Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys - after a year on the 620, i'm ready for more power.  i did the front-sprocket, i did the power-commander, and i'm still hungry.  then i test-rode the 1100s, and now i'm ruined for life.  ;D

I use my bike primarily as a daily-commuter (non-freeway).  i know most people think 90+ HP is too much for in-town, but i'm confident i can handle the power responsibly.

i'm considering an '01 S4 with just under 12k miles.  That would obviously bring a number of changes: 4V, liquid-cooled, dry clutch, etc. 

What should i be worried about with a bike like that?  Will the 4V/liquid-cooled factors by-definition bring more headaches and maintenance?  I need a bike that will start for me everyday (as the 620 has).  Don't get me wrong, i know no one buys a duc for its reliability, but I don't want to step into something that will have me in the shop all the time.

I would of course factor in the 12k mile service and have the bike inspected by my mechanic before making any decision.  I guess I'm looking for anything i haven't thought of, or opinions about whether you'd make this move yourself.  The alternative would be to keep looking for a good deal on an S2r1k.  (While i liked the 1100, i'd rather buy used than new.)

Many thanks!
DoW

The 4 valve bikes have the same maint requirements as the 2 valve, they just cost more to have done.  I don't buy into the ducati's are unreliable, I have 30K on my 620 and 8K on my 848.  As long as you keep up on the maint I think they will keep going for along time.

I agree.  I ride my bike year round and have had 0 issues.  My friend has a 04 (I think) 999 with over 30K that he rides and takes to the track.  It looks like it was hooked up and dragged behind a truck.  I think he likes it that way.  But it cranks first try and runs like a champ.  I was told by many that Duc's were a maint. nightmare, but the two that I have first hand knowledge of are great.  I am gonna keep with them till they prove me wrong.

The S4 has a desmoquattro which may have flaking rockers.

I've had two 4v Monsters and they have been stone reliable (s4r and rs 45K mi.) - as in never failed to start and literally never missed a beat that I could tell.  I commuted on both of em and found them to be very docile around town.

They are most definitely more expensive to have serviced, but not astronomically so.

I'd be prone to go for a used S4R rather than an s4.  The later model 2003 - 2006 desmoquattro engines had all the bugs worked out by then and are hell for strong. Very good deals are out there.

Despite my good experience with the 4v's as a commuter, the S2r1K may be a better all round daily driver for you.

Either way you can't miss - choices are very good or better. [thumbsup]

LA

If you live someplace where it can get real hot and you might get stuck in traffic, it would be nice to have the water-cooled 4v motor.  Otherwise, I'm a fan of the two-valvers, myself.