2017 Ducati Monster 1200s - Long Term Review

[@phreenom]

Nice review. I accidentally bought a 2019 1200s when I went in for some chain lube. About 800 miles on it so far, and what a machine it is! Every ride it gets better and better. I've started tuning the suspension setup a bit, and it really does make a difference. I've even thought about moving to southern Cali just to be able to ride it all year...

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Rona - congrats on the bike purchase! I really enjoy mine. Ride safe.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Now that I've had the 1200s for a year I thought it was a good time to give it a proper review, visit a great indie coffee shop in Leesburg, VA, and hit some nice backroads outside of Waterford, VA. The goal of this project is to encourage people to discover something new or see something known in a new way. Thanks for checking the channel out and Happy Holidays to you all.

[@Alex-iu5pp]

Hey man! I live in Herndon VA I’m riding a 2014 696. Was looking for places to ride out west of Leesburg. Would love to get together sometime

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Alex - my apologies. I just noticed your post as YT didn't notify me. I'd be happy to connect if you're still interested. We have some great roads in the area.

[@AnthonyV82]

Nice comprehensive summary. Exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks man.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

You're welcome and happy hunting for one.

[@terrellgarren7125]

Sir, that was a quality review. I watch a ton of them and this was one of the very best. It’s unfortunate you did not pursue this. Best to you.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Thank you for the kind words. I still have my 1200s and love it. I plan to restart reviewing motorbikes and cars in the spring of 2025, so stay tuned if interested. Happy Holidays.

[@mwf117]

Great video thank you Scott, glad to see you are enjoying your bike, and have obviously bonded with it, much like I have with my 2016 model. Wonderful machine to ride and to look at, and a joy to own...

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Glad you enjoyed it and the Monster is a joy and pleasure to own. Like yours, it is potent too. Happy and safe riding!

[@maxslavuta]

One of the best review of this bike

[@atastefortheroad4475]

You're welcome. I still enjoy it a great deal to this day. If you're looking - find one w/a full service history and enjoy. Cheers.

[@martinlander3906]

SO MUCH information here for a potential buyer. Thank you!

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Martin - you're welcome. I still own and thoroughly enjoy my 1200s, so if you find a nice one w/a full service history - pull the trigger. And outside of a fuel level sensor going south - I've had not issues w/the bike. Happy hunting!

[@rob-zx9kf]

This review has made me want one ever more. I'm dreaming about those long sweepers.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Thanks for commenting. I still love my 1200s and have added the full Termi w/remap and some other mods. Definitely recommend getting one and they are wonderful thru long sweepers. Happy riding!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Never been a huge fan of Ducati bikes, but boy you sure have stunning scenery over there in the USA. Here after almost four months of perpetual rain I have managed to get the Honda NC750 out and put a few hundred miles on her. I love riding in the winter, with bitingly fresh air forced into the lungs.....P.S. Really appreciate the recommendations you make regarding other KZbin channels. Regards from England......

[@atastefortheroad4475]

I've been following your rain - thru Harry Metcalfe - and bike life is tough. Back in 1991 I worked in Swindon during the winter months. I can see why you folks spend a lot of time at the pub. I've got snow and salt on the roads here, so no bike riding. You're welcome on the other channels. There is definitely quality to be found here on YT.

[@Lar308]

Great video - enjoyed all that countryside in crystal clear 4k. Was out for a ride in my 2015 Monster 821 today and can relate to all the positive comments you said about the bike - especially about the emotional connection and character the bike engenders and about the way the bike rewards you for being precise and decisive when riding it.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Rodger - great to hear you had a wonderful ride today! Yes - the Monster does all of that in a sporty package w/o being over-the-top. Ride safe and enjoy!

[@abercrombiedarren9759]

This was so enjoyable and informative. Thank you =). I'm thinking about getting this as my daily. I've had an R1 in years past and no I have an 848. How do you think the throttle response is compared to high powered sport bikes?

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Thank you for commenting. The 1200 has three mappings and Sport is sharp. I use Touring most of the time and enjoy it with the Panigale Spacers addition. For a daily, I think would enjoy the throttle response and fuel delivery - even w/the stock exhaust. With the full Termi system, you can expect a 12 hp power spike. Happy hunting!

[@shadimagdy8196]

What about the new 937? Did you get a chance to try it

[@ipduffy]

One thing I've learned about Ducati since owning a Monster 1200 for the past few months is that they use Red Loctite on a lot of their fasteners. Red Loctite is like superglue for nuts/bolts to ensure a permanent bond; I guess they do it because the bike vibrates a bit and they're worried about nuts and bolts backing out from vibration. Anyhow, if you plan on doing any work on the bike yourself, be prepared for difficult-to-remove fasteners thanks to Ducati.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

That's true.

[@MsDenver2]

Wow that coffee. Shop looks great

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Hi Donna. They do a great job and are worth a visit if you're ever in the area. Great baked goodies too.

[@josip5553]

Hello,i like the monster 1200 a lot but i think it's a really small bike for tall riders (i'm 193cm),what do you think of it's size? Maybe some compare with other bike sizes? I would like to buy it..just can't figure it out,and there is no ducati dealer near me to try it 😔

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Hi Josip and thank you for reaching out. At 193cm/6ft3in you're going to struggle on the Monster. The 1200 fits riders from 5ft6in to 5ft10in well, but taller riders feel cramped given the bike's riders triangle. I would take a look at the KTM SuperDuke R or Aprilia Tuono as you'll probably be more comfortable. If you really want a Ducati - which I completely understand - I'd take a look at the Multistrada for comfort and power and the Hypermotard for blasting around. Happy hunting!

[@josip5553]

@@atastefortheroad4475 Thank's for the advice,ktm superduke was my second choice...

[@atastefortheroad4475]

My pleasure. The KTM is a fine machine!

[@ivohage]

Only thing I think they should've added is Keyless system. Don't miss cruise control on a bike. The quick shifter could've been a bit better with throttled downshifts. All like the 1290R KTM. BUT it's a Ducati, love it!

[@rafalmatysiak1]

Hi, I am thinking about buying a motorcycle, I did not drive 5 years, I am interested in the ducati monster 821 or 1200 s, before that I rode the ktm duke 690, triumph street triple r, I like the 1200s more but I do not know if it is too strong?

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Both the 821 and the 1200s are excellent choices. I think the 821 at 110 hp is a real sweet spot for the street, while the 1200 does have that top end rush. The current gen 821 wasn't ready when I bought mine. I'd recommend testing both and seeing which one you enjoy best. There should be some end of the year deals and some low mileage used ones - perhaps w/a few goodies. Welcome back to riding and happy hunting!

[@juanjosegrafico]

what a beautiful and complete video . Im from Costa Rica and you should come down here to taste the coffee. Best Regards

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Juan Jose - thank you for the kind comment. I've had some friends tell me to visit Costa Rica, so I'll put it on the to-do list. Happy New Year!

[@rafalmatysiak1]

Hi, I am thinking of buying this bike, I just don't know if it is too strong for me? Before I had ktm duke 690, triumph street triple r ...?

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Hi Rafal - while it's true the 1200s has about twice the hp of the KTM 690, the 1200s is very manageable. The rider modes are differentiated and in sport mode in the upper 1/3 of the rpm band the bike rips. But at lower revs in touring or rain mode the 1200s is very reasonable w/some throttle control. There is the 821 as well. I'd recommend take one for a test ride and seeing what you think. Happy hunting!

[@Back2TheBike]

Hi Scott from the UK. I run my own YT channel line yourself and I'm thinking of buying the R. I liked your relaxed riding style. Can you tell me how comfortable the bike is on a day ride, say 250 miles or so ...

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Thank you. I find the bike pretty comfortable for longer rides and do 150 - 200 miles easily. The bike fits riders between 5'6" to about 5'10" well. Taller riders can feel a bit tight. Should you go for an R - which is always a good idea - have the suspension setup the way you'd like it via the dealer or an indie. The Ohlins are excellent and benefit from a bit of tweaking. Happy hunting!

[@Back2TheBike]

@@atastefortheroad4475 thanks for that Scott. I'm off to test ride a Monster and Miltistrada 950S back to back this week. Decision time ahead ...

[@atastefortheroad4475]

@@Back2TheBike This good problem to have as a holiday gift for one's self. Enjoy!

[@gothychris]

Have you taken a pillion on it, did they rate the riding experience?

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Gothy - I've never taken a pillion. My guess is that for short journeys it would be OK.

[@tripletrouble5994]

looking to get the 2019 monster 1200 S and was wondering will the 2018 do power wheelies in 3rd gear?

[@atastefortheroad4475]

I haven't tried it myself but I don't see why not. A simple sprocket change to get you there earlier if needed.

[@dancingmaryjane]

have you test ridden the supersport S? im torn between the m1200 and the SSS

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Yes - I took it on a several hour test ride. The SSS has a lot to offer and it was tempting for its all around abilities. I was particularly interested in it because of the luggage option. The SSS rides well and the fueling in touring mode is just fine. But as a long time Ducatisti I felt it lacked a bit of Ducatiness - that special feeling. Sport mode fixes that problem, but the fueling/mapping off the line made it feel like the bike was going to stall (it doesn't). Fixing this would have required a full system + remap - which was fine. However, the SBK like exhaust system would have meant no bags and that defeated the purpose for me as a sports tourer. Keep in mind I tested a 1st year bike and the fuel mapping may have changed in year 2 and now in 2019. They haven't sold well after the 1st year so I'm sure there are deals to be had if you'd like one. Definitely worth a test ride. I hope this helps and thanks for stopping by the channel.

[@dancingmaryjane]

@@atastefortheroad4475 thank you for the reply! I will be sure to test one. That is pretty silly the Akra pipes you can put on wont even let you put saddlebags on it. I think with the Monster SW-Motech makes bags for it which is nice. How does the 1200 handle compared to the SSS? And do you have a windscreen fitted? I imagine the wind being kind of an issue on highways but I guess I would just take back roads.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

@@dancingmaryjane I found the 1200s to be more flickable and the SSS a bit more stable - which reflects their roles. To be clear the SSS turns very nicely. I don't have a windscreen on my 1200s so there is more wind against me. But with the shape of the headlight and shroud of the TFT screen there is some wind management. So, I've found at about 60 mph is where I start to "feel" it. There are quite a few bag options and I have an overnight bag from Ducati. The backroads are where the fun is for either bike. One thing to note - Ducati doesn't put a clearcoat on their bikes so the paint scratches easily for the "painted" bikes. The matt finish on some - such as a white SSS - is harder to scratch.

[@helgejohan3604]

Supersport are a loot slower then the brutal Monster 1200✊🔥

[@mithrixx]

What about breakdowns? Have you had any issues with it?

[@atastefortheroad4475]

There was a TSB code update last year and in year one there was a recall on a part that is now escaping me. This affected multiple Euro brands and was a contractor part. Mine had no wear. I've got about 7500 miles on it now and I'm still very happy. If you're thinking of one - 1200 or 821 - I'd certainly go for it.

[@EP-77o]

Have you ridden the Monster 821? I have ridden a Monster 696 and an 1100 and I actually enjoyed the smaller Monster more. I thought it had a better balance of power and handling. I wouldn’t buy a 696 now, but a new(ish) 821 seems like it would tick similar boxes for me. My primary concern with the Monster 1200 S is the additional weight and the fact that 145hp on public roads could present certain... legal issues. 🏍 💨 💨 💨 🚔

[@atastefortheroad4475]

EP - I haven't ridden the current 821. My previous bike was a Gen 1 Monster 750 and it was smaller and fit me very well - so I definitely hear what you're saying on the size. Often w/bigger versions, the motor dominates everything and you can't use all of it. The 821 is the same physical size as the 1200s. I would agree around 115 hp for the street is about perfect and the 821 Ducati motor is great for road use. And you get to use all of it. A newish 821 w/a few goodies would be a great ride. To get the very best out of it and yourself have the bike setup for your weight and if needed swap the springs front/rear. Doing so made a big difference for me across a broad spectrum of riding. Happy hunting.

[@protectionplus100]

Looking at the Monsters for a first time purchase.. confused by there model line up from history's past.. In 2016 they made a 1200r version with almost 160hp... the models available now the hp is much less... usually as bikes progress, they get faster, not slower... do you know why that is?.. thanks

[@atastefortheroad4475]

I recall their being a different map for the 1200r. The 1200s is 148 and w/a full system and a map you're looking at about 165hp. Marques have dealt with Euro5 by increasing displacement and variable valve timing.

[@tfre3927]

Agree re having a dealership that makes the Ducati experience all that it should be. I’ve been on the receiving end of a service department that act like they’re doing you a favor and still do a poor job.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Yes - it's definitely frustrating. I have two dealers that are closer to me, but I won't touch them. The brand is specialized enough that it requires a "feel" for the marque. While it's a hassle I hope there is a dealership w/in a few hundred miles of you to provide quality service w/o an attitude.

[@tfre3927]

A Taste for the Road Negative - I never returned. Found a specialist Ducati service shop (basically just two guys that love Ducati’s) and never looked back. Passion is passion 👍🏻

[@atastefortheroad4475]

@@tfre3927 That's true. Glad you found a specialist shop.

[@rickd955]

Nice surroundings, calm voice is a pleasure to listen to, thanks a lot for this video, much appreciated. Looking into buying one after selling my Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 which I had for 12 years. Greetings from Germany.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Rich - you're welcome and thank you for commenting. I've continued to be very pleased w/my 1200s. Happy hunting!

[@mariobradaric3401]

Hoses can easily cleaned up, just use a little black shoe polish then let dry, once dry , spray some tyre shine over it and it will stay shiny black , like new.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

So far mine have remained black. Thanks for the tip.

[@ClipsByMiles]

@@atastefortheroad4475 The reason the hoses have the milky-white colour is actually from wax within the makeup of the hoses. The purpose of the wax is to stop the hose from cracking and fatiguing over time, so it's a side effect of this protection. If the appearance is an issue (which is is for a lot of people), Samco make aftermarket hoses for the 1200 in a few colours, and the quality of Samco products is legendary.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Good to know and thanks again.

[@abhijeetprasad3567]

Is it good for short riders? I am 167cm

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Abhijeet - the seat height is 32.5 inches so at 5'4" that might be challenging. The 821 is about the same - seat wise. The Monster 797 has a lower seat height and the Scrambler series is more reasonable too. The Scrambler 1100 is a lovely machine I reviewed late last year. Another option would be something like the Daytona M-Star GTX boots - which provide some extra lift. Here is a link: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/daytona-m-star-gtx-boots The best thing to do is call a local Ducati store - see what they have in stock and swing a leg over a few bikes and see what works. I hope this helps.

[@jscar7298]

the seat is adjustable. it can be lowered by 1 inch

[@user-hb4nl3bl6c]

“Pressure on my knees” of course you do😂

[@ElementofKindness]

Who else is just surprised that the bike is kept 100% stock, including all the misc warning stickers still in place?

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Fair observation. I don't like financing accessories and for a time there was some concern I might be downsized at work. So, I've been conservative. I have looked at removing the stickers but some are on like a vice grip. Recommendations? BTW - very much enjoying the bike.

[@ElementofKindness]

@@atastefortheroad4475 I've removed them all on mine. Even the yellow reflectors on the forks. For the reflectors, I used some braided fishing line to slice down behind to cut the double stick tape. As for any residue from them or the stickers, I simply judiciously used CRC brake cleaner and a microfiber cloth to take it off. I agree, these Monsters are something else. (1200R rider)

[@atastefortheroad4475]

@@ElementofKindness I hadn't thought of fishing line. The reflectors aren't the most attractive - that's for sure. Happy Riding!

[@stevelawrie9115]

Number 5, service costs. Service costs for a Ducati are at least twice anything else.

[@atastefortheroad4475]

Steve - thanks for commenting. As a 20 year Ducati owner I've not found this to be the case. Service pricing is comparable to BMW, KTM, and other premium Euro brands. Against the Japanese and other broader Asian brands - Ducati is more expensive.

[@Fearless154]

Thanks for a great and informative video. I'm looking to get a monster 1200. But your panigale pounce is really grating on my nerves.

[@user-hb4nl3bl6c]

Soft spring like a pillow! 😂

[@rabola55]

You should've done at least one full throttle full rev range acceleration, this is simply not acceptable.

[@mstfsircold]

12 months does not seem long to me to do the long term review in my opinion, but thanks for the infos.

[@user-hb4nl3bl6c]

One thing is for sure if he goes to sell this bike , buy it! Never over 3k rpm’s!

[@user-hb4nl3bl6c]

After hearing 2 minutes of this guy, I don’t want to ever buy another Ducati!!!!!!

[@ruudverkooyen1632]

Booooooooring

[@user-hb4nl3bl6c]

I put this on to put my toddler to sleep