Ducati's new-for-2014 Monster 1200 has been voted "Most Beautiful Bike on Show" on the closing day of the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan. The annual survey, organised by Italian bike magazine Motociclismo, has become a tradition at Milan and this year attracted more than 10 000 respondents.
The Ducati Monster 1200 was the clear winner of the award, followed by the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800.
The "Most Beautiful Bike on Show" award closed an incredibly busy event which saw more than 500 000 vistors view the many halls of exhibitors at Fiera di Milano-Rho, a positive signal to an industry hard hit by the global economic crisis. The public's accolade for Ducati's latest offering closed an equally busy week for the marquee, starting on Monday with the unveiling of the Monster 1200 at the spectacular "Leonardo da Vinci" Science and Technology Museum in the centre of Milan.
THIRD-GENERATION MONSTER
Two decades and 275 000 bikes after the first Monster turned the 1993 Cologne motorcycle show in its ear, Ducati introduced the model's third generation with the 2014 Monster 1200 and 1200 S.
Powered by the Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta engine, re-tuned for mid-range power and rideability, the new flagship of the Monster family combines a completely new frame with high-spec brakes and suspension, single-sided swing-arm and lightweight wheels, with relaxed ergonomics, including Ducati's first height-adjustable seat.
MONSTER 1200 S
Standard kit includes eight-level traction control, three-level ABS and three-level Ride-by-Wire via user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.
Evoking memories of past models such as the powerhouse S4R and S4RS, the 2014 Monster 1200 also comes in exclusive S trim with 107kW and 125Nm, wrapped in a high-spec package that weighs in at 182kg dry.
The Monster 1200 is finished in red with a red frame and black wheels, while the Monster 1200 S is also available in white, with bronze-coloured frame and glossy black wheels.