Twenty-one years after the launch of the first Mostro (the Italian name for the original Monster), Ducati purists are mourning the loss of the air-cooled Desmodromic L-twin engine, which could no longer meet environmental standards and match the increasingly high performance levels of competitors, in favour of the liquid-cooled Testastretta engine.

Meet the new 2014 Ducati Monster 1200
With this machine, the manufacturer from Bologna has no plans to take on the world's best naked bikes (that's the Streetfighter's job), but it will certainly delight everyday riders looking for plenty of character and remarkable flexibility in their roadster.

The new 1,198cc engine cranks out 135 hp (145 hp in S trim) at 8,750 rpm and 87 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm. Derived from race-spec Testastrettas, it has benefited -- through the latest revisions on Multistrada and Diavel models -- from a number of internal modifications aimed at increasing torque across a wider rev range. On the other hand, the engine has added 13 kg to the larger Monster's weight.


Electronics in full force
The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 gets the most recent Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) consisting of 3-level Bosch ABS, 8-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and three riding modes (Urban, Touring, and Sport).

The modern, round headlight uses a bulb light for high/low beam functions, and LED technology for the two position lights placed at the sides. Elsewhere, the full-TFT colour instrument panel boasts crisper resolution.

Panigale architecture solidifies 2014 Ducati Monster 1200
Ducati's signature trellis frame remains, but it now uses the engine as a stressed component -- just like the 1199 Panigale. The frame is directly fixed to the cylinder heads and by the engine itself; the sub-frame is a classic tubular layout. In order to effectively manage the formidable power and ensure good stability, engineers stretched the wheelbase by 60 mm.

The 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 now offers friendly ergonomics for all riders thanks to a height-adjustable seat (from 785 mm to 810 mm) and handlebars that sit higher and closer. No compromises were made for the brakes, which use dual 320mm front discs with radial, 4-piston Brembo monobloc M4-32 callipers.

As for the suspension, the base Monster 1200 features a 43mm Kayaba upside-down fork and Sachs monoshock, while the sportier S variant receives a 48mm Öhlins upside-down fork and monoshock with preload, compression and rebound adjustment.

Summing up the 2014 Ducati Monster 1200
The new Monster 1200 renews the tradition of this legendary nameplate, which is to deliver unique styling, features, and thrills at a competitive price.