DUCATI'S latest Monster is a real monster. Powered by the 140bhp Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS engine, it's bound to be a handful. However, it's not the first lairy naked v-twin, oh no. It faces stiff opposition from the contenders below.
The Monster 1200 comes in two flavours; 1200 and the 1200S. Both models feature traction control, ABS, power modes, LED lights a TFT display and a slipper clutch while the S version sports 48mm Ohlins forks, a fully-adjustable Ohlins rear shock and the same Brembo brakes used on the Panigale.
The Monster 1200 will cost £10,695, while the 1200S will cost £12,995. Both will be available on Ducati's PCP scheme, which is designed to make new bikes more affordable.
Here are a few bikes that might tempt you away from the Monster 1200.
KTM 990 Super Duke R
It's an R KTM and therefore it's going to be stupid amounts of fun.
KTM still sell the 990 Super Duke R new and it costs just £9,595 which I reckon is good value, especially when you stack it up against the 1290, which is four-grand more. The motor is strong and fast-revving but it's not a complete lunatic of a thing like the motor in the 1190 RC8R, which is savage and on the road, I find it a menace. The 990 motor is fun without feeling like you've just dropped a grenade in a lift.
You can pick up second hand examples from £6,000. I found a two-year old model with 10,000 miles on the clock in completely stock trim for just £6,700. There is no such thing as a gentle bimble on a Super Duke R. These things wheelie all day long.
You can read KTM 990 Super Duke R reviews here.
Ducati Monster S4RS
It's Ducati versus Ducati. I get very excited when I see an S4RS. While the Monster 1200S is a good looking bike, it's no S4RS now, is it? Gorgeous in white. Powered by a very similar engine to the 999, the 998cc Testastretta motor is a peach. The bike is quick but not mental, power delivery is actually the least savage of all three of these contenders but the midrange and engine noise are sublime. Just look at it: lightweight wheels? Check! Termignoni exhausts? Check! Ohlins, Brembo, single-sided swingarm? Check! What more could you want? You can't have Countdown's Rachel Riley, sorry.
I've found second hand S4RS models from £6,500 to £7,500. Buy well and you could see it rise in value over the next few years.
You can read Ducati Monster S4RS reviews here.
Aprilia RSV Tuono Racing
These are, without doubt, the best Tuonos Aprilia ever made. The later models were too firm and the fuel-injection too sharp but the original Racing is perfection. Dripping with exotic parts like carbon fibre, Ohlins, Brembo and OZ forged wheels. I liken riding one to holding onto a dog lead with a massive dog at the other end and that dog's just spotted someone throwing a ball over the other side of the park. Hold on! Power delivery is precise and the handling characteristics would cause an RS250 rider to break into a sweat. It's a 130bhp space hopper!
You can pick up a higher mileage used example for around £4,500 but if you spend £5,500 you'll get a minter. Bargain!
You can read Aprilia Tuono Racing owner reviews here
That Monster 1200S has got its work cut out.
