In 1992, Ducati showcased the Ducati Monster 900 prototype at the Cologne Motor Show, and it became an instant icon. With its boundless personality and audacious nudity, it was a motorcycle that had revolutionized the "naked" bike category. Since then, the Monster range sold like hot cakes and played a major role in the expansion of the Ducati family.

Recently, the model celebrated its 25th anniversary since the original Monster 900 MY1993 hit the streets. And to commemorate the occasion, the chaps at the Borgo Panigale factory have produced a limited edition affair of the flagship Monster 1200 and given it a special color scheme, machined components, high-quality finishing, carbon fiber and a lot of technology. The Ducati Monster 1200 25° Anniversario.

STYLING

The Anniversario edition has been born out of the brand’s flagship model, the Moster 1200 R. It borrows all design cues from this machine including the distinctive LED headlamp unit, the proportionately muscular yet burly fuel tank, restyled shorter tail section and the restyled double barrel exhaust pipes.

For the 25th anniversary edition, the Borgo Panigale factory has kitted the already potent Monster 1200 R with Rizoma parts and a new Italian flag livery to entice those 500 customers of this special machine. Inspired by the 2008 Monster S4RS Testastretta Tricolore, the Italian flag spreads across the nose fairing, fuel tank and passenger seat cover which also gets embroidered with the 25th-anniversary logo. Contrasting this livery is the exposed delicious front frame, and the forged Marchesini wheels with W spokes dipped in gold.

Talking about those solid billet parts, the Anniversario is bathed in machined billet equipment including the mirrors, frame plugs, handlebar end weights and the petrol cap. Aluminum billets are turned into brake and clutch levers as well as the plate holder. But nothing tops it as much as carbon-fiber does, and fortunately, this machine sees this exquisite item on the front and rear mudguards, the keyhole cover, ignition switch frame and the exhaust heat guard.

Being a limited edition affair, the bike gets its stamp of authority laser etched onto an aluminum plate placed on the golden frame. The Monster 1200 25° Anniversario also comes with a bike cover, decorated with the particular logo of this special limited edition. It borrows the Superleggera 1299 grips and Flyscreen too.

Ducati has also made a huge difference by introducing an all-new TFT colored fully digital instrument console, which has been equipped with the Ducati Multimedia System to connect your machine to the smartphone for GPS, calls and notifications along with accessing the bike's telemetry. Apart from this, this new Monster also comes equipped with new USB port, pillion seat cowl, and anti-theft security system.

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

The new Monster 1200 25° has been blessed with the same 1198.4cc Testastretta 11 degree engine as that of the previous Monster 1200s’. However, Ducati has made some minor changes such as the introduction of new oval throttle bodies and an increased compression ratio, which has boosted its performance.

It now stands at 147 bhp of maximum power at 9.250 rpm and 91.5 lb-ft of maximum torque at 7,750 rpm. More than the 85% of the maximum torque is already available at 4,500 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox with revised gear ratios, the engine now is a bit more aggressive in nature. Stylish cannon-style, vertically stacked silencers make all that power a no secret issue.

For the essential streetfighter ethos, the gear ratios have been set up in such a way to get a zesty performance in the lower rev range and relaxed performance in the higher rev range. It incorporates the Ducati Quick Shift Up and Down (DQS) for swift gear changes without using the clutch, which is, of course, an oil bath clutch with "slipper" function and super-light feel at the lever.

The Testastretta uses the Desmodromic valve actuation that operates the intake and exhaust valves mechanically for those precise throttle responses with no springs to be compressed. The Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) hydraulically operates camshaft-phasers to manipulate camshaft position that is actuated by solenoid valves. All of this equals to precise camshaft timings and a smooth build-up of power.

With Ducati’s constant levels of precision, the 25° Anniversario guarantees long maintenance intervals - the regulation of the valves, for example, is due every 18,500 miles.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

When Ducati launched its latest update on the 1200, it made some comprehensive changes in the arena of mechanicals and riding dynamic. To start with, Ducati has altered the wheelbase and steering geometry, with an intent of making the motorcycle feel agiler and easy to steer, especially at rising speeds. To multiply its practicality, the motorcycle comes with a seat height adjuster, making the motorcycle equally usable for all sorts of riders.

Compared to the regular suspension units of the standard Monster 1200, the Monster 1200 Anniversario has been given more premium fully adjustable Ohlins 48mm inverted telescopic forks at front and a progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins mono shock along with single-sided aluminum swingarm at the rear, which are set on a stiffer side and ensures sporty dynamics. Öhlins steering damper completes the package.

The twin 330mm front disc brakes (bigger by 10mm over those of the Monster 1200) and a single 245mm rear disc brake, assisted with ABS, provide excellent feedback on the application, and this time around, the front disc brakes come fitted with Brembo Monobloc M50 calipers. The new Pirelli Rosso III tires over the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires of the previous model ensure even more grip and better feedback.

Like the 1200 R, this new Monster 1200 Anniversario has retained the list of cutting-edge electronics, like the ride-by-wire system with three different riding modes and the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) which now incorporates Bosch 9M Cornering Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC). In addition to these, a new IMU unit feeds inputs to the DSP with utmost precision.

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

Ducati has priced the Monster 1200 R at $19,395, the model the Anniversario is based on. With the limited availability of only 500 units, expect the Anniversario to come with a price tag of around $ 22,000.

The Monster 1200 25° Anniversario will be available in the United States from November but can already be ordered at all Ducati Stores.

COMPETITION

BMW R 1200 R

BMW’s R 1200 R roadster has been around since 2006 and gets the similar embodiment of what it means to be a roadster, with minimal appointments, non-existent paneling, exposed frame, an unobstructed view of the jugs, heads and rocker boxes and a sticking out head just like the Monster here.

The flat-twin boxer boosts torque over the previous gen while extending the power band down into the lower rev range a bit. The mill generates a total of 92 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm with 125 horses on tap once you wind it up to 7,750 rpm, and at around 500 pounds wet, that’s plenty of power and should hold it in good stead against the majority of similarly-sized rides out there. Ride-by-wire system and an electronic Gear Shift Assistant lets you cycle through the six gears sans clutch.

A tubular-steel frame and subframe serve as the bones of the beast with a stressed-engine arrangement that keeps the tubing and weight to a minimum. A pair of 45 mm, USD forks supports the front of the bike with a coil-over monoshock to tame the motion of the single-side, aluminum, EVO paralever swingarm. BMW’s Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment feature reads the road and lean angles to deliver instantaneous corrections to the ride quality, and it comes with two different modes.

A 276 mm rear disc joins a pair of 320 mm front brake discs and four-pot calipers with a single-piston binder on braking duties. Switchable ABS comes as part of the standard equipment package, so you can take it or leave it as the conditions, or your mood, demand. Cast aluminum, 10-spoke rims round out the rolling chassis with a 120/70 hoop up front and a 180/55 out back.

VERDICT

There is a thing with Ducati and its naked streetfighters. While someone will reckon Ducati for giving us some exciting and legendary faired superbikes like the 999, 1098, Panigale and the very recent V4, it is the range of its streetfighters which have been the easily accessible fun tools for most of the Ducati fans across the world. Even after 25 years of its installation.

This Monster 1200 25° Anniversario is the proof of that strong bond and confidence the folks at Ducati have with the model. Featuring exclusive Desmodromic timing engines, innovative design, and state-of-the-art technology, an exquisite selection of material and the special color palate the Monster today is Ducati’s 90 years of passion, emotions, and excellence put in between two wheels.

It is a bike that was destined to take its rightful place in the history of international motorcycling. Especially for the Borgo Panigale brand.