Hi, this is Kenny Sagawa, I'm a motorcycle Journalist.
This time, I will introduce you ""Ducati Monster 1200R.
I have tested ride this one at Sodegaura circuit, Japan.
In a word, it is a very fun motorcycle.
The reason is just because this motorcycle is optimized for the circuit.
This is the ultimate monster.
Compared to the normal monster 1200, the engine has 10% more power and 5% more torque.
The engine is tuned just for running in a circuit.
This engine got lots of torque because the displacement is large.
It is especially amazing at at the rotation about 7000.
There are 3 riding modes, Urban, Touring, and Sports.
I tested riding in touring mode, the traction control will work immediately once I open the throttle rapidly.
On the other hand, when I tried in sports mode, the traction control worked as I opened the throttle aggressively from the point where the motorcycle was tilted at the corner.
It seems that the traction control works because the torque is very strong.
Horsepower is 150hp that is same as European spec.
Although the motorcycle has high horsepower, you can control it easily by this traction control.
You can control this "monster-like" motorcycle with fun.
The body is quite large. It is massive/solid-looking.
Let's straddle.
The seat height is 830 mm.
The seat height is higher than standard monster 1200.
The ride height is a bit lifted up because OHLINS suspensions are installed in both front and rear.
Because the suspension has become longer, it is designed not to hit the steps and its body on the ground during riding in the circuit.
The seat height is also higher because of that.
Appearance is very massive.
The shape of the tank is glamorous.
It is a form easy to knee grip.
Compared to Panigale which I have tested ride today, the initial sinking of the suspension is much considerable.
OHLINS suspensions make it easy to ride.
Although there are some bumpy place in this circuit, those suspensions absorb the shock from the bump and make the motorcycle be easy to ride.
Compared to the standard suspension, it is very good quality.
Brembo's 4 pod mono block caliper is installed as the brake.
It makes this motorcycle very controllable.
Since the brakes worked well, there were no scenes that seemed to step on the brake firmly.
The brake system which consists of Brembo master cylinder and mono block caliper is very good.
The handling is more gentle than Panigale which I have test ride today.
Handling is easy and light, but at the same time, I can feel a sense of weight due to the heavy body weight.
Furthermore, the sense of weight provides this easy and good handling.
Although quick handling such as Panigale is required rider skill, this motorcycle has become easy to handle like anyone can enjoy.
It matches engine characteristics that accelerate from medium speed, making it a combination that is easier to ride than I imagined.
To wrap it up, the suspensions and the power of the engine are wonderful.
Add on that, the wonderful design is also the one of the recommended point .
A number of exclusive parts are installed on this motorcycle such as designed graphics for "R" and seats with red stitches, which are designed exclusively.
Therefore, ti can be said tat it is a pleasant one to have.
I think that this motorcycle has such a beautiful form.
■You can shop Monster 1200R parts from below URL.
https://japan.webike.net/DUCATI/MONSTER+1200R/13749/mtop/