Thinking about a Ducati S4RS

klennop · 01-15-2009, 11:02 AM

Hey everyone,

I am tossing around the idea of picking up a Ducati S4RS. Has anyone on this board had/have/or currently own one that could share some insight on it. Anything from ride quality to maintenance, etc.

So the Duc is 114lbs lighter, 32hp more and has 5.2 ft.lbs more torque than my 04 R1100S. That is stock for stock. I would be loosing ABS and Heated grips but gaining Ohlins.

I am thinking this bike will be just as comfortable as the S because of the upright position but has more to boot in the fun category.

Would this bike be creeping to much into the things my S is good at so then I would end up selling my S in the long run?

Thanks for any insight on this!

Keith

peter f · 01-15-2009, 11:18 AM

I'm a Ducati fanatic...so...it's obvious what I would suggest.

He He

Build quality not on par with beemers mind (or KTM). Forget service at home. Avoid rain (electronics).

PS: try a KTM Super Duke as well - redefines the impossible.

Doyle Whiting · 01-15-2009, 11:33 AM

Keith,

I can't respond exactly to the Ducati, but I had the same questions when I bought my Aprilia Tuono Factory. I picked the Aprila over the Ducati mainly for a seating position that fit me a little better.

The seating position for me is far more comfortable on the Tuono than the BMW up to 100mph. After that the wind blast becomes noticable. Different people find the difference anywhere between 80 and ?.

The power difference is huge. As in no comparison. I notice it most when I go from the Aprilia back to the BMW. Subtracting 100 lbs and adding 40 horsepower makes it a different sensation entirly.

Handling is not as big a difference as I originally thought it would be. The BMW really does handle extremely well for what it is. I can go faster , easier, on the Aprilia, as I would expect, but both bikes go plenty fast for the street.

I had originally planned to sell the R1100S, but after a few months decided that it does fill a niche that both complements and overlaps the Aprilia. Overnight trips, or long days with friends, I choose the BMW. 100-300 mile days through the mountains, I now take the Aprilia.

If I had a R1200S, I think the decision to keep both would be a lot harder, but with the R1100S I am glad I kept them both.

Thanks,

Doyle

klennop · 11:55 AM

(Edit-Doyle I posted this while you were replying, mentioning the Touno!)
Doyle you said the Touno is more comfortable up to about 100, then why take the BMW on longer trips?

I also think both bikes are fast enough but it would be nice if the R1100S had 100lbs taken off of it, then I think I would be a happy camper. Even though I am not scraping cylinders with my bike , I always seem to search for a little more power.

The electrical problems in the rain is what scared me away from the Brutales. I didn't know the Ducati's had that same issue?

I had also heard that adjusting the valves on the 4 valve compared to the 2 valve ones was a lot more difficult.

I have eyed up the KTM Super Dukes and also the R version however there is a guy I know that has one of those and I don't want to get the same bike as him. I also have been looking into the Aprilia Touno Factory because that has a lot of the same stuff the Ducati does but I am just not so sure. I don't know that much about those, maintenance, reliability, etc.

With the Ducati, I like the classic look with newer technology, and the sound of the open clutch and the exhaust.

Also for service, the closest place is 1.5-2hrs away for the Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, MV Agusta dealer so either way I have to drive for service if I choose any of these.

Thanks again for the input!

peter f · 01-15-2009, 11:57 AM

Erm

Passion bikes are not designed for globe trotting (nor has any meaning the reliability thing)...you must pay the price (but we live once!).

Imagine someone offering to you a 916SPS > would you ask "yes-but-what-if-it-breaks" questions?

I do insist for the Super Duke - mind.

klennop · 01-15-2009, 01:09 PM

As far as I know the Ducati's have improved their quality and reliability a ton compared to the old bikes. They did this through a bunch of different manufacturing techniques in the factories. A manufacturing/business guy I know recently toured their factory and he was telling me how they did it and the percentages they improved, I was impressed to say the least. I remember people always saying that Ducati was great at turning motorcyclists into mechanics. I know they may not be as reliable as my BMW but I also don't want a bike that breaks down all the time. I can give a new bike more love if need be but at the same time I don't want to be raped by it. You do only live once and that is why I am thinking about giving the Ducati a shot, I just always loved the sound and feel of the motors.

Peter you really think a Super Duke is a better bike than the S4RS? I would think you would have to get the Super Duke R to compare them but I may be wrong? I always compared the Super Duke to the Ducati Hypermotard. I think the Touno Factory would be a better comparison to the S4RS because of the numbers and parts, what are your thoughts on that bike?

Thanks again for the input.

Chris Canning · 01-15-2009, 01:18 PM

There isn't anything to compare to an S4RS,apart from an S4R,it's a bike on it's own,a complete contradiction,a riding position for street cruising with an engine that's pure racer,it'll become a collectors item,the Ducati people don't like watercooled motors in their Monsters,and as you can see by the latest offerings they've got their way.

The reality??,it's a 999 with a better riding position.

signit98 · 01-15-2009, 01:21 PM

I have owned two Ducs for a longer period of time, none of which ever gave me ANY issues... total of about 12K miles for both bikes... one was a 748 and one was a M900S i.e.

Still love them... I'd get the bike!

Not comparable to the Beemers but, as peter said, not apples to apples...

klennop · 01-15-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Canning

There isn't anything to compare to an S4RS,apart from an S4R,it's a bike on it's own,a complete contradiction,a riding position for street cruising with an engine that's pure racer,it'll become a collectors item,the Ducati people don't like watercooled motors in their Monsters,and as you can see by the latest offerings they've got their way.

The reality??,it's a 999 with a better riding position.

Yeah I looked at the new 1100S Monster but it has less power than the S4RS, both have Ohlins and weigh about the same. I would have thought the new one would have had the same power if not more but then that is what the new Streetfighter is for.

onekiwi · 01-15-2009, 02:02 PM

I love my S4RS,it is my hooligan bike so much power in a light frame.No worries in the rain and a high pressure car wash the newer connections have rubber seals in them.I ride a k12s as well so it takes a few miles to used to the bike i am riding.The acceleration on the monster is fantastic it will push your stomach thru your backbone!I have done a couple of track days on the monster and I think it went pretty well with my riding being the limiting factor but a few more track days should take care of that.BUY a monster and keep the 1100s they will be pretty good stable mates.Maintenance is a non issue as the new 999 engines require a lot less than the 916 engines

klennop · 05:04 AM

onekiwi,

What you are saying confirms everything that I have thought/heard about the S4RS. Since you have had both bikes, how is the comfort on the 1100S compared to the Ducati after about 300-400 miles?

peter f · 01-16-2009, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klennop

Peter you really think a Super Duke is a better bike than the S4RS? I would think you would have to get the Super Duke R to compare them but I may be wrong? I always compared the Super Duke to the Ducati Hypermotard. I think the Touno Factory would be a better comparison to the S4RS because of the numbers and parts, what are your thoughts on that bike?

Thanks again for the input.

Hmmm

Indeed that S4RS plays ball in a "slightly" different class...but let's simplify things > Naked street bikes with "racy" (or racy) engines....we could call them all street fighters (If you permit the generalization). That is : "unpractical", single minded, pure adrenaline makers for the committed rider (if we forget that little matter - Law, he he - I mean where to ride them to their "full" potential?).

In that aspect, IMHO, nothing beats the SDuke (R is more extreme - but are you?). But, again, the other passion of mine (Ducatis apart) is that orange color...

Note: Honestly, I'm not the right person (blame bad Carma in my bikes, he he) to comment reliability stuff on bikes. I can tell you "some" stories even for my R12S....(not to mention my indestructible R100GS) anyway...let's forget that little matter.

Yamalover · 01-16-2009, 07:39 AM

I have owned an R1100S BCR and currently have an R1200ST but this is the one that I would not trade for anything.

klennop · 01-16-2009, 08:30 AM

That is a Beautiful 910R!! A pair to boot!!!I am a big fan of the Pearl white ones, also like the S4RS color. The 910R was my first choice until I was reading more on them.

I just am turned off by all the people having electrical problems with them. It seems everyone does have some quirk with that bike. Everyone says that if you get caught in any rain plan on walking. Well for me, if I get caught in the rain that means I am far from home. It is a beautiful bike that I think everyone is trying to copy styling cues from it but I don't know if I could stand all uncertanties that come with it.

I also talked to the MV dealer/owner and he said he isn't sure what the future holds for them. He said he had to sign over the Ferracci importer contract to HD and hasn't heard a thing since. He said that he is waiting to see if he will be called into a HD dealer meeting or what?

Chris Canning · 01-16-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klennop

onekiwi,

What you are saying confirms everything that I have thought/heard about the S4RS. Since you have had both bikes, how is the comfort on the 1100S compared to the Ducati after about 300-400 miles?

3/400 miles on a monster!! you gotta be kidding,thats not what they were built for,over a distance i'll take the 1100s every time,but engine wise the 1100s couldn't hold a candle to an S4RS.

Yamalover · 01-16-2009, 08:46 AM

The wife and I have had no electrical problems and we have ridden in the rain with no problems. Our dealer has not had to sign any contracts with HD yet. I am on the MV forum all the time and I have not heard much of this rain problem and we have owners from all over the world. Our dealer has one pearl white 910r left. I have ridden high performance bikes for over 30 years and 300,000 plus miles and this is the most fun bike I have ever ridden. My wife sold her 04 R1100S which was Mandarin/Grey. I am not saying a Brutale is for everybody but when it comes to riding in the mountains I would find it hard to want anything else.

klennop · 01-16-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Canning

3/400 miles on a monster!! you gotta be kidding,thats not what they were built for,over a distance i'll take the 1100s every time,but engine wise the 1100s couldn't hold a candle to an S4RS.

300 miles is only 2 tanks of gas on a Monster, you think that is a lot? I don't think riding a monster for 3-400 miles should be a big deal at all, they were built for riding weren't they? As long as those miles aren't super slab, that is what the bike is made for? I know they are made for carving but in my neck of the woods you have to ride to get there and riding 40-100 miles one way isn't out of the norm.

I am not doubting that the R1100S may be a little more comfortable but its not like comparing it to a 1098.

As far as the Brutale, I was set on that bike until I was reading the stuff on MVAugusta.net. If I could for sure have 2 bikes then I would possibly still lean twords the Brutale. Where is your dealer at?

Thanks again guys for the comments and opinions, it really helps!!!

Yamalover · 01-16-2009, 09:06 AM

He is located here in Raleigh, NC. Their number is 1-800-499-3580 and ask for Chris Lynds. Tell him Marty sent you. I agree, I would not consider a Brutale as my only bike as it has very limited touring capabilities.

IvanTT · IvanTT's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by onekiwi

I love my S4RS,it is my hooligan bike so much power in a light frame.......The acceleration on the monster is fantastic it will push your stomach thru your backbone!I have done a couple of track days on the monster and I think it went pretty well with my riding being the limiting factor but a few more track days should take care of that......

You were moving on that thing. Coming on to the front straight I tried to catch you a few times and wasn't able to until the braking zone! I keep checking to see if the GSXR1000 I was riding was in the right gear coming off the turn... dam that DUC has grunt!

onekiwi · 01-16-2009, 04:55 PM

I have done 300 mile days on the monster and this is 60 miles of freeway, from LA to Frasier Park to Pine Mountain then out to the 166 to the 33 to Ohai, a couple fo beers then return the same way with no trouble on the monster a lot of riding but no mater what you are riding you get home tired but stoked .I have always had a K bike in the quiver for the long trips just for the smoothness and power.GO FOR IT