The limited edition Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario is a bit special. Just 500 machines will be produced to celebrate the quarter of a century since the first Monster rolled off a production line in Italy. And it didn’t just revitalise the naked bike category, but also pretty much saved the Bologna bike firm from potential bankruptcy.
Back in 1992, the Ducati Monster was designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi. Ducati technical director Massimo Bordi had originally considered entering the cruiser market. But instead Galluzzi managed to create a naked motorcycle which appealed to riders who were urban, style-conscious and wanted something that was obviously an Italian Ducati. And he did it by using parts from existing Ducati models. That meant it was a profitable motorcycle to produce and sell. Which is good, as so far more than 325,000 Monster motorcycles have been made since 1993.
The 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario
If you’re producing a limited edition to celebrate one of the most important bikes in company history, it needs to be a bit special. And the Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario certainly stands out.
First up is the exclusive paint scheme, which features the three colours of the Italian flag on the nose fairing, fuel tank and passenger seat cover. It’s been inspired by the 2008 Ducati Monster S4RS Testastretta Triclore. And if you want an idea of how long the Monster range has been in production, the first S4R arrived in 2003 with a 996 engine, and the 2005 version used the motor from the Ducati 999.
The seat includes an embroidered 25th anniversary logo. And you will also stand out with the gold coloured frame. Plus the matching gold Marchesini W spoke wheels. Technically it takes 50 years to reach your gold anniversary, but we can forgive Ducati for being a bit early. Mainly because they look great. The 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario also comes with a bike cover featuring the anniversary logo. Which is good, considering you’ll probably want to take care of the paint and finish of the limited edition.
The other standout details are the numerous parts which have been machined from solid blocks of metal. Which means they’re stronger, more durable and a bit more special than standard items. The list includes the mirrors, frame plugs, handlebar end weights and the petrol cap.
You also get articulated brake and clutch levers in aluminium, as well as the numberplate holder. And if that’s all a little bit too subtle, then the carbon fibre parts will help. Most noticeable are the carbon front and rear mudguards, but you also get an exhaust heat guard and even the keyhole cover in the strong, weight-saving material.
Generating the heat is the 147hp, 1198cc Ducati Testastretta L-Twin DS engine, with 124Nm torque at 7,750rpm. But it’s still practical and reliable with decent service intervals of 9,000 miles for maintenance, and 18,000 miles for valve clearances.. And one of the biggest differences from the first Monster motorcycles is that the modern versions come with a range of electronic aids. In the case of the 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario, that means Sport, Touring and Urban riding modes. Plus an Inertial Measurement Unit to inform the ABS Bosch Cornering and Ducati Wheelie Control systems. And there’s also Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Quick Shift up and down. Combined with the slipper clutch, you shouldn’t have problems with the six speed gearbox.
All of the electronic information and other useless knowledge is displayed through the colour TFT instrument panel on the dash. Just behind a handy Ohlins steering damper to also help keep things stable and under control when you’re pushing on.
And you should be able to maintain a good pace. The tubular steel trellis frame and single-sided aluminium swing arm get fully adjustable Ohlins forks at the front with 48mm diameter stanchions. And there’s also fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension at the back. Plus you also get twin 33mm diameter Brembo discs at the front, paired with the firm’s M50 monobloc calipers. Another Brembo caliper manages the rear 245mm rear disc, and the wheels are shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres. Speaking of adjustable, the seat height can also be tailored to between 795mm to 820mm.
Each of the 500 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario models produced will have a limited edition serial number on the frame. The bikes will be available in Europe from September 2018, October 2018 in Japan, November 2018 in the United States and December 2018 in Australia (slow boat freight?). But you can already order them via Ducati dealers. And you probably won’t want to hang around.
There’s no price released for the 2018 Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario yet. But you can expect it somewhere between the £11,759 you’d pay for a standard Monster 1200. And the £23,995 of the 2016 Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario produced to celebrate the firm’s 90th birthday. It does include a 24 month, unlimited mileage warranty.
2018 Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario Specs:
- Dry weight: 184 kg (406 lb)
- Wet weight: (KERB): 210 kg (463 lb)
- Seat height: Adjustable 795 – 820 mm (31.30 – 32.28 in)
- Wheelbase: 1,485 mm (58.46 in)
- Rake: 23.3°
- Trail: 86.5 mm (3.41 in)
- Fuel tank capacity: 16.5 l
- Engine type: Ducati Testastretta 11°, L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, Dual spark, Liquid cooled
- Displacement: 1,198 cc (72.9 cu in)
- Bore X Stroke: 106 x 67.9 mm (4.17 x 2.67 in)
- Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
- Power: 147 hp (108 kW) @ 9,250 rpm
- Torque: 91 lb-ft (124 Nm) @ 7,750 rpm
- Fuel Injection: Electronic fuel injection system, Full ride-by-wire system, Øeq 56 mm oval throttle bodies
Celebrity Monster owners and riders include Lewis Hamilton, Orlando Bloom, Usher, Alanis Morissette, Lyle Lovett, Adrien Brody and TV presenter Suzi Perry. So it makes sense that current Ducati MotoGP star Andrea Dovizioso was roped in to add some glamour to the photo shoot for the Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario
More Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario Pictures:
Ducati Monster 1200 25 Anniversario Video:
Leave a Reply