Ducati Monster 1200

[Mick_J]

Took one of these out yesterday for a spin, wow what a bike, even though most modern bikes seem to be built for the vertically incompetent I found it quite comfortable and there is a touring seat available to improve things.  The engine was sweet with a nice thrum to remind you it's running and a glorious noise.  It's got plenty of power if needed and gobs of usable grunt, overtaking coffins was a doddle while the brakes were excellent, pulling the bike up in no time.  Ducati have put together a fine bike and if it's reliability is sorted this will make a great bike, it's definitely on my shortlist.

[VladTepes]

Don;t ride a Diavel then - you'll buy one...

[Notty]

Don;t ride a Diavel then - you'll buy one...

That was my big mistake ! Mrs Notty not happy with me 

[Mick_J]

Don;t ride a Diavel then - you'll buy one...

That was my big mistake ! Mrs Notty not happy with me 

How are you finding it, any problems with reliability or fit and finish?

[Tony Nitrous]

Had a few mates with Ducati's. Most really love them.

They always seem a good bike for serious enthusiast. Folk who service, maintain and use them reasonably responsably.

They don't seem to match Suzuki for standing up to neglect, abuse and tuning.

[grog]

ill try not to say much. my 14 is my keeper. for 15 yrs i had older ducatis, my spine still tingles when i see or hear one. in the bevel models i had, old skool now, i learnt all the tricks. lots of servicing, no stuff ups at all. amazing bikes, well over 100 thks on one. my mate has 1100 monster, never a prob except he traded it for a scrambler, dont like it much, he does. my other mate has diavel, beautiful, red n black with super loud exhaust. for my birthday, 2 yrs back spent 2 weeks on it, nth qld  tablelands. swapped between rocket 3, his other, and diavel. amazing bike. lots of dollars for tyres etc. like riding something ive never experienced before. i came home to buy one but kept 14. they are just so good, hard to describe. i had it to 240, went thru a 80 k corner, ran a bit wide, thought these things dont handle that well. was touching 180. i want one, but would have to sell my bike for one, ok with wife but not selling 14. 

[DanGSX]

Knew a guy who had a Multistrada. Had nothing but electrical problems and it rusted so quickly. I guess if reliability isn't a top priority, then they can be great machines.

[essexboydave]

I was sorely tempted to buy either an older Monster or a new Scrambler when I was looking to replace the 14, I had a few of the older ones when I was younger-a 250 Desmo, a much modified 900 GTS and a Darmah 900 and I loved them all 

[seth]

my mate has just git a 1200 monster R
says he'll probably never ride his xjr ever again
he loves the monster
18000 mile service intervals too.

[Tony Nitrous]

I don't think the more recent ones are bad bikes, its just if they suit you or not. I don't think the owners I know would trade for a GSX14, B-King or any of the bikes I prefer.

When I ride one I find they aren't as happy over a wider rev range, a big IL4 will go from just over tick over smoothly to the red line in any gear (I find that with all V-twins)

I don't get the "soul and character" thing. I just feel a design that's rough or lumpy.

Single sided arms on road bikes are an unnecessary, expensive, heavy item, pure fashion to me.

Its good to have variety in motorcycling. Duc's are the ideal bike for some folk, just not me.

[Tony Nitrous]

18000 mile service intervals too.

I'd check that.

Valve clearance checks are listed as 18,000 by Ducati.

Services at half of that.