Thought I'd post the first I've read courtesy of 44teeth (thanks chaps) I like their reviews and the sites nicely laid out : Ducati Monster 1200 R Review | First Ride - Being honest though it doesn't sound really worth the £15k+ I mean at that price it's the most expensive naked on the market and if it's not class leader then why bother, why not get the S?
Another one here, this time from mcn FIRST RIDE REPORT: Ducati Monster 1200R | MCN Sounds like it's good, just not set the world alight good
I have to say that to me it's just like "meh". I'm sure it'll be good but £15,250 good? I don't think so. Though I am sure it will appeal to those that need to have the newest and blingest bike on the block.
Honestly it just sounds like the reviewers are being polite. At £15k+ it needs to be the best, or subjectively the best. Its still not top dog on the track, or the most powerful, or the most advanced, you have to ask yourself why exactly anybody would upgrade to the R? Tail unit? Foot pegs that actually work as intended? It actually sounds like its less advanced than they could've made it due to not using the DVT or by installing many off the shelf modern day parts such as QS/Auto blipper Personally at £15k they're having a laugh
I agree, the 1200S Didn't need more power, it just didn't... It needed the stupid footrests sorted and that's about it.
I can see it making sense in some ways in terms of a gap in the market. My mate in work has a Tuono and it is very much a full racebike that is designed to go quick and keep the front on the ground just with high bars which although awesome puts me off as I have a racebike and I want something hooligan if I was getting a super-naked. The BMW just sounds powerful and capable but not very exciting as usual which leaves the KTM Superduke which I testrode last week when picking up my KTM Adv 1190 R. It was near perfect (except the traction control intervening and spoiling my mono fun as I hadn't turned it off before starting the ride). I can see the Monster R being popular as it looks to be nearly as capable but with Ducati class. Personally I would have liked the extras already mentioned but the extra price is standard Ducati so can't see that being an issue. I do find it irritating that it's an 'R' but doesn't seem to be fully track focused. To me it looks to be what the 'S' should be?
I own a Tuono (2014) and I'm looking to chuck it in as soon as possible to get back on a decent Ducati. Not because of the bike, it is a fantastic machine to ride but Aprilia are terrible and I just don't have a strong bond to the bike, not like my old 1098SF anyway. I'm going to be buying a M1200R in black with Termi's and chuck the Tuono in at launch... Unless there's a naked Panigale forthcoming that is.
I test rode the Monster, KTM, and BMW but the new Tuono 1100 is the bike that ticked all the boxes. As for it not being a hooligan, it power wheelies at 90 in 3rd and I'm still meant to be running it in! I love the look of the Monster R, and I think that's why it will sell. There are plenty of affluent riders who do a few thousand miles per year and want some comfortable Italian exotica in the garage.
Visordown seemed to like it First ride: Ducati Monster 1200R review - Page 2 - Road Tests: First Rides - Visordown It seems to be exactly my kind of bike, if I wanted a razor sharp race bike, I'd buy a sportsbike. I like my naked bikes be quick, capable and comfortable. Yes the price is high but what do you expect from a relatively limited run Ducati? They will sell like hot cakes...
