First Look: 2016 Ducati Monster 1200 R
Alan Cathcart | September 14, 2015
Ducati has taken the wraps off the new Monster 1200 R. This is the most powerful evolution yet of the Monster brand, a machine that dates back to 1992 when the original M900 broke cover.
The 1200 R is powered by a new version of the 1198cc Testastretta 11° V-twin found in the Monster 1200 S, with claimed power to now be in the region of 160hp at 9250rpm and 97lb-ft of torque at 7750rpm. Should these numbers prove on the money, Ducati will be right back in the game for nakedbike supremacy against the Aprilia Tuono 1100 RR, BMW S 1000 R and KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
The 1200 R comes with the Ducati Safety Pack that includes ABS, Ducati Traction Control.
Chassis-wise the 1200 R gets all-new black 48mm fully adjustable Öhlins forks and shock, and rolls on forged alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Supercorsa SP rubber. Stopping the show will be Brembo Monobloc Evo M50 calipers gripping twin 330mm discs with a twin-piston caliper clamping down on a 245mm disc out back.
We’ll be testing the new Monster 1200 R and will be bringing you a full review soon in Cycle News.
