Ducati Monster S4RS...thinking of buying one.

[JulesMaximus]

Anyone familiar with this particular machine? I've seen a couple used ones for sale around here and am thinking of picking one up as it is a lot cheaper than a new Ducati Monster 1100 S...and a lot more powerful.

 

[PricklyPete]

Anyone familiar with this particular machine? I've seen a couple used ones for sale around here and am thinking of picking one up as it is a lot cheaper than a new Ducati Monster 1100 S...and a lot more powerful.

Sorry man...don't have any experience/knowledge with bikes...but what is wrong with your current bike. I've seen pics and it looks fantastic...what makes this thing worth it?

 

[JulesMaximus]

It weighs about the same as my current bike but makes 130hp vs 75hp my current bike makes and about twice the torque. I like my bike but it lacks a bit when it comes to top end. This also has better suspension and brakes. Top of the line Ohlins fork and rear shock, single sided swing arm is sexy too as are the Brembo brakes and lightweight Marchesini wheels.

 

[heymrdj]

Jules...


That is one UGLY son of a...

Sure it may have alot of power but damn man, why doesn't have to look like a slicked up vagina on wheels?

 

[HannibalX]

It has all the right parts but it's ugly.

 

[Arkaign]

Can I haz your stuff when u die?

 

[Zargon]

S4R's are the shit!!! BY far the only monster worth owning if you arent going to just drool over it

what are you currently riding Jules?

 

[theApp]

Testastretta engine, right? Maintenance shouldn't be as bad as a Desmoquattro.
That's about the extent of my experience with the S4RS, haha. ducati.ms would be a good site to check if you haven't, I believe you'll be able to find a wealth of info on the S4RS there.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I know looks are subjective, but I don't get the ugly comments. This is by no means the prettiest Ducati, but it's still a pretty sweet-looking bike IMO.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I would be more concerned with maintenance costs, parts availability, how many dealerships in the area. It looks like a sweet bike. Have you thought about maybe a Kawasaki z1000? Fz1's have a detuned R1 motor and look pretty sweet too if you like the naked bikes or comfy riding position. If none of that matters and you want all out speed maybe a liter bike or a zx14?

 

[Zargon]

maintenance costs are as bad as they used to be from what I am told, a few buddys of mine have duc's

 

[JulesMaximus]

S4R's are the shit!!! BY far the only monster worth owning if you arent going to just drool over it

what are you currently riding Jules?

2008 SV650, I've owned it for a year and a half now and have put 9,000 miles on it. I've been going back and forth between a Ducati Monster and a Triumph Speed or Street Triple. The S4RS is lighter and just as powerful as the Speed Triple.

The SV is a great bike but I want something with a little more oomph. Don't get me wrong, it is fast enough 0-60 (4.0 seconds flat) and it will do 125-130mph top speed but it just lacks that punch above 70mph. It goes but I just want a little more.

I'm not interested in the Japanese bikes. Their naked bikes just look meh and I don't really want a SS either. I've ridden a bunch of different bikes and owned a few different bikes. I just dig the naked bikes for some reason.

As for reliability and maintenance costs, a friend of mine owns a Ducati Classic Sport GT1000 and it doesn't require any more maintenance than any other bike.

 

[Zargon]

nice!

a duc is a logical step forward

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I've had bikes in the horsepower range of that monster and you get use to it pretty fast. I won't ever go under at least 2006 liter bike horsepower range again. That sv does look clean though. Seems like you have your mind made up on a ducati. Maybe that 1198?

 

[foghorn67]

My buddy has one, awesome bike IMO, he has some fancy smanshy clutch though. I love nekkid bikes too.
--sorry--edit---. I don't know much about it. He just got it.

 

[MiataNC]

I loved my '04 SV650S, and there are days when I think fondly back on my time riding it. I have ridden a lot of bikes, and you won't find a more competent street bike than your SV650. That being said riding a bike that stirs your soul is night and day compared to one that is competent.

I currently ride an '09 Speed Triple. I smile just thinking about "Speedy" and riding it is a zen like experience. How much more it cost, and how much more it costs to maintain and insure are small prices to pay for the satisfaction of riding a bike that moves me.

If the Monster (or any other bike) moves you emotionally, then I say go for it. You won't regret it.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Couple of things -

First off, it has the 999 motor.. Which requires a good bit more maintenance than the 1098 series and is known for other niggling things - cooling issues, valves needing adjusted more often, etc. Not horrible things for supersport mind you, but for a bike in the naked hooligan category it's worth noting. 7500 valve checks (CHECKS, not adjustments) are $500++ for most desmo motors.

Second, it is basically a 999. What is the cost of an S4R vs a 999?

Third, MEET YOUR LOCAL DUC DEALER BEFORE BUYING A DUC. Your dealer will make or break your experience with the bike.



Personally I would get something else. You already have an SV - get a full on supersport. Get a 1098/1198. Maybe try something touringish or dual sport? Aprilia?

What about a used hayabusa? They make fantastic touring machines and are actually fairly capable in the twisties.



I dunno... I love Ducati but after my 1098 I doubt I'll buy another. I don't regret it, but instead chalk it up to one of those 'been there done that' sorta deals. There were little niggling maintenance issues that are imo acceptable on a full out superbike but I'd be pissed to pay $800++ for a 7500 mile service on a NAKED bike.




.....all of that being said, riding a motorcycle is about 'that certain feeling' that you get from the bike that YOU want. If you are prepared to pay ~$100 for oil changes, $800 for valve adjustments, etc then by all means go for it.

 

[rstrohkirch]

Buy one.
If you don't like it sell it and get something else.

I buy and sell bikes like candy as it gives me an opportunity to try out every kind style, brand, variation, and sports associated with them. I've owned standards, naked, sport, supermoto, dirt bikes, dual sports, etc. I've gotten the opportunity to try standard track days, supermoto track days, enduros, motocross, etc.

Next year I'm going to pickup a Sprint ST and try that out for a year or so and probably sell it and grab something else. I can't advocate enough the idea of trying out different things. You can always buy another SV if you miss it.

 

[rstrohkirch]

.....all of that being said, riding a motorcycle is about 'that certain feeling' that you get from the bike that YOU want. If you are prepared to pay ~$100 for oil changes, $800 for valve adjustments, etc then by all means go for it.

Need to ask whether he does his own maintenance first before bringing that up as a negative.

 

[joesmoke]

youd be the man if you got the exact bike from the pic, even the color. so badass. no clue about the reliability/performance, but its definitely pure sex.

i see one from time to time in my downtown area and they stand out in the best way.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Buy one.
If you don't like it sell it and get something else.

I buy and sell bikes like candy as it gives me an opportunity to try out every kind style, brand, variation, and sports associated with them. I've owned standards, naked, sport, supermoto, dirt bikes, dual sports, etc. I've gotten the opportunity to try standard track days, supermoto track days, enduros, motocross, etc.

Next year I'm going to pickup a Sprint ST and try that out for a year or so and probably sell it and grab something else. I can't advocate enough the idea of trying out different things. You can always buy another SV if you miss it.

I've ridden a number of different bikes over the last few years from BMW, Ducati, Suzuki, Triumph, Honda, and Yamaha, from full on sport bikes to touring bikes to naked bikes...never ridden a Kawasaki for some reason though.

And one of the bikes I'm looking at is the white with red stripe like the one in the photo I posted above.

I definitely have very specific tastes when it comes to bikes.

 

[Zargon]

Maybe that 1198?

*drool*

 

[JJ650]

What about the streetfighter, or were you trying to stick with a used bike to keep cost lower?

 

[AMCRambler]

Dibs on his organs.

 

[JulesMaximus]

What about the streetfighter, or were you trying to stick with a used bike to keep cost lower?

That bike is substantially more expensive. I'd like to keep it under $10k.