Fancy a Monster 1200S? How about these?
The latest Monster is most powerful version to date but can these used models, at half the price, tempt you?
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.
