First Ride Review - 2016 DUCATI Monster 1200R
Exclusive spelled R.
Letter R has a long and glorious history and Ducati. Represents racing, it has been standing on top of the base high base and S (Sport) in Superbike, sports, tourism and above models even naked family. With upgraded raft R series of traditional and relatively high price tag, often much higher. In the past, these upgrades have been radical, recall 996R, which is the first to employe the Testastretta engine, but they have been suspended and a smattering of carbon fiber in a delicate high specification. 2016 Monster 1200R between.
Change from mechanical monster 1200S is a modest but purposeful. In the R-type becomes high compression (13: 1, from 12.5: 1), the larger elliptical throttle bodies (56 mm VS53 mm) and larger manifold (58 mm and 50mm), which together enhance output to the rights of 160 hp at 9250 rpm (from 145 hp) and 97 pounds - feet of torque at 7750 revolution (from 91.8). In Ohlins suspension S model has revalved (but not resprung) and impact lengthened 15 mm increase cornering clearance.
More compact flat (but not adjustable) seat more easily moved, toothi er racing footpegs provide better toeholds and individual rider and passenger footpeg brackets combined with the new Pentagon-type muffler is no longer kick your heels up a strange Angle. Cosmetic changes include a carbon fiber front fender, bikini fairing, remodeling solo seat cover, and racing stripes.
Also worth mentioning: This is the first Ducati to meet the stringent Euro 4 emission standards, requirements, and reduce mechanical noise California-style evaporation tank.
Given these changes, it came as something of a surprise, when Ducati 1200R monster invited reporters to Ascari Race Resort savor in southern Spain 3.4 mile. In this venue prelude past have included street around Ronda wonderful mountain rides, but this time, we will stay on the track. Such talk is a monster 1200R athletic ability rather bold move.
Before the rain the evening we test the Bible, and when the sun shines in the morning, the track is still submerged in spots. Therefore, under the requirements of our hosts, we started the day in the city grid mode (no rain mode), and then switch to the second meeting of the tourism model. Where the city blackout, room is just dull reaction, which gives many damp patches circuit is not a bad idea.
Finally, just before lunch we got the go-ahead to switch to sport mode, which proved to be exciting. With traction control and ABS system 2 set, I found that I could push the monster than I think I can, but also has a virtual safety net, much more difficult. Still have to look at those damp patch vertices, though!
Traditionally, I'm naked bike largest beef is this: When they comfort compared to sports cars, they do not work so well when the pace accelerated. When you lift your handlebar riders made, so the center of gravity, which makes the tendency naked bike wheels, hard drive out of corners. Ironically, you'll find yourself hanging too far beyond the ordinary sports motorcycle. Ducati Monster 1200R give a lengthy 59.4, in solving this problem. Wheelbase helps keep the front end planted, but not when you want to, you can not have wheels!
Those who ride a monster day at the track, said the report 1200S exhaust valve dynamic mechanism serious delays in the corner, but we do not have such problems in R, decorated only footpegs and sidestand. Rolling three-spoke bicycle shoes with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP radial tires, a huge two hundred fifty fifths back, pulling sydney forged aluminum wheels is no problem! Improve the back-end is also reduced rake and trail, accelerate the transition, but the steering damper parts provided (one adjustable Ohlins, natural). In Ascari, chassis proves stable yet neutral handling, suspension firm but soft (we increase the compression damping just a few clicks), and radial Brembo brakes strong, if a little lacking in the initial bite .
Familiar Testastretta 11 ° V-twin dual Spark offers plenty of power, but it's delivered with a tractor-like manner, so that the monster 1200R easy to ride too quickly on the throttle response. Gear certainly too high runway, we only played four long, kink back "straight", but the ratio is a good spacing and clutch / transmission operation are excellent. The other is the thoughtful addition of color TFT dash digital gear indicator, but there are no quick shifting, it seems to be not as a sin in the R model Ducati.
This is one of my reservation this monster 1200R: $ 18695 parts in traditional Ducati red (as well as $ 18,895 a thrilling black), it costs significantly more than the award-winning KTM Super Duke R (including), but makes less power, and have fewer features. In my opinion, it should have all the bells and whistles, such as turning ABS, electronic adjustable suspension, and - dare I say it? -the 1299 Panigale motor. Then, before this monster really does live up to its R logo.
