Ducati Monster Forum

So I'm getting a terrible itch for a new bike. The problem is, I'm not really sure where to start looking. The 750 is a hoot, but I've been craving more power for a while now. Quite a bit more power, actually. I'm obviously biased towards the monsters and would have no problem getting another one as my next bike. I don't really know the difference in the models though, other than air vs water cooled. Could someone give me a quick, simple comparison of how the m900/s2r/s4/s4r/s4rs stack up against each other in features and performance?

Am considering a couple other bikes as well. Top 2 non-monster contenders are the 999S and '09+ R1 (gasp). I've heard that the ergos on the 999 are pretty good for a sportbike. And most of the guys I ride with are on crossplane R1's. Those things are pure make the beast with two backsing evil. First bike I've seen that made me seriously consider not owning a Ducati.

Break it down for me, dog.

I think the S4 series will provide plenty of power to scratch the itch.  The 999's are beautiful but your comfort may suffer if you're like me and accustomed to the monster seating.  I would go liquid cooled or you'll be craving power again soon IMO.  You should first decide what bike you like first and then zero in on purchase.

Water cooled is a definite plus. I end up in stop and go interstate traffic on a weekly basis.

I'd get the one you want.  ;)

Which one will scare me a little when I grab the loud handle? That's the one I want.

Any of the 4's will do the trick.  ;)

I ride with a mate who has the s4r and that thing gets up and boogies! As far as the numbers go if your M750 is close to stock it has around 64 hp when new. The s4r has around 115 hp stock and the s4rs is around 128 hp stock. So double the horse power of the M750 and over 30 pounds lighter as well!

On paper:

M750 - 64hp - 423 pounds
S4R -  115hp - 399 pounds
S4Rs- 128hp  - 388 pounds

999s- 141hp -  410 pounds

All depends on what you want, a monster with grunt or something different! I'd love an S4Rs in white if one came up for the right money.

Huh. That's interesting. I was under the impression the 750 was the lighter bike of the 3. Don't know how I came to that conclusion though. The s4rs has Ohlins goodness on it too, doesn't it?

I wouldn't pay too much attention to published weights or hp numbers.

That said, any of the 4V bikes will get your attention when you twist the throttle.

I really think the Triumph Street Triple should be on your list to check out. 

Go ride the Streetfighter 848.  That bike is fantastic.

+1 on the Street Triple. At least take one for a ride for comparison sake.

That 675 is a little jewel of a motor. But it's character is completely different from a Duc. It's always screaming to get to the top end, and you're always reaching for the next gear. A torque monster it is not, but great fun.

For stop and go interstate traffic, it probably doesn't get better than your M750.

On the numbers, Motorcyclist magazine measured the S4Rs at 448lbs with fuel, and 118hp at the wheel. (With Termis and a DP chip, it typically records about 128hp at the wheel - and Ducati claims 150 at the crank.)

The same mag weighed the 2005 999R (costly race-rep, carbon-fairing version of the 999s, with 1098cc motor) at 452lbs, and it made 139hp - almost certainly with the DP ECU and pipes fitted.

Link to Motorcyclist performance figures here (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/performancedata/122_0108_pdataresults/).

As ducpainter said published numbers are only a guide as different publications list different numbers for each bike but it is just meant as a rough guesstimate to the large increase in hp with the 4v bikes. Owners of these bikes will tell you what real world weights and hp figures are.

I took a blast on a Triumph Speed Triple and found it to be a very nice bike too and if you get the R model (here in OZ at least) you get Ohlins goodness also! They are much heavier then the monster but they handle the weight very well and the engine has excellent torque and power!

Just my opinion though!

My bike doesn't do well in stop and go, slow moving traffic, the pregnant dog overheats and vapor locks. Have been stuck on the shoulder on several occasions waiting for her to cool down.


I like the Triumphs, think they are pretty badass. I like the monsters more, though.

If you stay in the Monster camp, the S4RS/T is the beast!  999 motor and make it all torque!  Forget the top end horsepower(who enjoys hanging on to a naked bike over 130mph anyway) and set it up for torque.  You will not be able to wipe the smile off your face.   [Dolph]

S4RS. Can't beat the ultimate monster! I own one.

If you decided to go non-monster and be a ductraitor, go with the R1.

I say go with an S4R over an S4RS so that you can stay with a metal tank....plenty to keep your attention and still do the job....now...that being said...the issue you are having with the M750 doesn't exactly sound normal to me and like you have some other things going on worthy of exploring before going the new bike route....

what mods do you currently have on your M750?

The S version produces more power, handles better (full front and rear Öhlins suspension), and has tons of carbon fiber. No problems with my plastic tank thus far.   [roll]

You're lucky with the tank issue. Enough people have had problems that it is a legitimate concern.

I'd keep the M750, and get an RC8!  [evil]

In my humble opinion, even if the plastic tank is a problem, the fix is simple and will most likely be paid for by Ducati so no need to sacrifice more power, full Ohlins suspension and tons of carbon fiber for a metal tank.  [beer]

What issue are you referring to? The overall lack of power, or the vapor lock thing? I was under the impression that the vapor lock thing (or whatever it is) is not unheard of on the air cooled bikes when sitting in traffic for long periods of time, like 20-30 mins+ .  

Regarding the lack of power/acceleration... The guys I ride with on 600 and 750 I4's walk away from me more or less with ease whenever we get on it a little. From what I've read here over the years about the M750, that's pretty normal, no?. Plus, I weigh 200 lbs, so there's that as well.


The only engine-related mod to the bike is a cored stock exhaust. Pipes are gutted and cut down to 2/3 their original length. It was like that when I got it, so I have no idea if the carbs were ever adjusted/re-jetted. I was also having a lot of trouble with hesitation after WOT (documented here (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=54249.0) ), but that has "mostly" cleared up after 3 tanks of Seafoam and a new fuel filter. The carbs are next on my list of things to work on after I get the bike rideable again.

I have never had a vapor lock issue...so that is why I think there is something going on...but my Ducs have all been 900's...so if it is a 750 thing, then maybe it is...but it certainly isn't a commonality in my personal experience...

I assume when you say the guys on I-4's walk away from you with ease...that is on a straight  or on fairly open sweepers I am guessing...in the tight stuff, I know of many 750 owners who destroy I-4's...hell...I have seen guys on 400cc single enduro's and motards just mercilessly toy with I-4's until they have had enough and check out on them like nothing...it is more about the rider to a degree, but also the machine has a bit to do with it as well....

As far as your M750...I would look into jetting the carbs properly and perhaps open air filter set-up , unless you feel frisky enough to spend some cha-ching on a set of FCR39's...there is a surprisingly startling awakening from that bike with those flatsides on accounts from many people...

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. I can hold my own in the twisties, but anytime we all hammer it, I get left behind by anything bigger than the 250's.



I'm gonna service/re-jet the carbs next and possibly throw on a set of pod filters. But if I'm gonna spend the $$ for FCR's, I'd rather spend a little more and swap in a 900.

I have made a decision on the bike though. Got to touch a 749 in person yesterday for the first time. Had a full Termi system and CF bodywork. Holy shit, that thing was beautiful. It gave me goosebumps. Never had a bike stir my emotions like that one did. Gonna go with the 999, either an S or an R. Found a gorgeous black S for $8500, but unfortunately I can't do anything until my house sells.  [bang]

And I'm gonna keep my monster. It's great for riding round town and much better suited for long distance than a 999 (I take a lot of trips on the bike to save gas $$). Plus, I only paid $1200 for it. Will eventually strip it to frame, redo everything (it's really rough) and shoehorn a 900 into it.

If you're looking to spend a bit more than that there is a great price for a 848evo with extras here:

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/128-bikes/139130-f-s-2010-848-evo-red.html (http://www.ducati.ms/forums/128-bikes/139130-f-s-2010-848-evo-red.html)

9500 asking... I'm actually a bit tempted by it but I just got the current toy last dec haha

But it's actually a really good deal

I went from a '99 M750 to a 999...   ;D

(did ya hear I got one?)   [cheeky]

On my first ride, Duck-Stew encouraged me to twist the GO handle...

It went!!!  :o   I think I hit close to 100 in second and 130 ish in 3rd?  Maybe? I wasn't really looking at the speedo...   [evil]   The front end got light, but it didn't ruffle my feathers at all...

It's a smooth bike.  I had no problems with more than a 100% power increase...  It felt really predictable to me, although around 7k it gets a little livelier!  ;)

You're gonna love it!   [bow_down]

---edit---

My gf really LOVES riding pillion, btw...  
She's very comfortable on the back, even when we pick up the pace a bit in the twisties... [thumbsup] [Dolph]  

 [bacon]