2016 Ducati Monster 1200R vs 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Ducati Monster 1200R 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
117,7 kW / 160 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
456.4 pounds
2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120

Naked bike

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Power
59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
224 kg / 494 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20162016 - 17
ColoursRed, Star White-
Make ModelDucati Monster 1200RTriumph Bonneville T120
Warranty2 years unlimited mileage-
Dimensions
Seat Height830 mm / 32,7 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase1509 mm / 59.4 in1445 mm / 56.9 in
Height1,050 mm / 41.3 in.1125 mm / 44.3 in
Length2,121 mm / 83.5 in.2170 mm / 85.4 in
Width830 mm / 32.7 in.785 mm / 30.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight180 kg / 396,8 lbs224 kg / 494 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.5 Litres / 4.6 US gal / 3.8 Imp gal14.4 Litres / 3.8 US gal / 3.2 Imp gal
Wet Weight207 kg / 456,3 lbs-
Performance
Max Power117,7 kW / 160 hp @ 9250 rpm59 kW / 80 hp @ 6550 rpm
Max Torque131.4 Nm 13.4 kgf-m / 97 lb-ft @ 7750 rpm105 Nm / 10.7 kgf-m / 77.4 lb-ft @ 3100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.8889 HP/kg-
Engine
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Fuel ControlDesmodromic valve control-
Displacement1198 cc / 73.1 cu-in1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, Testastretta 11° L-Twin, DOHC, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinderFour stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Synerject-Continental electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle body ? 56 mm equivalent with full Ride-by-Wire-
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio13.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEuro 4EURO 4 compliant
ExhaustLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflersChromed 2 into 2 exhaust system with twin chrome silencers,
Fuel InductionSynerject-Continental electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle body Ø 56 mm equivalent with full Ride-by-WireMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
IgnitionMarelli electronic Digital
LubricationWet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Wet sump
StarterElectric-
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-runWet, multi-plate
Final DriveChain, front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 41Chain, X-ring
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 2nd 30/17 3rd 27/20 4th 24/22 5th 23/24 6th 22/25-
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveStraight cut gears, ratio 1.84:1-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6-Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders headDual tubular steel cradle
Suspension - FrontOhlins fully adjustable 48 mm usd forksKayaba 41 mm forks
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarmKayaba twin shocks with adjustable preload
Rake24.3° 25.5°
SeatDual seat-
Trail89 mm / 3,5 in105.2 mm / 4.1 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm /5.1 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear159 mm / 6.2 in120 mm / 4.7 in
Electronics
Equipment / FeaturesRiding modes,Power modes, DSP Ducati Safety Pack (ABS + DTC), RbW, seat cover-
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationColour TFT display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.0 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)330 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x 330 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc evo M50 4-piston callipers, radial pump with ABS as standard2 x 310 mm discs, 2 piston floating Nissin calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipmentSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston floating Nissin caliper
ABS-Standard
RimsTri-W spoke forged alloy-
Tyres - Front120/70 - ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP100/90-18
Tyres - Rear200/55 - ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP150/70 R17
Wheels - FrontTri-W spoke forged alloy 3.50" x 17"2.75 x 18, 32 spokes
Wheels - RearTri-W spoke forged alloy 6.00" x 17"4.25 x 17, 32 spokes

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Ducati Monster 1200R

The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R edges out the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 thanks to its more peak power, lighter kerb weight, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Ducati Monster 1200R - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 117,7 kW vs 59 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Lighter: 207 kg vs 224 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 159 mm vs 120 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 130 mm /5.1 in vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 785 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2016 Ducati Monster 1200R vs 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R and 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270o crank, SOHC 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R is lighter at 207 kg compared to 224 kg for the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 - a difference of 17 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R produces more peak power at 117,7 kW, compared to 59 kW for the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 has the lower seat at 785 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R sits higher at 830 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R or 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 have ABS?
The 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 is listed with ABS as standard. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R or the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R has the edge in more peak power and lighter kerb weight, while the 2017 Triumph Bonneville T120 stands out for lower seat height and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.