The Ducati Monster 1198 RS: A Tribute to Ducati's Legacy
The Ducati Monster 1198 RS is a groundbreaking custom project designed to capture the essence of what the Ducati Monster originally stood for: style, performance, and an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence. This project combines the best elements of the Monster lineage with cutting-edge design and technology to create the ultimate expression of the Monster’s spirit.
Why This Project Exists
In recent years, Ducati has drifted from the iconic Monster formula that endeared the model to enthusiasts worldwide.
This project aims to fill the void left by Ducati’s latest offerings, delivering a Monster that honors the model’s heritage while setting a new benchmark for performance and design.
This project aims to fill the void left by Ducati’s latest offerings, delivering a Monster that honors the model’s heritage while setting a new benchmark for performance and design.
The Base: Second-Generation Monster 1100S
The Ducati Monster 1198 RS begins with the second-generation Monster 1100S, a platform that retains the original’s styling and character while improving upon its riding position and handling. This generation represents the perfect starting point for a custom build, combining classic aesthetics with a modern foundation.
The Missing Link: A 4-Valve Liquid-Cooled Monster
Ducati’s second-generation Monsters never featured a 4-valve liquid-cooled engine. While the first-generation Monster lineup included the S4, S4R, and S4RS, which boasted liquid-cooled engines, and later generations embraced this technology, the second generation never offered such a configuration. This project addresses that gap by incorporating the most powerful V2 4-valve liquid-cooled engine Ducati ever produced before being acquired by Audi: the 1198S engine. This engine ensures that the Monster 1198 RS delivers exhilarating performance while maintaining a strong connection to Ducati’s engineering roots.
Reinventing the Subframe
One of the most criticized aspects of the Monster 1100 was its cast aluminum subframe. Ducati’s decision to move away from their traditional tubular trellis design was a cost-cutting measure that many enthusiasts felt undermined the bike’s identity. The Ducati Monster 1198 RS addresses this by replacing the cast aluminum subframe with a custom-designed trellis subframe made from 6062 aluminum tubes. This subframe not only restores the iconic Ducati aesthetic but also accommodates the 1198’s rear suspension setup.
New Take on the Fuel Tank
The stock Monster 1100 fuel tank is a plastic unit located under the seat, with external covers preserving the bike’s iconic silhouette. While functional, this design lacks the elegance and practicality of earlier Monsters. For the Ducati Monster 1198 RS, a new carbon fiber fuel tank will be fabricated. This tank will provide increased fuel capacity and feature a hinge—a throwback to the first-generation Monsters—allowing easy access to the top of the engine and electrical components. This design balances functionality and heritage, ensuring the bike’s usability matches its stunning appearance.