The 1198 Testastretta 11° DS breathes through the Ride-by-Wire Mikuni throttle body with oval cross-section with a diameter of 56 mm with two spark plugs for each head: the double flame front ensure combustion is completed extremely quickly which, together with the secondary air system optimizing operation and reducing cyclical dispersion of the combustion without any impact on pollutant emissions, translates into a more regular distribution providing a more pleasurable and exciting riding sensation. Great attention was paid to improving engine response in terms of modulating the engine response times to the actions on the accelerator.

The Testastretta 11° DS engine is coupled to an impressive side-mounted 2-1-2 staggered shotgun exhaust that makes no secret of the performance of which the new Monster 1200 is capable. The engine management system dedicates a lambda probe to each header, providing precise fueling, while the stylish cannon-style, vertically stacked silencers carry catalytic converters to provide Euro 4 conformity. An electronically controlled mid-section valve optimizes exhaust pressure throughout the rev-range.

The Monster 1200 S has a fully adjustable 48 mm diameter Öhlins fork front suspension.
At the rear end, the shock absorber exploits a progressive mechanism secured directly on the vertical cylinder on one side and, on the other, on the single arm fork obtained by aluminum fusion. The Monster 1200 S uses a fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber as the main shock absorbing element at the rear.

The Monster 1200, in both the standard version and the S version, is equipped with the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) which, thanks to the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) integrates the Bosch 9.1 MP Cornering ABS, the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and the Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) which contribute to highlighting the dynamic performance, optimizing control and offering high levels of safety.
Ducati's DTC gives the rider a choice of eight profiles or ""sensitivity levels"", each programmed with a different wheelspin tolerance value, matched to progressive levels of riding skill, and graded from one to eight. A preset level at which DTC intervenes is assigned to each Riding Mode. When DTC is on, the control unit analyses the data sent from the front and rear wheel speed sensors, detects the amount of wheelspin, and works out what type of intervention is necessary. This intervention is carried out very smoothly by electronically slowing down the engine injection to reduce torque, until rear grip is completely restored. DTC can also be disabled by the rider.
The DTC profiles are factory pre-set for each of the three Riding Modes, but can be customized individually and saved in order to best meet the needs of the rider.
The Monster 1200 is equipped with the Brembo braking system with Bosch 9.1 MP Cornering ABS device. This exploits the presence of the Bosch IMU inertial platform (Inertial Measurement Unit) to optimally adjust the braking power of the front and rear wheel even in critical conditions with the bike is leaning. By interacting with the Riding Mode, the system is able to offer solutions which are suitable for any situation, condition or riding style.
The system acts with three different intervention levels. Level 1 offers maximum performance for a sporting ride, it does not involve activation of the rear wheel lift-up detection mechanism and allows rear skidding during braking actions by only applying ABS to the front. Level 2 ensures balance between the front and rear without rear wheel lift-up detection but with the Cornering function both activated and calibrated for a sporting ride. Level 3 ensures balance between the front and rear with rear wheel lift-up detection and with the Cornering function both activated and calibrated for maximum safety.
The Monster 1200 is equipped with DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control) which can be adjusted on 8 levels. The system analyses bike set-up (wheelie) and subsequently manages the torque and power to ensure maximum acceleration in safety, without impairing the set-up. Like the DTC, it can be adjusted on 8 levels and is integrated with the Riding Mode.

The Monster 1200 dashboard has a last generation TFT color display.
The display has three configurations, known as Core, Full and Track, each designed to display information suitable for the different riding situations. Each configuration has an indicator showing the gear which is engaged and the level of fuel.