New Monster 1198

[ungeheuer]

I like that they've finally started putting the plate mount on the mud guard. If you're not into it, easy enough to replace the old fashioned way. We all like the metal tank until the bike gets tipped over and you have to replace it. The side covers were good for that IMO, fuel cell expansion issues aside. Typically, a water cooled monster doesn't make everyone happy in the Monster community because that's kind not what Monsters are about but that's the future given the EU emissions laws that everyone's going to need to comply with. Sure, Ducati could do a better job of making it clean but there's really no way to hide a radiator on a naked bike is there?

Plastic tank expansion/deformation is only an issue in some markets.  In Australia the fuel tanks are made from a different material than tanks destined for US market.  Also we're not compelled to deal with ethanol in  our fuel.  So for me the downside of plastic is non-existent whilst the benefit of having interchangeable exterior panels is all good.  I can see how US buyers would welcome the reintroduction of a steel tank though.

[Scoober1103]

Plastic tank expansion/deformation is only an issue in some markets.  In Australia the fuel tanks are made from a different material than tanks destined for US market.  Also we're not compelled to deal with ethanol in  our fuel.  So for me the downside of plastic is non-existent whilst the benefit of having interchangeable exterior panels is all good.  I can see how US buyers would welcome the reintroduction of a steel tank though.

I agree not an issue and it lends itself to our ever changing moods but on the other hand I do like the look of the 1200s and I am quite happy to park it in the garage with the left side against the wall  !

Proof will be in the riding and the price as I would hazard a guess and say we (OZ) will be adding $10K to the American price!

[K-Style]

Needs a belly pan and new exhaust. From what I'm reading here a bikini fairing might sell well too.

Hoping the S sells for under $25k Aussie. Under $20k would be nice too but I'm not getting my hopes up.

[pesto]

M1200 Most beautiful bike at EICMA??

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/ducati-monster-1200-the-most-beautiful-bike-of-show-at-2013-eicma-photo-gallery-70725.html

[Betty]

I don't quite understand how people can be so hung-up on how the plumbing on the left hand side looks ... I think the plumbing on the right hand side is far from aesthetically pleasing - and the right hand side is far more obvious.

[muskrat]

it's still missing a frame. 

[DRKWNG]

M1200 Most beautiful bike at EICMA??

[MadDuck]

Let's see pics of all the others and then vote!

[ungeheuer]

I don't quite understand how people can be so hung-up on how the plumbing on the left hand side looks ... I think the plumbing on the right hand side is far from aesthetically pleasing - and the right hand side is far more obvious.

None of the plumbing is attractive to my eye.  Some of it is more worserer though 

[geoffduc]

M1200 Most beautiful bike at EICMA

Think they should have gone to SpecSavers...

Geoff...

[DucHead]

I'd rock that biznitch up 'n' down the coast!   

[red baron]

Sexy...

No thanks, looks like Diavel mated with a Monster.

[DRKWNG]

No thanks, looks like Diavel mated with a Monster.

Yup

[duc_fan]

I already said this, but I'm seeing a lot of repeat hating, so I repeat... I'd hit it.

Is it perfect?  No bike is.  I have a list of mods I'd make.  Honestly though?  That list is no more extensive than the mods I wanted to make to the S4R when it came out, and I thought that blue-and-white beast was sexy as hell.


Tasteful aftermarket exhaust to clean it up a little.  Remove the mud fender since I'd only ride it in fair weather (the GC is better suited for rain).  Hide the license plate somewhere discreet but lawfully visible.  Replace the handlebars with clip-ons.  Then wait and see what other clean-up type mods become available.  Once I had my hands on it and was able to take a good look, I'd probably start figuring out ways to tidy up the wiring and plumbing.

But mods aside, the point is: I'd rock it.  It looks good.  It looks fun.  I like the tank, I like the tail, I like the overall geometry and proportions.  The more I think about air-cooled simplicity, the more I think I'd just get a Sport Classic or MH900e to park in the garage and drool over.  The M1200?  I'd ride it and enjoy the heck out of it.

[twolanefun]

Amazing that all the technology advances on this new monster got overlooked and all the discussion about not liking it has been focused on the look. Now if it was as butt ugly as an MTS I'd understand it, but it ain't so I don't. As for plumbing I say BS that plumbing seemed to fade away when an S4RS was ridden in anger. Do I wish it looked as good as my M900 maybe, but the technical improvements on this new monster are hard to overlook. To each his own but   assuming it fits me one will be parked in my garage next to my M900. I think the SS will be the one that gets booted to make room. - Gene