Monster interest

Grazillx · 04-04-2007, 11:51 PM

I'm looking at picking up a 2004 S4R that I found local for a good price. It was dropped while parked and broke some carbon bits, but no paint damage.

I'd like some advice from Monster owners on things I should look for when inspecting the bike. Mileage is about 3K.

After owning and riding a Monster, would you buy another one?

Are there many problems with dependability?

If you were going to compare the Monster S4R to a car what would it be?

I'm transitioning from a 2005 ZX-12R, but my heart is naked and rowdy. The 12R is plenty fast, but as common and boring to ride as my ex-wife.

Cyrus Buelton · 04-05-2007, 08:12 AM

Maintenance could get pricey on a 4v monster.

Valves need to be adjusted every 6k miles, along with new belts every few years as well.

I am sure Dicman can give you better advice

motogpfan · 04-05-2007, 09:25 AM

I have 4 Ducs,two 2v and two 4v. They don't need adjustment every 6k miles, they need checking every 6k miles.
They are as reliable as any other motorcycle depending on the care you give it. They are generally compared to Ferraris.

Ride one, you'll never look back...

Gregor · 04-05-2007, 10:27 AM

What 'gpfan said. Learn to do the maintenance yourself..it's a great bonding time for you and the motorcycle. Your wife will get jealous and put out more.

Ducman851 · 04-05-2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus Buelton

I am sure Dicman can give you better advice

Why I oughta !!

Actually the valves get checked every 6k. Usually after the 12k service they change very little. Ive been finding that the S4 (not the S4R yet) 4v bike is also prone to the flaking rocker syndrome. So thats been a concern on some of the S4 motors.

Belts every 2 years or 12k

The rest is the same as any other bike.

PhilB · 04-05-2007, 12:41 PM

Mine is an older 2v, but it's been really solid and reliable. Ducatis are generally well-built and will hold up if maintained properly. If you ride a lot, as in longdistance touring or every day commute, you might consider a 2v; I understand that the lesson from the ST line was that the 4v engine did not hold up as well for really high mileages. But if you ride it abiout as much as most motorcyclists, you should be fine for many years.

As a car, I'd compare most Ducatis to an Alfa Romeo, which similarly are soulful, responsive, fun, sporty, yet surprisingly practical and durable if maintained (and similarly can quickly go to hell if neglected).

PhilB

Ducman851 · 04-05-2007, 01:08 PM

Not sure Id question the longivity of the ST4, Gary Egan put over 100k on his 99 model.

Cyrus Buelton · 04-05-2007, 01:14 PM

my 99 750 has 234,000 miles on it.

I think it is because of the flux capacitor I installed at the 12k service

motogpfan · 04-05-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus Buelton

my 99 750 has 234,000 miles on it.

I think it is because of the flux capacitor I installed at the 12k service

thats about 30k miles per year, I think not...

Cyrus Buelton · 04-05-2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motogpfan

thats about 30k miles per year, I think not...

I ride a lot.

I am a salesman.

Gregor · 04-05-2007, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motogpfan

thats about 30k miles per year, I think not...

Maybe he does a lot of burnouts.

motogpfan · 04-05-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus Buelton

I ride a lot.

I am a salesman.

what do you sell?

motogpfan · 04-05-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregor

Maybe he does a lot of burnouts.

front wheel burnouts rule

Cyrus Buelton · 04-05-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motogpfan

what do you sell?

cleaning supplies.

Ever heard of Amway?

motogpfan · 04-05-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyrus Buelton

cleaning supplies.

Ever heard of Amway?

How the fuck are you carrying all that shit on the bike?

you got a utillity trailer hooked to it? Amway products blow,