1200 R A Proper R?

S4R and S4RS Monsters

 

In that respect, then no

 

Superbike bike R's have hotter motor than S models. That to me is part of appeal, plus the carbon bodywork.

 

Is it a proper 'R' in the same sense as the old R's? I'm falling more on the side of 'No'. It is a blinged up road bike, though the engine has been breathed on to give it more power.

It is a great bike, though, so much so that I got off my 2014 Tuono and bought a new M1200R, in black, the other week.

I see nothing special about the cost of the Termi's, I've paid the same for my previous Ducati's including a Monster 1100 and 1098 Streetfighter.

I doubt it'll be collectable either.

 

There was S4RS series that ran beside bsb for a year or 2 around 2005.

 

I thought the S4 Monster was the bike used in the Monster Challenge

 

It's a good question.... was thinking the same thing...

Personally I'm after a fairly practical sporty road bike that can be "track capable" every now and then. (I'm used to riding 998's so most newer bikes will be comfortable I guess)

I test rode the monster 1200R recently (put 120miles on it in an avo in North Wales) I've also recently test ridden the BMW S1000R, Tuono Factory, KtM Superduke and BMW R1200R. The monster Seems to fit the bill for me as it seems a torquey bike from a special marque that can put a smile on your face at semi-road legal speeds without always willing you to lose your license...And when you want it you sure have plenty of stink.
I like the fact the olins suspension is a manual setup yet you got traction and ABS on board also... So it's fully electronic but not so over the top.

It seems a real odd proposition the monster...Kinda competing with the "naked" class, yet also much more of a roadster than other bikes that most reviews pitch it against.

I found the gearbox still very clunky compared to others I tested... (Hit a few false neutrals and no quickshifter ) Yet the throttle and handling seemed great for the sort of road riding I do. Having said that I found the BMW's so smooth that I wondered if I'd ridden them or the bike took me for the ride, so guess a vibey clunky trans helped remind me I was on a motorcycle and all added to the character.

Is it a collectors item?
Doesn't really seem it to me based on the fairly minimal upgrades it has over the lesser models... But at the end of the day it's the top spec monster of the day so should always command a premium over these.

Does it have charisma, character, a great exhaust note, very good handling, excellent brakes, plenty of pep for me as a rider, Ducati model heritage, a sporty yet comfortable riding position, can be fun on a 30min rideout or a week tour of Scotland, makes you smile when you open the garage door, and you get satisfaction in the fact your sitting on the "R" version of a Ducati....?

Put it this way... I'm selling one of my other ducatis to hopefully get one within a month.

 

Forgot to add... Get out there mate and have a test ride on one.. Not cheap but if you want a Ducati it's par for the course....

Forget about collectibility... It's a brand new bike and you would have to keep it for 15+ years to find this one out. It should always fetch a higher price than lesser models but then it costs it at the start as well...
It's an "R" model... Ducati have put their name on it and an "R" badge which they don't hand out lightly.

 

Nice write up @flatairbag

I've had my M12R since March this year and have over 5k miles on it so far. Ive done short hops, medium commutes, 300+ daily outings, and a few track days to boot. Its does all of them with ease, and the capability of the bike far outweighs my abilities. I love the stonking torque, and the way if fires out of corners is outstanding. Sounds pretty epic with the Termy soundtrack too.

 

The M12R that I rode on the way to Misano through the Italian twisty roads was a joy! Very confidence inspiring and handled as well as any track bike.

Is it an "R" model? It's a top of the range with all the bling, so yes.
Were the Superbike "R" models ever race bikes? Definitely not, they were just blinged up bikes. The RS versions however...

 

I'd really like to have a Monster R. I've tested the Superduke and the Tuono and at this moment I would buy the R if I had the chance. I think the R is more fit for purpose than the Tuono which was awesome (engine tone - wow!) but so race focused that you'd spend all day tearing around at 150mph wondering why you didn't have a fairing on your bike. I suspect the BMW would be very similar. The Superduke frustrated me because I couldn't work out how to turn off the wheelie control (possibly need a KTM dongle?) but whilst it was a very good bike I think it is over priced. I actually think the R is border line over priced as well but it's got enough special Ducati about it that I would still probably go for it. I took an S out a while back at Silverstone and had so much fun that I'd love to see how much better the R is with the foot pegs sorted and the better suspension. It must be awesome on the mountain roads.

 

In a very non aggressive way, I'd like to challenge that assertion for the 748R and the 1098R which were homologation specials. Build for the sole reason of qualifying the bike for racing. Yes there were differences allowed by regulations that make no sense on a road bike but there were teams that raced both models having bought them from a dealer. Please don't shatter my delusions :Bag:. Andy

 

Personally I doubt you'll find anyone that bought a R model specifically to race it.
Any team at national or international level would be buying an RS model.

 

Superstock teams are buying the R model for racing along with the Corse superstock engine prep add ons?

 

Wise words there @royalwithcream .
And I thought the exact same.

After I test Road the monster I must admit I did come home wondering who would pay £15K for this thing? I was hitting false neutrals, had no quickshifter, the exhaust was pushing my right leg out oddly and I couldn't view the screen in some lights.
I am a predominant weekend fine weather road rider who does occasional track days and the odd few day tours.

And it just seems a great blend of sensible road torque and then fang when you want it! You don't have to use it but it's there in abundance and I like that... It can provide a slow speed roadster cruise or be a lethal naked bike experience. It can filter, Handle like a superbike with far more comfort, and didn't take me at first but the looks are pretty good.
The two Ducati road bikes I have are not like this.... They are highly geared, hot as hell, and need you to push well beyond road speeds to get a fix (for road use) ... and that frustrates me.

The tuono is no doubt an awesome bike, as is the S1000R. Both had me quick shifting from the lights like I was trying to be stoner, and were comfortable and super refined in technology. The bark from the tuono and burble on overrun of the S1000R were fantastic... However both made me want to ride harder than I probably should be doing on the road.

I think the monster gearbox could be more refined, but whatever it is... Ducati seemed to have produced a bike with amazing attributes that took awhile to sink in for me.... Hence I'm posting this as I truely have surprised myself that I'm interested in buying a monster.
One thing after my recent test rides is clear, and that is my fondness for V-twins... They just have so much character.
There is also an issue some modern bikes face, where they have lost the "I'm riding a motorcycle" thing as they seem too smooth and refined....Perhaps if I was doing longer journeys or commuting I'd think differently.

 

Yes for the 1199R but it's the only one that I can think of, and is a relatively new class.
I was referring more to "older" models; 748R, 996R, 998R, 749R, 999R, 1098R, 1198R.

 

Ok thats interesting, I assumed it would have been the same with the earlier models.

 

I can advise that the M12R gearbox does loosen up, and after 5K+ miles its pretty slick, yet being firm & positive. Just the way it should be in my opinion