Thanks to the elliptical throttle body and the dedicated exhaust, the second generation Testastretta 11° DS engine generates a power which can be compared with that of a 3/4 cylinder engine and is able to reach great performance levels. This engine in fact ensures an output of 147 hp at 9,250 rpm and an impressive torque curve which delivers total riding pleasure, generating a maximum torque of 124 Nm at 7,750 rpm. 

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

The Ride-by-Wire (RbW) system is an electronic interface between the Monster's twistgrip and engine, which manages an ideal power response depending on the riding mode selected. The twistgrip does not have a throttle cable connected directly to the throttle body butterflies, but instead delivers a signal to a control unit, which in turn operates an electronically controlled butterfly. The RbW system uses three different mappings to regulate power delivery: 145hp with a sports-type delivery, 145hp with a progressive delivery suitable for touring, 100hp with a progressive delivery for city use and wet conditions. 

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 aluminium fusion. The Monster 1200 S uses a fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber as the main shock absorbing element at the rear. 

The Monster 1200 S is equipped at the front with two M50 Brembo radially mounted monobloc callipers and discs which are 330 mm in diameter. A single 245 mm diameter disc at the rear on which a single Brembo calliper acts, equipped with pads with sintered friction material to increase efficiency. This component ensures the most highly performing brake system in the sector, a trait which has always been characteristic of all Ducati bikes. 

The headlight is another element which has always been characteristic of the Monster. The Monster 1200 is equipped with a double parabola headlight and, on the Monster 1200 S, also with DRL System (Day Time Running Light). Adopting this headlight has allowed a specific dashboard mount to be implemented, which is fixed to the handlebar risers. This gives the bike a visually light front part also thanks to the positioning of the turn indicators, LED indicators for the S version, which are mounted below the steering head.  

The Monster 1200 dashboard has a last generation TFT colour 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.