The Monster 1200 R, a two-wheeled terror from Ducati, is what keeps worrisome parents up at night. It’s a motorcycle first of all, so there’s that, but it’s no ordinary motorcycle. With 160 horsepower coming from its twin-cylinder engine, it’s one of the most impressive Ducatis ever made, and if you’re familiar with the Italian brand, you’ll know that’s a big achievement.
The 1200 R has just been unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show during Volkswagen Group Night, and it is officially the most powerful Ducati naked of all time. What’s a Ducati naked? In motorcycle terms, “naked” is another way of saying “standard,” which means a naked bike has a somewhat upright sitting position and generally lacks significant fairings or windscreens.
Not long ago, naked bikes were seen as substandard in terms of performance, but the Monster 1200 R is proof of how far the segment has come. The lightweight and compact chassis has been tweaked for the 2016 model year, and both the front and tail sections are new. The bike is crafted to be comfortable both on the road and on the track, meaning it’s never really out of its element.
For those who appreciate design, the Monster 1200 R has plenty of Italian eye candy too ogle as well. The one-piece seat flows beautifully toward the rear, and the aerodynamic exhaust piping is prettier than than any muffler has the right to be. The Ducati red and Thrilling black paint schemes are vibrant and bright, and even the radiator cover features a slick “R” graphic brought out by sanding.
Flat out, the Monster will do zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, and its Brembo braking system and adjustable Ohlins suspension work together to keep everything tidy in the bends. Multiple riding modes tailor ABS, traction control, and ride-by-wire systems to your individual needs as well, meaning the 1200 R is only a Monster when you really want it to be.
