If you’re at all familiar with Ducati, you’re aware that from time to time the company releases special R bikes—machines with titanium engine internals and other performance parts, and often a bit more displacement than the stickers on the fairing suggest.
Ducati’s new Monster 1200 isn’t built to be a homologation special but it is equipped with some special parts that set it apart from the rest of the Monster family, components that are aimed at increasing the naked’s sporting potential. That includes a retuned engine making a claimed 160 horsepower, new lightweight forged wheels, revised ergonomics, and taller Öhlins suspension for greater cornering clearance.
Since the Monster 1200 R is tuned for aggressive riding, Ducati invited us to the exclusive Ascari circuit in southern Spain. Curious to know how this latest Monster did on the 3.5-mile, 28-turn circuit? Watch the video above to find out, and then read the First Ride to learn more about Ducati's most powerful Monster to date.
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