2012 Sportbike Buyer’s Guide

Engine L-C 8V 1198 V-twin Seat HT. 32.5 in. Wheelbase 56.6 in.
The 1199 Panigale represents Ducati’s latest generation V-twin sportbike technology, with an extremely oversquare bore/stroke configuration Engine, component monocoque frame design, sophisticated electronics including (on the S and Tricolore models) Öhlins electronic suspension, ABS, and traction control just for starters. There no denying the 1199 is a ground-breaking motorcycle.

Engine L-C 8V 1198 V-twin Seat HT. 30.3 in. Wheelbase 62.6 in.
Ducati basically broke its own mold with the Diavel, a power cruiser with Italian flair utilizing the 11° Testastretta Engine in a low-slung chassis with 240-size rear tire. Its success has already spawned numerous special editions with various accessories: Carbon ($19,995), Carbon Red ($20,395), Cromo ($18,995), and AMG ($26,495).

Engine L-C 8V 1099 V-twin Seat HT. 33.0 in. Wheelbase 58.1 in.
One of the more aggressive naked bikes out there, the Streetfighter S returns unchanged for 2012. With a beefy 155-horsepower Engine squeezed into a chassis with a longer swingarm and more relaxed steering geometry utilizing Öhlins suspension at both ends, the Streetfighter S promises serious performance in any arena.

Engine L-C 8V 1198 V-twin Seat HT. 33.5 in. Wheelbase 60.2 in.
After completely upending the adventure-touring landscape two years ago, the Multistrada 1200 gets revised Seats that are longer and more comfortable, with the S Touring model available in a “race titanium matte” motif with black frame. The Pikes Peak special edition (featuring special styling bits) will still be available for $21,995.

Engine A-C 4V 1078 V-twin Seat HT. 33.3 in. Wheelbase 57.7 in.
The large-displacement Hypermotard lineup has been streamlined to just one model, the 1100EVO SP Corse Edition. Featuring a slightly higher-spec Engine along with better ground clearance, improved suspension, higher bars, and less weight, the Corse Edition also gets new Y-spoke forged aluminum wheels and red/white/black Corse paint.

Engine L-C 8V 849 V-twin Seat HT. 32.6 in. Wheelbase 56.3 in.
The middleweight 848 EVO returns basically unchanged (as does the 848 EVO Dark model, but at the same $13,995 price), but new for 2012 is a Corse SE model that boasts the latest Ducati electronics with traction control and quickshifter, an Öhlins rear shock, and huge 330mm front brake discs.

Engine L-C 8V 849 V-twin Seat HT. 33.0 in. Wheelbase 58.1 in.
We got the opportunity to try out the mid-size Streetfighter in the January issue, and found it to be more comfortable than its bigger cousin, with good midrange steam to keep things interesting while offering more nimble handling. Plus you get traction control and 320mm front brakes.

Engine A-C 4V 1078 V-twin Seat HT. 31.9 in. Wheelbase 57.1 in.
A beefed-up Engine with five more horsepower via new cylinder head, hotter cams, and higher compression make the new Monster 1100 EVO even more fun than its predecessor. Add ABS and Ducati Traction Control, and you’ve got the makings of the best Monster ever by a good margin.

Engine A-C 4V 803 V-twin Seat HT. 32.5 in. Wheelbase 57.3 in.
The smaller Hypermotard returns unchanged for 2012, but it offers a lot of advantages over the bigger version. This includes a lower Seat height, plus APTC wet clutch from the Monster lineup and less weight, making for a supermoto-style machine that’s just as fun while being easier on your wallet.

Engine A-C 4V 803 V-twin Seat HT. 31.5 in. Wheelbase 57.1 in.
An early-release 2011 model, the Monster 796 seemed to be a curious addition to the entry-level 696, but sales show there’s a demand for a larger Monster without going the full-monty 1100 route. The 796 has ABS as standard equipment, a Marzocchi fork, and the same revised ergos as the 1100 EVO.

Engine A-C 4V 696 V-twin Seat HT. 30.3 in. Wheelbase 57.1 in.

The smallest member of the Monster family returns unchanged for 2012, with the same hospitable Engine and low Seat height that have endeared it to many novice riders. Changes for 2011 included Marzocchi fork, 20mm-higher bars, revised Seat shape and rear subframe. ABS model is also now available.

Engine L-C 8V 1190 V-twin Seat HT. 30.5 in. Wheelbase 55.4 in.
It may sound familiar but it’s totally different: EBR’s first model is loosely based on the 1125R with a similar Rotax powerplant housed in a fuel-in-frame chassis. But the Engine is bigger and stronger, final drive is by chain, running gear is top-shelf Öhlins equipment and the wheels are magnesium. Add $4000 for the carbon bodywork package.