Ducati Monster 1200

The Monster 1200S.You can have it in any colour you like, as long as it's rosso. Or bianco.

A couple of weeks ago, our local Ducati dealership held a little event to present the new Monster 1200. Naturally, since no other plans figured in The Thruxtonian's agenda that evening, we decided to drop by and have a look.

The local Ducatisti were so excited they were dropping to their knees

Although 21 years separate the original 900 Mostro, designed by Miguel-Ángel Galuzzi, and the latest version, the visual filiation is still highly present. The two analogue gauges have been replaced by an all-singing, all-dancing TFT screen with three different display modes depending whether you're riding about town, out on the open road, or posting fast lap times on a trackday. Other electronic gizmos include ABS, Ducati's bespoke DTC traction control system, three different power curves and a ride-by-wire throttle.

We're still not sold on these new "mudflap" reg plate mounts. What do you think?

The Monster 1200 is available in two versions: the 135 hp standard version and the "S" version, which features an extra 10 hp, Öhlins suspension and upgraded Brembo brakes, amongst other niceties. Prices range from around 14,000 Euros for the standard version to around 17,000 € for the "S" version (approximative prices based on figures from Ducati Spain), and is already available in the showrooms.

Our Editor-in-Chief was very tempted to ride home on this one

Naturally, The Thruxtonian will do its all to try to bring you a full road test of this wonderful machine as soon as possible.

Bonus Track: Some lucky bloke turned up to the event aboard this little scoot just as our E-in-C was parking up his bike. It's the first time we've ever seen a Desmosedici actually in the street, being used, rather than in a show or as a flashy piece of furniture/art object:

Photo credits: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A and Marc Michon / The Thruxtonian