indications are that the watercooled Monsters will be replaced by a naked 1098 to compete directly with the likes of the SD and the Tuono.
Ducati will produce the bike when:
a) there's sufficient demand
b) they have excess capacity in the engine plants
I think this year or next might be the last for the watercooled Monsters. Personally, I think the S4Rs is enough power on the road, and the classic looks are what attracted me to the Monster in the first place.
A nekkid 1098 would be cool, but for me, too much power on the road and Ducati would want to position it as a distinct bike, so it would likely look nothing like the Monster. I've been told that it will be a 1098 without a fairing. Probably it will end up looking similar to the Brutale and the Tuono. But that's all supposition.
So, Graham, if you want a good road bike, get the S4Rs - the best Monster they ever built!
(asbestos pants packed
)