Ducati Unveils the Monster 1200 R
Celebrated Italian bike manufacturer Ducati took to IAA in Frankfurt this week to unveil the most powerful version of its most popular naked bike: an “R” version of the Monster 1200. Utilizing the 1198cc Testastretta DS R (the latest take on Ducati’s classic V-twin), the new bike offers increased power and speed over its predecessor — improving on the 1200 S’s specs with 117.7kW of power at 9,250 rpm while torque tops out at 131 Nm at 7,750 rpm — thanks largely to a two-into-one-into-two exhaust of 58 mm pipes. Other improvements over the S include the likes of a wet clutch with slipper functionality, an adjustable Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires — all of which have been borrowed from Ducati’s top-of-the-line 1299 Panigale.