Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/585066
DUCATI MONSTER 1200 R FIRST RIDE P86 biased riding position and styling updates that include that delec- table rear seat unit design that's now almost devoid of clutter between the number plate and wheel, new side radiator guards embossed with the all-important "R" and red stitching down the side of the seat (the passenger's half of the seat hides under a flimsily-secured cover that doesn't match the R tag or price of the machine). The chance to explore these new improvements to the Ducati Monster 1200 R came at God's Own Racetrack, Ascari, about a two-hour drive from Malaga in southern Spain. When I die, provided I've been a good boy, this is where I'm headed. This is one of the finest ribbons of race- track on the face of the planet, a private paradise of speed with every imaginable corner and bend and nip and tuck you'd ever want to ride. Now, I'll admit here it was a shame not to take the 1200 R on some of nearby Rhonda's mountainous bends, but that's they way it is, so we'll have do with Ascari and a track- only comparison. What a shame. But Ascari is probably the closest track I can think of with corners that we'd experience here in the States—big-style canyon sweepers, tight off-cam- ber decreasing radius downhill passes and speed for days. Back when I last tested the 1200 S Monster in Australia last year, I surprised myself by saying this was the first time I'd ridden a bike that I preferred to keep in Touring rather than the full Sport mode. The throttle was too abrupt, too snatchy in Sport, so it was good to see those larger throttle bodies and increased compression have made the Monster much more tractable off the bottom of the throttle. Rather than being met with a punch in the face when you snap the throttle open, now you get smooth, strong drive that's not only easier to modulate but doesn't upset the chassis as much on the side of the tire. The 1200 R's claimed extra 15 horsepower is one thing, but I'll trade them for a nicer throttle than the 1200 S's. Happily, you don't have to. You get both! The slightly increased com- pression has given the Monster extra hair on its chest through the midrange, with a touch more top-end grunt when you're really going for it. Snap that throttle open anywhere from 5-8000 rpm and you'll get plenty of DTC (Ducati Traction Control) inducing grunt as you let the THE ENGINE IMPROVEMENTS ARE MET WITH CHASSIS DETAILS THAT HAVE TRANSFORMED THE MONSTER'S HANDLING FROM A MACHINE THAT WAS OUT OF ITS DEPTHS ON THE TRACK TO ONE THAT'LL HAM TRACK DAYS WITH THE BEST NAKEDS OUT THERE.