 56 mm oval throttle bodies with full Ride by Wire

Exhaust:

Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminum covers and end caps

Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminum covers and end caps

Gearbox:

6 speed

6 speed

Primary drive:

Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1

Straight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1

Ratio:

1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25

1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25

Final drive:

Chain drive, Front sprocket Z15; Rear sprocket Z41

Chain drive, Front sprocket Z15; Rear sprocket Z41

Clutch:

Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

[[Chassis:

Frame:

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Front suspension:

43 mm Kayaba fully adjustable usd forks

48 mm Öhlins fully adjustable usd forks

Rear suspension:

Progressive linkage with Sachs monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable. Aluminum single-sided swingarm

Progressive linkage with Sachs monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable. Aluminum single-sided swingarm

Rake:

23.3°

23.3°

Trail:

3.41 in (86.5 mm)

3.41 in (86.5 mm)

Front wheel:

10-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17

Y shaped, 3-spoke in light alloy with “S” graphics, 3.50 x 17

Rear wheel:

10-spoke in light alloy 6.00 x 17

Y-shaped 3-spoke in light alloy with “S” graphics, 6.00 x 17

Front Tire:

120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

Rear Tire:

190/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

190/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

Wheel travel, Front / Rear:

130 mm (5.1 in) / 5.87 in (149 mm)

130 mm (5.1 in) / 5.87 in (149 mm)

Front brake:

Dual 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo M4-32 calipers, 4-pistons, radial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Dual 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo M50 calipers, 4-piston, radial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Rear brake:

245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment

Monster 1200 S

Dry weight:

412 lb (187 kg)

408 lb (185 kg)

Wet weight:

470 lb (213 kg)

465 lb (211 kg)

Seat height:

Adjustable 31.3 in – 32.28 in (795 mm – 820 mm)

Adjustable 31.3 in – 32.28 in (795 mm – 820 mm)

Wheelbase:

58.46 in (1,485 mm)

58.46 in (1,485 mm)

Fuel tank capacity:

4.36 gal (16.5 l)

4.36 gal (16.5 l)

Fuel Economy:

45.2 mpg (5.2 l/100km)

45.2 mpg (5.2 l/100km)

Number of seats:

Dual seat

Dual seat

Top Speed:

145 mph (est)

145 mph (est)

Engine & Drivetrain:

Instrumentation:

Color TFT display

Color TFT display

Standard Equipment:

Passenger seat cover

Passenger seat cover, carbon fiber mudguard, LED indicators

Ducati Electronics:

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Bosch Cornering ABS+ DTC + DWC), RbW, Passenger seat cover, Carbon fiber front mudguard, Anti-theft system ready, DMS ready, DDA, DRL, LED position light and tail light, LED side indicators, USB power socket

Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Bosch Cornering ABS+ DTC + DWC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down, RbW, Passenger seat cover, Carbon fiber front mudguard, Anti-theft system ready, DMS ready, DDA, DRL, LED position light and tail light, LED side indicators, USB power socket

Warranty:

24 months unlimited mileage

24 months unlimited mileage

Color:

└ 2019:

Ducati Red

Ducati Red, Liquid Concrete Grey

└ 2020:

Ducati Red

Ducati Red, Black on Black

Price:

└ 2019:

$14,995

$17,395

└ 2020:

$14,995

$17,795


Further Reading

Triumph Speed Triple S / RS

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See our review of the Triumph Speed Triple S / RS.

Ducati Monster 1200 R

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See our review of the Ducati Monster 1200 R.

Ducati

Read more Ducati news.