New Monster 1198

[Speeddog]

They're twin-plug heads, they've got the centrally mounted (typical 4-valve style) too.

[Duck-Stew]

They're twin-plug heads, they've got the centrally mounted (typical 4-valve style) too.

Where did you get that info?  Was it for emissions?  Does the '14 Diavel have this additional sparker?

Hmmmmmm.......

[Speeddog]

Where did you get that info?  Was it for emissions?  Does the '14 Diavel have this additional sparker?

Hmmmmmm.......

Pretty sure I saw it on ducati.com

Likely for emissions, dunno about Diavel.

[HotIce]

"The new Monster 1200 family is powered by the second generation of Testastretta 11° DS engine, smoother and with dual spark plugs and a secondary air system. Dual Spark (DS) ignition uses two plugs per cylinder to ensure complete combustion in a very short time. "

[Moronic]

Where did you get that info?  Was it for emissions?  Does the '14 Diavel have this additional sparker?

Hmmmmmm.......

They brought in the second spark plug with the 2013 Multistrada engine. With it came the secondary air system as quoted above (which was introduced on the Panigale). SAS is same idea KTM uses and Suzuki and other Japanese brands. They allow air to be drawn into the exhaust port downstream of the exhaust valve, to help burn up any mixture escaping unburnt. This lets them shove a bit more fuel into the mix at low rpms than they could otherwise get away with. The richer mixture is supposed to help low-speed smoothness. The second plug is alleged to contribute.

It's great in theory but a fair bit of extra junk to get the result. Plus, my test rides of the 13 Multi haven't convinced me it works all that well for that engine. Better than the 2010-12, but nowhere near as good as the KTM 1190 (which has similar power up top) or the water-cooled GS (which has less outright power but gets away with only one spark plug).

With any luck they have learnt a bit more for this new Monster engine, and it will be spectacular off the bottom. We can hope. 

I don't know either about the 14 Diavel. Not sure Ducati has released the spec.

[DRKWNG]

SAS is one of the first things people remove on LC8 based KTMs.  It allows them to get past certain emission bits, but adds to the VERY choppy throttle response At low revs.  Plus, it makes the bike backfire like mad when coming off throttle.

[nickshelby500kr]

The new S model is supposed to be super trick. Upgraded wheels, upgraded calipers, öhlins front and rear, and adjustable seat height.

And both models should be featuring adjustable ABS and more adjustability for traction control.

[The ModFather]

Test drove both the standard 1200 & the S today. The power & handling are exceptional. Beautiful looks. The additional 10HP on the S was noticable off the line but as it was a test ride I didnt get to really open it up & put it through its paces. The superior braking on the S was immediately noticable. The seat is incredibly comfortable for a stock seat.  I want this bike in black. Badly. Dealer told me there was no plans for black. Anyone hear different? It was 4 years till a black Panigale came out. I dont want to wait 4 years.

[DarkMonster620]

Where did you get that info?  Was it for emissions?  Does the '14 Diavel have this additional sparker?

Hmmmmmm.......

yup

[DarkMonster620]

Test drove both the standard 1200 & the S today. The power & handling are exceptional. Beautiful looks. The additional 10HP on the S was noticable off the line but as it was a test ride I didnt get to really open it up & put it through its paces. The superior braking on the S was immediately noticable. The seat is incredibly comfortable for a stock seat.  I want this bike in black. Badly. Dealer told me there was no plans for black. Anyone hear different? It was 4 years till a black Panigale came out. I dont want to wait 4 years.

only white and red . . .

[Povidius]

Test drove both the standard 1200 & the S today. The power & handling are exceptional. Beautiful looks. The additional 10HP on the S was noticable off the line but as it was a test ride I didnt get to really open it up & put it through its paces. The superior braking on the S was immediately noticable. The seat is incredibly comfortable for a stock seat.  I want this bike in black. Badly. Dealer told me there was no plans for black. Anyone hear different? It was 4 years till a black Panigale came out. I dont want to wait 4 years.

I picked up my new monster yesterday. 

I agree that the power, handling and the brakes on the new 1200 S is exceptional!  It is by far the MOST fun I've had on a bike.  I would even say its more fun than my 1199 S 

As for color, only Red and White for now.  Dealer said that more colors will eventually be available but probably not for a year or two (typical Ducati lifecycle).

The only gripes I have is that I can't ride by the 'balls' of my feet (damn exhaust/passenger pegs get in the way), the mirrors are the most worthless on any duc I've owned, the water pipes really need a cosmetic upgrade, exhaust sounds like a helicopter, and the clutch is so stiff that I can't find neutral until the bike reaches 190 degrees+ (I might have air in the line, will check it tomorrow).  Oh, and you can't lower the seat without removing the seat cowl but luckily they have a low seat available.

Now I just need to wait for aftermarket parts... 

[twolanefun]

Happy for you and glad you like the new bike as I'm sure many will be with a purchase. It is also of note that you are already a Ducati owner, which makes it even better. But I also believe it will also attract riders from other brands. - Gene

[The ModFather]

The clutch slave should break in over time. I had the same problem with the Monster 1198S I test rode but the regular 1198 was much easier to find Neutral in as they had that model first and it had been ridden more.  The S did get better after it warmed up but it was still a bit of a pain. If it doesnt improve for you an after market clutch slave like a Brembo or Duc Perf is an easy mod.

[The ModFather]

1200 Standard or S ... Is the S worth the money to you? Or would you rather go Standard & spend that money on a Termi Exhaust? Just curious what the consensus is?

[hbliam]

1200 Standard or S ... Is the S worth the money to you? Or would you rather go Standard & spend that money on a Termi Exhaust? Just curious what the consensus is?

You said the HP difference and superior braking was immediately noticeable. Seems that answers your own question.