30/09/2018
For enthusiasts of raw power, exquisite Italian design, and unparalleled riding dynamics, the Ducati Monster series has always been a benchmark in the naked bike segment. While the base model Monster 1200 offers a compelling package, it's the 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 S that truly elevates the experience, returning to North American shores for those who demand the very best. This isn't just a Monster; it's a statement, a finely tuned machine engineered to push the boundaries of performance and rider engagement. But what exactly sets this 'S' variant apart from its already impressive sibling, making it the top-spec, heavyweight Monster of choice?
Unveiling the "S" Factor: What Makes It Different?
The core distinction of the Ducati Monster 1200 S lies in a series of meticulously chosen, high-performance components that transform its character from an already formidable naked bike into a truly elite machine. These aren't mere cosmetic changes; they are fundamental upgrades designed to enhance every aspect of the riding experience, from handling precision to stopping power and overall aesthetic appeal. For riders in regions not bound by stringent European emissions directives, such as the United States and Canada, the return of the 1200 S for 2021 presents a unique opportunity to own a legend.
Precision Suspension: The Öhlins Advantage
Perhaps the most significant upgrade on the Monster 1200 S is the inclusion of a fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension system. This comprises a substantial 48 mm USD (Upside Down) fork at the front and a progressive linkage with a fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock at the rear, working in conjunction with the aluminium single-sided swingarm. For those unfamiliar, Öhlins is synonymous with top-tier performance in the world of motorsport, and their presence on the Monster 1200 S speaks volumes about its intended capabilities.
What does 'fully adjustable' mean for the rider? It means unparalleled control over the bike's dynamics. Riders can fine-tune rebound, compression, and preload settings to precisely match their weight, riding style, and the prevailing road conditions. Whether you're attacking a challenging set of corners on a track day, navigating bumpy city streets, or embarking on a long-distance tour, the Öhlins setup allows for optimal damping and feedback. This results in superior road holding, enhanced comfort over varied surfaces, and ultimately, greater confidence when pushing the bike to its limits. The distinctive gold finish of the Öhlins components also serves as an immediate visual cue to the discerning eye, signalling the premium nature of this machine.
Stopping Power: Advanced Braking System
Complementing the sophisticated suspension is an advanced racing brake system, a crucial upgrade for a motorcycle capable of delivering 147 horsepower. The Monster 1200 S is equipped with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Evo M50 callipers gripping twin 330 mm semi-floating discs at the front. The rear features a 245 mm disc with a 2-piston calliper. This high-specification Brembo setup provides exceptional stopping power, incredible feel at the lever, and remarkable resistance to fade even under extreme braking conditions. The Monobloc design, meaning the calliper is cast from a single piece of aluminium, ensures maximum rigidity and consistent performance.
Integrated as standard, the Bosch Cornering ABS system takes safety to the next level. This sophisticated technology monitors the bike's lean angle, wheel speed, and other parameters to optimise braking force even when the bike is leaned over in a corner. This prevents lock-ups and helps maintain stability, significantly reducing the risk of a crash in challenging situations. The combination of these premium braking components ensures that the Monster 1200 S can shed speed as effectively as it gains it, instilling immense confidence in the rider.
Lightweight & Style: Wheels and Carbon Fibre
Beyond the functional upgrades, the Monster 1200 S boasts aesthetic and performance enhancements that further differentiate it. The bike rolls on distinctive 3-spoke Y-rim wheels, which not only contribute to its sporty appearance but also offer a slight reduction in unsprung weight compared to standard wheels. A lighter wheel translates to less inertia, allowing the suspension to react more quickly and effectively to road imperfections, thereby improving handling responsiveness and feel.
Adding to its premium appeal are various carbon fibre parts. While the specific components may vary, these high-end materials typically include items like the front mudguard, offering a subtle weight saving while exuding a high-performance, race-inspired look. Carbon fibre is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and its distinctive weave pattern, which instantly communicates quality and exclusivity.
Illumination & Aesthetics: LED DRL and Colour Options
The Monster 1200 S also features an LED Daytime Running Light (DRL), enhancing visibility to other road users while providing a modern and aggressive signature look to the front end. This is a subtle yet important upgrade for both safety and styling.
For 2021, the Monster 1200 S is available in two striking colour options: the classic, iconic Ducati Red, which needs no introduction, and a new, exclusive Black on Black sports livery. This latter option features a sophisticated interplay of matte and glossy black elements, accentuating the bike's muscular lines and giving it a stealthy yet undeniably premium presence on the road. This exclusive colour option further distinguishes the 'S' model, allowing owners to showcase their preference for understated aggression.
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down
Another crucial performance feature that comes as standard on the Monster 1200 S is the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down system. This advanced electronic system allows for seamless, clutchless gear changes in both directions – upshifts and downshifts. For upshifts, it momentarily cuts the ignition to allow the gear to engage smoothly, without the need to use the clutch or roll off the throttle. For downshifts, it automatically blips the throttle to match engine speed, ensuring smooth engagement of the lower gear. This not only enhances the bike's performance by allowing for faster acceleration and deceleration but also significantly reduces rider fatigue, particularly during spirited riding or long journeys. It truly elevates the riding experience, making gear changes effortless and intuitive.
While the 'S' variant boasts significant upgrades in chassis components and electronics, the heart of the machine remains consistent with the base Monster 1200, a testament to the prowess of Ducati's engineering.
The Testastretta Engine
Powering the 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 S is the familiar and highly potent 1,198cc liquid-cooled Testastretta twin-cylinder engine. This V2 powerhouse delivers an impressive 147 horsepower and a robust 91 lb-ft of peak torque. The Testastretta engine is renowned for its broad powerband, offering strong, tractable power delivery across the rev range, making it equally adept at cruising or unleashing exhilarating acceleration. Its ride-by-wire electronic fuel injection system ensures precise throttle response, allowing the rider to extract every ounce of performance with exceptional control.
Electronic Riding Aids
Both the Monster 1200 and 1200 S benefit from Ducati's comprehensive suite of electronic riding aids, designed to enhance both performance and safety. These include the pre-set Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, and Urban), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), and the aforementioned Bosch Cornering ABS.
- Riding Modes: Each mode is meticulously programmed to adjust the engine's power delivery via the Ride-by-Wire system, as well as the intervention levels of the ABS, DTC, and DWC. 'Sport' mode provides full power with minimal electronic intervention, perfect for aggressive riding. 'Touring' offers full power with smoother delivery and higher intervention levels for comfort and safety on longer rides. 'Urban' reduces power output and maximises electronic safety nets, ideal for city commuting and low-grip conditions.
- Ducati Traction Control (DTC): This system monitors rear wheel spin and intervenes by reducing power if slippage is detected, ensuring optimal grip and preventing uncontrolled slides.
- Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC): DWC detects and controls front wheel lift during hard acceleration, allowing for maximum drive without compromising stability.
These electronic systems work in harmony to provide a safe, controllable, and incredibly engaging riding experience, adapting the bike's behaviour to the rider's style and prevailing conditions.
A Closer Look: Specifications and Design
The 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 S, despite its premium features, maintains the iconic silhouette that defines the Monster lineage – a symbol of sporty naked bikes. Its aggressive stance, exposed trellis frame (though less prominent on newer models), and minimalist design speak volumes about its performance-oriented nature.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Monster 1200 S offers an adjustable seat height, ranging from 795 mm (31.30 in) to 820 mm (32.28 in), allowing riders of various statures to find a comfortable and confident riding position. Its dry weight of 185 kg (408 lbs) contributes to its agile feel, despite its large engine capacity, making it surprisingly manageable both at a standstill and at speed.
Maintenance and Reliability
Ducati has made significant strides in improving the practicality and ownership experience of their high-performance motorcycles. The Testastretta 11° DS engine in the Monster 1200 S benefits from cutting-edge materials and technologies that ensure impressively long maintenance intervals. An oil change is only required every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, while the critical valve clearance check is extended to a remarkable 30,000 km. These figures are absolute benchmarks for its category, significantly reducing the cost and inconvenience of ownership and allowing riders to spend more time enjoying the thrill of the ride.
Monster 1200 vs. Monster 1200 S: A Detailed Comparison
To truly understand the value proposition of the 1200 S, it's helpful to see its key differentiators laid out against the standard Monster 1200. While both are formidable machines, the 'S' model elevates the experience with its premium componentry.
| Feature | Ducati Monster 1200 (Base Model) | Ducati Monster 1200 S |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Standard USD Fork (Typically Kayaba/Sachs) | 48 mm Öhlins Fully Adjustable USD Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Standard Monoshock (Typically Kayaba/Sachs) | Öhlins Fully Adjustable Monoshock |
| Front Brakes | Brembo M4.32 Radially Mounted Callipers, 320mm Discs | Brembo Monobloc Evo M50 Radially Mounted Callipers, 330mm Discs |
| Wheels | Standard Alloy Wheels | 3-Spoke Y-Rim Wheels |
| Carbon Fibre Parts | No | Yes (e.g., front mudguard) |
| LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) | No | Yes |
| Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down | Optional / Not Standard | Standard Equipment |
| Engine | 1,198cc Testastretta (147 HP / 91 lb-ft) | 1,198cc Testastretta (147 HP / 91 lb-ft) |
| Electronic Aids | Riding Modes, DTC, DWC, Cornering ABS | Riding Modes, DTC, DWC, Cornering ABS |
| Colour Options | Ducati Red (typically) | Ducati Red, Exclusive Black on Black |
| Starting Price (USD) | (Lower than S model) | $17,595 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Ducati Monster 1200 S available globally?
No, for 2021, the Ducati Monster 1200 S is exclusively available in regions that are not required to follow stringent European emissions directives. This primarily includes North American markets such as the United States and Canada, offering riders there a unique opportunity to purchase this top-spec model.
What are the key benefits of Öhlins suspension?
The Öhlins suspension on the Monster 1200 S offers superior damping characteristics, allowing for more precise control and feedback from the road. Its fully adjustable nature means riders can fine-tune settings for preload, compression, and rebound, adapting the bike's handling to their specific weight, riding style, and various road or track conditions. This leads to improved stability, enhanced comfort, and greater confidence at speed and when cornering.
How does the advanced braking system improve safety?
The advanced braking system featuring Brembo Monobloc Evo M50 callipers and larger 330mm discs provides exceptional stopping power and a more consistent, precise feel at the lever. When combined with the standard Bosch Cornering ABS, safety is significantly enhanced. Cornering ABS intelligently modulates braking force based on the bike's lean angle, preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining stability even when braking hard mid-corner, which is a crucial safety feature for spirited riding.
Is the engine different on the 1200 S compared to the standard 1200?
No, the engine specifications are identical between the 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 S and the base Monster 1200. Both models are powered by the same 1,198cc liquid-cooled Testastretta twin-cylinder engine, delivering 147 horsepower and 91 lb-ft of peak torque. The performance difference in the 'S' model comes from its superior chassis components and advanced electronics, which allow the rider to more effectively utilise the engine's power.
What are the service intervals for the Monster 1200 S?
The 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 S boasts impressive maintenance intervals, contributing to lower ownership costs and greater convenience. An oil change is required every 15,000 km (approximately 9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. The valve clearance check, a more involved service, is only needed every 30,000 km (approximately 18,600 miles). These long intervals are a testament to Ducati's engineering advancements and reliability.
Final Verdict: Is the 1200 S Worth the Investment?
The 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 S is not just a variant; it's a statement. While it shares the potent Testastretta engine with the base model, the sum of its exclusive parts creates a profoundly different riding experience. The fully adjustable Öhlins suspension transforms its handling, offering a level of precision and feedback that serious riders will immediately appreciate. The advanced Brembo braking system, coupled with Cornering ABS, provides unparalleled stopping power and safety. Add to that the lightweight Y-rims, the subtle yet sophisticated carbon fibre accents, the modern LED DRL, and the performance-enhancing Quick Shift up/down system, and you have a machine that is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the naked bike segment.
For those in North America seeking the ultimate expression of the Monster, a motorcycle that blends raw power with exquisite Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, the 2021 Ducati Monster 1200 S represents a compelling investment. It's a bike designed for the discerning rider who demands not just performance, but perfection in every detail, ensuring every ride is an exhilarating and confidence-inspiring experience.
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