2007 Monster S4Rs
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3497174162_e0af556fa3_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3496359411_737547c0a6_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3497174214_66809538e3_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3496359535_ae45caaeb9_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3496359665_8ac80fbe3d_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3496359599_40f0e4eca4_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3497174112_58a6fc5541_o.jpg)
Bike was brought to me as a low-side victim on the left with some cosmetic damage to all the associated bits you would expect (bent bars, bent wheels, fubar'd radiator, etc). Customer wanted all that repaired/replaced...but wanted more to it.
Ok, no problem there...
I wasn't asked to build the motor or do any performance mods there, and the bike already has the best suspension on it from the factory...so I began with the asthetic mods.
I knew the S4Rs was the most powerful Monster, but it just didn't look like it was all that powerful. In fact, it looked like Ducati hired a circus clown to do the color scheme for the parts. Carbon fiber here, black this & that, yellow shock spring, poop brown udder.... uh.... yeah. [roll]
Well, in order to make the bike appear more powerful, I focused on 'silver'ing up the engine so the CF belt covers were painted engine silver, the clutch cover got the same treatment, I stripped off the black p'coat from the swingarm and left it natural aluminum and powdercoated the shock spring in a silver to match as well. For contrast, the clutch pressure plate was painted Ducati Red to match the bike and it plays against the clutch spring holder which was done in engine silver. I even had the headlight bucket painted silver.
Ok, now we're getting 'there'. The larger the 'chunk of aluminum' look, the more powerful the bike became visually.
My customer specified BST CF wheels, but I didn't want the large black wheels to make the bike look too heavy so I had my painter paint the wheel lips in silver and for contrast and to bring some red into the wheels, I had him add a red pinstripe between the silver and CF. After that, the wheels got a coat of clear. BTW, BST supplies a spacer for the rear wheel to clear the Brembo lettering on the rear caliper. I didn't want to use the spacer so I disassembled the caliper and ground off the Brembo logo so it would clear the spokes without using the spacer. I continued the factory paint scheme onto the stock CF front fender.
I moved a few wires around on the engine and flipped the fuel feed and return lines to the alternator side of the bike. BIG visual improvement there. Painted the coolant overflow bottle black so it would disappear in the V of the engine.
Rizoma rearsets and triple/clipons were specified but I didn't want the black mucking up my silver theme so they got disassembled and clear anodized instead. Brake-Tech floating iron rotors stop the bike up front with CP211 pads in the stock calipers. Rizoma master cylinder reservoirs were used throughout coupled with 6mm Brembo clear brake hose.
The exhaust? Well...customer specified using the stock udder but I couldn't leave well-enough alone on that. Got some stainless tubing and angle cut a couple small pieces. Welded them onto the udder and had it Jet-Hot coated. HUGE visual improvement over the dirty-brown udder with the stock end-caps. [thumbsup]
I did paint a lot of the CF on the bike, but I added some back to help with the big-bad-bike effect. CF ignition cover, front chain gaurd, rear chain gaurd and rear hugger were installed to go with the stock CF side panels.
The bike is not 100% finished so I don't have a ride report yet. Still have to bleed the brakes, mate up the new gauges to the ecu, and build the reservoir brackets for the front two but I wanted to share what I've been working on since it's nearly finished.
Enjoy! [thumbsup]
[bow_down] [bow_down]
Very nice work, Stew. [thumbsup] [clap]
Rockin'!!!!!
[thumbsup]
As always very tasteful mods and well finished. [thumbsup] [moto]
Too many things I like to even start to mention.
I'm sure it will inspire some flat silver look a likes.
Looks great, Stu. Very simple, very clean. Looking at it, at first blush, it's hard to tell what's different, but you know right away that it's not a stocker.
The engine looks much more unified. I particularly like that the silver makes the belt covers stand out. The 4V engines have always looked "big" in the monster frame and it's weird that Ducati tries to hide the engine (unsuccessfully). The silver makes it stand out and makes the L-twin really pronounced. Me likey.
I also really like hiding the BSTs a bit. [thumbsup]
Eidt: The more bikes I see with those silver CRGs from Bevel Heaven and those Rizoma Mini turns signals, the more I'm surprised that more bikes don't use 'em. They're both great. [thumbsup]
[thumbsup] painted CF bits
Nice addition to your portfolio [thumbsup]
it is soooo clean looking.
Quote from: ato memphis on May 03, 2009, 12:39:56 PM
it is soooo clean looking.
first word that came to mind!
Nice work [thumbsup]
nice to see a different take on things.. this looks like its exactly the opposite of the recent trend of making bikes "dark" by making everything black.
definitely is a clean look and has a very simple appearance. nice.
stu you going to put any sort of exhaust cans on the bike or a motogp style shorty exhaust?
Want. [thumbsup]
Quote from: sbrguy on May 03, 2009, 01:03:59 PM
nice to see a different take on things.. this looks like its exactly the opposite of the recent trend of making bikes "dark" by making everything black.
Thanks man... I acknowledge the trend, but don't like it...
Quote from: sbrguy on May 03, 2009, 01:03:59 PM
stu you going to put any sort of exhaust cans on the bike or a motogp style shorty exhaust?
Nope. The high-mount factory tab to hold the exhaust cans has been removed and the udder will be the only muffling device unless he decided to go with an Ex-box later on...
Thanks for all the 'clean' comments...I guess it's become my calling card! [thumbsup]
Beautiful. In the first picture, it almost looks like the frame is mounted to one central mass that was carved out of billet.
Sharp [thumbsup]
damn taht thing must be ear bleading LOUD!!!....
with the engine all silver like that, that cool thing is that it reminds me of a model motorcycle (mainly the first pic from a distance), i'm trying to tie this into the thread about the model tank where there was a posting on how to make real life things look like models.
I like how you didn't go overkill on the carbon fiber.
hey stu, have you ever tried to fabricate an under center exahust for a monster? i know there is not a lot of room to do much but you know sorta like how the versys, or how on the motogp ducti the exhaust that comes out right before the rear tire.
WOW Very nice.
Very clean & tasty! [thumbsup]
Nice!! [thumbsup]
Moving or making disappear the overflow botttle + re-routing the fuel lines are VERY big aesthetic improvements.
The silver and red on the BSTs makes them the best looking CF wheels I've seen. Jeez, thanks for putting that thought in my head. >:(
;D
Oh yeah, MORE PICS PLEASE!!
Sorry for yelling, I just wanted to make sure you heard me...I'm all the way on the east coast. ;D
Quote from: pompetta on May 03, 2009, 04:04:06 PM
Oh yeah, MORE PICS PLEASE!!
Yeah, what he said. Nice work! Closeups of the reservoir mounts would be nice...
Sweet man, that looks sweet. And YES MORE PICS PLEASE.. !! [thumbsup]
Thanks guys! 8) I'll put up better and more pics here shortly.
[thumbsup]
hey foo, did ya get my email?
Very nice Stew. It's a good looking bike.
Nice. Now I want to paint my BSTs. [bang]
Don't forget to change your brake pads after you scuff in the rotors.
Quote from: silentbob on May 03, 2009, 08:37:58 PM
Nice. Now I want to paint my BSTs. [bang]
Then you'd have to clean them. [cheeky]
Nice work as always Stu.
Love your vision.
Quote from: trouble on May 03, 2009, 08:58:52 PM
Then you'd have to clean them. [cheeky]
You're right. I better forget about it.
make the beast with two backsin A....nice bike man!!!
[thumbsup]
Having just officially got my S4Rs this week I am looking at my mods list.
Very neat treatment, I look forward to more snaps when you get them up.
Very tasty Stew [thumbsup]
I must say " very , very niceeeeeeeee !
You do good work and what a great looking S4Rs. Dolph [thumbsup]
Like I said when i saw it in person, it may be the most beautiful monster I have ever seen. The pictures really don't do the bike justice.
After a little while, I'm gonna be back in the saddle again! Thanks so much Stu...The bike looks beautiful. You truly are an artist. I'm glad to hear that you've got more bikes lined up your way...I honestly don't think anyone does what you do with Ducs...
I can't wait to see it in person!
Joe
Camera issues sorted out. Will post more pics tonight. [thumbsup]
So clean looking it makes me weep :'(
Congratulations! Looks wonderful!!!
Celli
Nice Stew... [thumbsup]
I like that you really have to look to see what you did.
Quote from: Duck-Stew on May 05, 2009, 09:05:33 AM
Camera issues sorted out. Will post more pics tonight. [thumbsup]
fibber
Quote from: Ishmael (aka bp) on May 06, 2009, 07:14:58 AM
fibber
I would have but I need to finish the bike before Saturday and I needed to repaint the coolant overflow bottle and tear-into the 'V' of the motor one last time.
Quote from: ducpainter on May 06, 2009, 05:12:39 AM
Nice Stew... [thumbsup]
I like that you really have to look to see what you did.
Yeah...those mods are my favorites. Like the lack of tank to frame rubbers on the M1000SS and the SS rear shock on the SS2R and the M1000SS...
SICK! Love the paint on the belt covers. Gives it that look like the engine was made from one solid piece of aluminum...very clean and original. And the fact that you painted over carbon fiber....well, doesn't get any classier than that. Love the wires too! One reason I am always glad I didn't get an S4R is b/c of the wires. I mean they are just all over the place like they didn't even at least try to hide them! Yellow shock sucks ;D. Excellent work from an excellent guy. Wish I had the money to have you do this kind of thing on one of the new monsters. Thats has got to be the nicest S4R I have seen though. Wish I could see it in person...
Quote from: Duck-Stew on May 06, 2009, 07:35:08 AM
Yeah...those mods are my favorites. Like the lack of tank to frame rubbers on the M1000SS and the SS rear shock on the SS2R and the M1000SS...
agreed. I have a list of mods I want to do and that's on the list. pinch weld gone, no frame rubbers. some day.. some day.
Okay, I saw this bike in person and it is definitely nicer in person. A very sweet treat indeed. [clap]
wow..............truly beautiful
Quote from: Duck-Stew on May 05, 2009, 09:05:33 AM
Camera issues sorted out. Will post more pics tonight. [thumbsup]
well? :P
Nice work! Good to see the work coming from FC! Thanks Stew! - Chris
ps, I can wait for the extra pics... unlike some ;D
I'm a crap photographer and lack a good digital camera. I have an appointment with a REAL photographer next week.
That engine looks huuuuuuuge. [laugh] Bike by Peterbuilt.
Quote from: mostrobelle on June 01, 2009, 10:32:31 PM
That engine looks huuuuuuuge. [laugh] Bike by Peterbuilt.
I think we are not used to seeing the belt covers painted silver. But the engine is large most of it is the heads
Quote from: dbran1949 on June 02, 2009, 09:25:12 AM
I think we are not used to seeing the belt covers painted silver. But the engine is large most of it is the heads
Actually, Stu has been camping on my living room floor and he showed me the bike online. (I rarely venture out of my local board.) I barely noticed that it was different until I really started looking at the bike. My first reaction was "Wow...that engine is massive." and what you said is pretty much what he told me. I started joking that it should have Mack or Jimmy as a logo on the side of the tank instead of Ducati. We got a good [laugh] out of it. Put more artistically...I like how the bike celebrates its most basic components: Seat, gas tank, ENGINE!!!!!!!1 [thumbsup]
I am interested to see more pics particulary of the Rizoma clipons.
I am looking at different ones at the moment, I like the Speedymoto Tall boys but the wait seems endless
for them, many people in line from what I gather.
Is there a way to use the fork adjustment after thee are installed or it's just bad luck?
Waiting to see more images.
Thanks
Matty...
Quote from: mattyvas on June 06, 2009, 03:31:03 AM
I am interested to see more pics particulary of the Rizoma clipons.
I am looking at different ones at the moment, I like the Speedymoto Tall boys but the wait seems endless
for them, many people in line from what I gather.
Is there a way to use the fork adjustment after thee are installed or it's just bad luck?
Waiting to see more images.
Thanks
Matty...
There's no way to use the silly-looking Rizoma sink-faucet looking suspension adjuster thingy w/the Ohlins on an S4Rs...so just bad luck. Photo shoot is tomorrow afternoon and then a few more days to get the photos processed. I'll be sure to have some taken of the 'dash' area. [thumbsup]
can't wait..!! :)
Thanks Stu, you're a Star looking forward to snaps.
Photo shoot was today and went *really* well.... Photos & a final list of mods soon....
Looks bad ass! love the rims :-)
Where's the rest of them??
Quote from: NAKID on June 08, 2009, 08:02:02 AM
Where's the rest of them??
We took over 600 photos yesterday so they're in 'process'. Enjoy this one and when I get more, I'll post more dude. ;)
Nice work, I have a similar wall here in Sydney that I'm going to shoot at when the wheels go back on tomorrow.
Is that the owner of the ride?
no.... but it has spent time in her garage [laugh]
Schweeet yes [thumbsup]
Quote from: bobspapa on June 09, 2009, 06:08:49 AM
no.... but it has spent time in her garage [laugh]
[laugh]
Quote from: bobspapa on June 09, 2009, 06:08:49 AM
no.... but it has spent time in her garage [laugh]
True.
QuoteFlightCycles' latest custom Monster
Looks like a bolt on special. You should talk to this guy Stu on the DMF about building "real" custom bikes. He could show you a thing or two.
[laugh]
Sorry, could resist.
Quote from: silentbob on June 09, 2009, 08:26:58 AM
Looks like a bolt on special. You should talk to this guy Stu on the DMF about building "real" custom bikes. He could show you a thing or two.
[laugh]
Sorry, could resist.
Don't apologize. That was REALLY funny!!!! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
yup
dat be her
Bike looks really good. Can't wait to see if possibly I can clean mine up with some inspiration from this one.
Nice, its the little things! [thumbsup] - Chris
I had a chance to see the bike in person, and honestly, it's a work of art. Stu captured exactly what I wanted and took it up to another level. Seriously, it's almost too beautiful to ride...Almost. [moto]
Can't wait to bring her home...ummm...that's the bike, not the girl. [roll]
Quote from: Duck-Stew on June 08, 2009, 08:10:03 AM
BTW: The sticker on the helmet reads 'CARS SUCK'. [thumbsup]
[laugh] [laugh] I got the same one on my helmet too (from dimby)!
Quote from: chave78 on June 11, 2009, 08:25:25 AM
I had a chance to see the bike in person, and honestly, it's a work of art. Stu captured exactly what I wanted and took it up to another level. Seriously, it's almost too beautiful to ride...Almost. [moto]
Can't wait to bring her home...ummm...that's the bike, not the girl. [roll]
Stu does amazing work, doesn't he?!?!
As for "the girl," not all pretty faces drive cages. Some of us ride. Hi, my name is Ericka. And yes, I'm, "the girl." ;)
Hey Stu........ did you meet River on " Beauty & the Geek" ???
[cheeky]
Quote from: Gus Duc on June 12, 2009, 03:38:57 PM
Hey Stu........ did you meet River on " Beauty & the Geek" ???
[cheeky]
Bwahahahahaha! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: Gus Duc on June 12, 2009, 03:38:57 PM
Hey Stu........ did you meet River on " Beauty & the Geek" ???
Hey Gus........ do you want to get banned?!?
;D
sassy bike!
Quote from: Duck-Stew on June 13, 2009, 06:12:59 PM
Hey Gus........ do you want to get banned?!?
;D
[laugh]
Quote from: Gus Duc on June 12, 2009, 03:38:57 PM
Hey Stu........ did you meet River on " Beauty & the Geek" ???
Oh Snap!
;D
[cheeky]
I don't know if I'm more enamored with the " bike " ? ....or Ericka ?
She sure is a lovely lady . Dolph :)
Quote from: Duck-Stew on June 13, 2009, 06:12:59 PM
Hey Gus........ do you want to get banned?!?
;D
you can't ban him for saying the truth... [laugh] [laugh]
Quote from: sbrguy on June 15, 2009, 07:12:23 AM
you can't ban him for saying the truth... [laugh] [laugh]
All right, guys, enough.
Dolph, thank you for the lovely compliment. Personally, I think Stu's bike is an amazing work of art. ;)
Hey Ericka...
Yes, Stu does do amazing work...Sorry to have kept my bike in your garage for so long, but I think it was worth it!
Joe
Great work Stu!
I really like what you did with the belt covers, it sets off the entire bike in a totally unique direction that nobody else seems to have followed.