Damn...this bike has been one of my dream bikes ever since it came out. I've read alot of reviews stating that this is one fantastic bike. Articles stating, "powerful motor", "incredible torque", or "a true monster", so my expectations of this bike were astronomical.
First off, i gotta say this the monster is bone stock, with only 3000 miles to it, and i did change to a 14t before getting it from the dealer.
Second, i guess i'm also comparing the monster to my CBR600RR, which i haven't sold yet, thankfully, i can't help comparing them as i thought the specs were similar.
So, why has it been such a disappointment? The performance of the S4RS, or should i say the lack there of. Where is the acceleration? Where is the thrust? The torque? The fun factor? I don't see/feel the 0-60 in 3.1 seconds. The roll on acceleration is equally anemic. While in 2nd gear, doing 35 i twist the throttle, the revs climb quickly to 10000, but the speedo is still well below 55 before having to shift into 3rd. What is up with that? Where is the SBK engine? I thought this was supposed to be a sportsbike.
So what is wrong with this bike, or maybe what's wrong with me? Have i been spoiled by the inline 4's? Is this lack of thrust/torque a typical ducati trait? Or should i have been looking at the newer ducatis, Monster 1100, Hyper 1100 or the Streetfighter? Or, can this bike be salvaged? If so what can be done to it improve this bike?
There is one positive for this bike, if all i wanted was a cruiser, this would be the perfect bike.
Sorry for the rant, but i gotta let it out...
That S4RS is over-priced and mediocre at best. the reason anybody would buy it was because of the genius marketing scheme and hype. Have you heard that the Kawasaki ZX-14 puts out 210HP at the crank! And it's greeeeeeeeeeeen!
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 10:59:39 AM
Damn...this bike has been one of my dream bikes ever since it came out. I've read alot of reviews stating that this is one fantastic bike. Articles stating, "powerful motor", "incredible torque", or "a true monster", so my expectations of this bike were astronomical.
First off, i gotta say this the monster is bone stock, with only 3000 miles to it, and i did change to a 14t before getting it from the dealer.
Second, i guess i'm also comparing the monster to my CBR600RR, which i haven't sold yet, thankfully, i can't help comparing them as i thought the specs were similar.
So, why has it been such a disappointment? The performance of the S4RS, or should i say the lack there of. Where is the acceleration? Where is the thrust? The torque? The fun factor? I don't see/feel the 0-60 in 3.1 seconds. The roll on acceleration is equally anemic. While in 2nd gear, doing 35 i twist the throttle, the revs climb quickly to 10000, but the speedo is still well below 55 before having to shift into 3rd. What is up with that? Where is the SBK engine? I thought this was supposed to be a sportsbike.
So what is wrong with this bike, or maybe what's wrong with me? Have i been spoiled by the inline 4's? Is this lack of thrust/torque a typical ducati trait? Or should i have been looking at the newer ducatis, Monster 1100, Hyper 1100 or the Streetfighter? Or, can this bike be salvaged? If so what can be done to it improve this bike?
There is one positive for this bike, if all i wanted was a cruiser, this would be the perfect bike.
Sorry for the rant, but i gotta let it out...
Are you sure that the clutch isn't slipping? That bike pretty much has the same engine my old 999 did and I could hit 100 mph in second gear holding on for dear life it was charging so hard.
A friend of mine has a 999, and that goes like ape sh1t. Although he does have the termi kit.
Naw, the clutch isn't slipping. The engine just feels like it's being choked.
the 999 and S4RS have the same motor... if yours isn't going ape-shit, then something is wrong.
I have the baby s4r and it's nothing like you describe. I concur that there's something wrong Maybe the flywheel if it isn't the clutch?
The guy i bought it from barely drove it. I did bring it to a mechanic friend to check it out and he said everything was fine. I guess i'll bring it in to ducati to get it checked out.
Maybe it's just me... :'(
That thing should be a wheelie monster if nothing else. I can coax a wheelie out of my lowly M750 (62HP) with ease, so if you're not able to wheelie on command, something is up.
JM
yea theres something wrong with your bike for sure. that powerplant would destroy 600cc bikes off the line all day.
Thats what i thought. The 1100 Monster evo which i could easily beat with the CBR, got my ass handed to me on the S4RS. Heck, i got spanked by everyone.
If the bike seems to be running fine, what would the cause be for this loss of power?
If you are in second gear, engine spinning at 10,000RPM and only going 55MPH there are only two possible causes:
Slipping connection between engine and rear wheel (clutch or drive line part)
Tach is way off and you are turning about half the RPM.
(((The roll on acceleration is equally anemic. While in 2nd gear, doing 35 i twist the throttle, the revs climb quickly to 10000, but the speedo is still well below 55 before having to shift into 3rd. What is up with that?)))
Do this ^^ and you'll be gnawing on a face full of pavement.
I call this thread complete horse crap! I've ridden a CBR600 and own an RS and after 20K miles later I still respect it's power and to say "it's been a dissapointment" is not the way I would describe it at all. You need to have it properly diagnosed and find the problem.
Quote from: He Man on September 02, 2012, 12:53:24 PM
yea theres something wrong with your bike for sure. that powerplant would destroy 600cc bikes off the line all day.
even taking it easy in first they go like this ........... ducati monster s4 acceleration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic1iHvBMwY8#)
It really is possible that half your horsepower is escaping out of the clutch before getting transfered to the rear wheel. Like others have said, it is worthwhile checking the clutch.
The Ducati dry clutch is easy to access and easy to work on, but wears quickly compared to many other bikes. Check it out with your buddy and let us know what you find.
You may find that it is as simple as a set of clutch plates and/or springs. If the clutch is good, then start checking the fuel system.
Yeah something is wrong for sure. Blasting the throttle in 2nd with a 14 tooth is a good way to loop an S4Rs. My 900 will power up in 2nd.
Clutch slip sounds like the cause. Other low power conditions might be one cyl not firing, but then it wouldn't spin up fast.
Have you checked/replaced the plugs?
Thanks for everyones replies. Atleast now when i bring it in to ducati, i'll have some info to relay to them.
The spark plugs have never been changed. In fact very little has been done to it, except a change in battery, because the previous guy never used it, and left the battery in the bike, and it died.
My first instinct says this guy is a troll. His story just sounds so off. We'll see.
As delivered, the RS is not even close to a full termi kitted bike with a 14t sprocket on it. They do not like to be run below 4000 rpm really, but at 4000 you don't even need the other gears - other than 6th. Ten and a half second quarter and a buck fitty is enough for me.
I only use 1st and 2nd to get me to the fun gear 3rd. Wack mine open in the first two and you can literally flip the bike over.
The kit does add over 10 lb.ft everywhere and almost 15 hp and driveability is greatly enhanced. Best all round scoot I've ever ridden.
I've surly never been outgunned by a 600 four of any strip either. You can actually hurt yourself with one of these things.
If you were coming off a 1000 GXSR, I could relate a little better maybe. Somepin must be wrong with it. ???
The clutch on my S4Rs slipped and made odd noises when it was new/stock. I just put in some stronger springs.
Quote from: Travman on September 02, 2012, 07:49:04 PM
My first instinct says this guy is a troll. His story just sounds so off. We'll see.
Troll Massacre (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJACFMc-Rb4&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
Yea, I'm so old I forgot what a Troll was. Makes sense. [bang]
Quote from: kopfjäger on September 02, 2012, 08:02:24 PM
So i'm a troll because i expressed what i felt on my bike. I'm a troll because have a different opinion than yours or many others.
Isn't that what this forum is for? To get/find different ideas from fellow/former bike owners. But, I guess you only enjoy blowing bubbles and ponies up each others ass. In fact you're the only troll here, since you did not provide anything of substance to this thread, other than being a TROLL!!!
I'm sorry if my ducati experience isn't up to yours. But i can't help feeling something is missing on this bike.
Since everyone's calling me a troll, i did some thinking.
I don't know if this is pertinent or not, but I do remember my mechanic friend telling me he had to tighten the throttle cable because it was very loose. I don't know if this is useful or normal as i'm not very mechanically inclined.
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 09:59:38 PM
I don't know if this is pertinent or not, but I do remember my mechanic friend telling me he had to tighten the throttle cable because it was very loose. I don't know if this is useful or normal as i'm not very mechanically inclined.
Since you were able to rev up to 10k rpm quite quickly, I don't think it's a throttle cable issue.
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: kopfjäger on September 02, 2012, 08:02:24 PM
So i'm a troll because i expressed what i felt on my bike. I'm a troll because have a different opinion than yours or many others.
Isn't that what this forum is for? To get/find different ideas from fellow/former bike owners. But, I guess you only enjoy blowing bubbles and ponies up each others ass. In fact you're the only troll here, since you did not provide anything of substance to this thread, other than being a TROLL!!!
I'm sorry if my ducati experience isn't up to yours. But i can't help feeling something is missing on this bike.
So here goes...... You came on the forum asking for thoughts and opinions. Knowledgeable people offered good ones and you dismissed them and kind of baited then at the same time. Thus the troll reference. We've seen this lots of times over the years. Don't get bent out of shape. You bet something is up with the bike. You have been given some good places to start, esp. with the clutch.
There are lots of good folks here and you only have to read the posts to figure that out. But as always only the poster can work on actually getting the bike fixed. You get to choose the direction you wish to go.
To be honest the guy gave no indication to me of being anytging other than questioing why his bike isn't running like thw bat out of hell we all know it is
personally i think he got a bum deal
bike probably needs belts etc from lack of care
I would start with the fuel filter and ALL fuel lines in the tank.
I hesitate to enter this fray because I don't know squat about the SR4s but I have had vehicles with EFI that ran rich when some sensors went bad,The computer will do this to protect the engine rather than run lean and cause damage.
Have you checked (read) the plugs?
Quote from: Ducatamount on September 03, 2012, 05:34:31 AM
I hesitate to enter this fray because I don't know squat about the SR4s but I have had vehicles with EFI that ran rich when some sensors went bad,The computer will do this to protect the engine rather than run lean and cause damage.
Have you checked (read) the plugs?
+1
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
So i'm a troll because i expressed what i felt on my bike. I'm a troll because have a different opinion than yours or many others.
Isn't that what this forum is for? To get/find different ideas from fellow/former bike owners. But, I guess you only enjoy blowing bubbles and ponies up each others ass. In fact you're the only troll here, since you did not provide anything of substance to this thread, other than being a TROLL!!!
I'm sorry if my ducati experience isn't up to yours. But i can't help feeling something is missing on this bike.
Yes. You are a possible troll. No history and an unlikely story. No need to get defensive. Surely you can see the possibility. People don't always tell the truth and often have an agenda they want to push.
If your bike runs so slow why haven't you taken it back to the seller or taken it to a mechanic to have it inspected. Do you really need us to tell you that something is wrong.
Hopefully I'm mistaken and they is a minor fix that transforms your bike into what it should be. Welcome to the forum if you are for real. Like I said, we'll see.
I purchased an 01' M750 new as my first bike. Dyno said 63 hp to rear wheel with jet kit and cored cans. I could spank most 600s from 0-60. Sold that after 6 years and bought an 04' S4R which had the 996 motor and less power than the S4Rs and it pulled like a freight train in comparison to the m750. Like others have said there is definitely something wrong with the bike. However, it does not sound like the OP is very tech savvy as very little diagnostic info was given. Need to get it to a reputable shop or have another board member who is a bit more technical get on it and ride.
Why would someone take the time to troll like this? its pointless. Give the guy a break he only asked for some help and advice.
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 09:59:38 PM
i'm not very mechanically inclined.
A number of people have suggested checking the plugs. It only takes a few minutes. Is that something you can do/know how to do? If not, would you like us to walk you through it or do you just want to take your bike in to have it checked?
YU CAN DOO IT!!!
Ok that is trollish
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 09:37:24 PM
Isn't that what this forum is for? To get/find different ideas from fellow/former bike owners. But, I guess you only enjoy blowing bubbles and ponies up each others ass. In fact you're the only troll here, since you did not provide anything of substance to this thread, other than being a TROLL!!!
But I just think you've got a bad duc right now. Obviously their is something off and it's not a maladjusted cable.
If that bike sat a long time TLC is needed. With the ethanol we get now it's quite possible you've got goop from broken down gas at some point in the system restricting the flow. So new fuel filter,drain the tank new good gas and an extra dose of Techron is a starting place there.
New plugs with the proper gap are cheap and easy. And be sure that each cylinder is firing
You may have dirty injectors - not difficult to deal with but time consuming.
You should also have the tank up and air box lid off. It's far from irregular for mice to nest in a place like that. Choked air flow would make for bad running. Have a look at the filter and take it off to be sure there's nothing under either.
I'd still not toss out clutch slip as a possibility.
Obviously something is wrong and I'd be taking your friends advice with a grain of salt.
Quote from: Spidey on September 03, 2012, 08:39:41 AM
A number of people have suggested checking the plugs. It only takes a few minutes. Is that something you can do/know how to do? If not, would you like us to walk you through it or do you just want to take your bike in to have it checked?
Check out the tutorial and FAQ sections. Lots of common items like that there.
Though some items are a touch dated this site: http://www.ducatisuite.com/index.html (http://www.ducatisuite.com/index.html)
Has useful DIY info. Obviously items vary from bike to bike. But the general principles apply
Again, thank you everyone for posting your ideas as to what the problem might be. I am really incapable of any thing mechanical, so that's out of the question.
What i am going to do is make a list of all your suggestions and bring it in to the ducati dealer, well... when they reopen after their renovation in a couple of weeks. Atleast now i can point them in a direction to look towards, instead of only saying twist throttle, no power...
There's hope at the end of the rainbow now... [Dolph]
Cheers all... [beer]
OK so first I had to go and search troll and trolling... to me it is a big green lad that lives under old bridges busy scaring people at night... so the discussion so far has enlightened me...thanks to all.
I have a M1100 with a few mods and weight knocked of it and it goes pretty well... I bought a S4RS for a friend (stock standard) unseen based on owner feedback and pictures (the bike was out of country) and must say i agree with Iron Horse... they don't go that hard stock... everything he says seems similar to my experience so maybe.. just maybe with all the smog gear on them they are a bit choked up? I am curious how many of the other S4RS owners have stock bikes? maybe the performance is there but needs to be unlocked with the exhaust, air filter and computer mods? is it possible?
if you compare an 1100 (2v) and a 4v testa, you will notice that the torque delivery is extremely different. the 2v is gruntier on the low end but it completely has no top end.
the S4Rs is restricted and benefits greatly from exhaust fueling and intake. I mean hell the race motor runs massive 54mm exhaust pipes. the stock S4Rs are barely 41mm.
My S4Rs at the track taking no shit from bigger bikes
http://vimeo.com/m/15066614 (http://vimeo.com/m/15066614)
Quote from: Grifo on September 03, 2012, 11:11:25 AM
My S4Rs at the track taking no shit from bigger bikes
http://vimeo.com/m/15066614 (http://vimeo.com/m/15066614)
All I see are some SBK's following a pace car.
Where are you located?
Maybe someone can recommend a good tech/shop.
Really not sure what the differences are between your 'delivered' bikes and ours here in Australia - I think there are some minor changes to do with emissions...?
I transferred across to my current MS4RS from an MV Agusta Brutale 910R. Now if anyone knows anything about these particular MV's, it is an absolute maniac machine. It was ready to pull your face off, jump into bed with your Wife and steal your dog - all before breakfast.
Man, I do miss it.
The S4RS that came afterwards did take me some getting used to. Completely different proposition after the mental in-line 4 of the MV. Almost all of the specs on paper were as close to being identical as it didn't matter & I was kind of expecting......... more.
What was needed in my case was time. Time to simply adjust to how this bike goes about its business, compared to the old bike.
They're both great machines, just coming at the same problem from two completely different angles.
After owning the S4rs for around 2 years now, I can confidently say that I enjoy it MUCH better than the manic MV. It has absolutely HEAPS of power, turns in like nothing else & most importantly, inspires confidence even on the crappest of road surfaces. It's a bloody good looking bike too.....
If you're not happy, take the bike to someone who knows, not a 'friend of a friend' or any other such thing. These bikes are built to be ridden hard & do have the performance from the factory to match. Like any Duc though, they are all a little 'particular' and need someone who is familiar with their systems.
Good luck & I'm sure that if you persevere, you WILL find that great bike you were searching for in the beginning.
Quote from: hbliam on September 03, 2012, 12:50:35 PM
All I see are some SBK's following a pace car.
a pace car.. I hope you are joking. The only guy keeping up was Sport Bike Track Time instructor on a 1098
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 10:59:39 AM
So, why has it been such a disappointment? The performance of the S4RS, or should i say the lack there of. Where is the acceleration? Where is the thrust? The torque? The fun factor? I don't see/feel the 0-60 in 3.1 seconds. The roll on acceleration is equally anemic. While in 2nd gear, doing 35 i twist the throttle, the revs climb quickly to 10000, but the speedo is still well below 55 before having to shift into 3rd. What is up with that? Where is the SBK engine? I thought this was supposed to be a sportsbike.
I have an S4Rs, still running the motor stock. Yours is probably fine. (Not the 55mph@10,000rpm in second bit - if that is accurate, then either your clutch or your tacho is stuffed.)
The thing is, they are not 0-55mph bikes. Probably especially stock. The crankshaft is pretty heavy and the motor likes to pull in the taller gears. And even then, they don't
feel as fast as an I-4.
If opening her up in second at 35mph is what gets you excited, the Honda 600 would be a much more entertaining choice.
Stock, the S4Rs starts to feel sweet on the high side of 55mph, in third gear and taller. Roll her on from 55mph in fourth gear at the apex of a turn and feel the torque pulse you up past 100. Then report back. If you still don't like her, she's not for you.
A S4rs is not a 0-55mph ... ahahaha. "If opening her up in second at 35mph is what gets you excited, the Honda 600 would be a much more entertaining choice." It's a joke right (I own a S4rs and my track bike is a jap 600) ?
Thanks Dan, that was a really interesting write up. I too looked at the specs, and this bike should kick the CBR every which way, from hell to high water, but when ride it, the feeling is, it's so unbelievably far away. (Side bar- Apologies to everyone, as my initial post was overly melodramatic, i just wanted to vent my fustrations.) Oh, luv the Brutale, one of the guys in the group rides one. It is an awesome beast. Btw...how are the dynamic mirrors? Are you able to see well behind you? I was considering getting those, but ended up with the reverse retro. Good thing i didn't write up what i think of those mirrors, otherwise people will call me a troll once again. But seriously, i was really close to ditching this bike for a 1100 Monster or Hyper.
Ducpainter, i live on an island in Asia. There aren't too many options here.
Grifo... Hahaha... Thanks Grifo for the vid, did someone crash at around the 2:30 mark?
Moronic... I live on an island, heck my backyard is a mountain. There aren't too many routes to ride. I ride the same route every weekend. Most of my riding is in the twisties, and there are only 2 or 3 short straightaways where i can really open up the engine to around 120-130mph then i gotta jam on the brakes back to 30. Highway riding is crap cos of all the speed cameras everywhere. So basically what i want from this bike is the "sling shot effect" from 0-55 or 30-55mph. And from the reviews i've read, and the 0-60 numbers, which they've posted, this bike should very well do it, stock.
Gosh i really hope this bike can be fixed.
Quote from: Moronic on September 04, 2012, 07:06:17 AM
The thing is, they are not 0-55mph bikes. Probably especially stock. The crankshaft is pretty heavy and the motor likes to pull in the taller gears. And even then, they don't feel as fast as an I-4.
Sorry have to disagree here. 0-60 times and 0-100 times should be vastly superior to any jap 600
If opening her up in second at 35mph is what gets you excited, the Honda 600 would be a much more entertaining choice.
Again, no way, a 35 mph hit to WOT in 2nd on an S4Rs is going to give you a far bigger "ohh shit" moment than the jap 600s
Stock, the S4Rs starts to feel sweet on the high side of 55mph, in third gear and taller. Roll her on from 55mph in fourth gear at the apex of a turn and feel the torque pulse you up past 100. Then report back. If you still don't like her, she's not for you.
A roll on at the apex of a turn from 55 in 4th? Have you ever even ridden a Ducati? Let alone a monster? Even with a 14t front sprocket and a LARGE rear a 55 mph roll on through a turn should be in 3rd not 4th.
Wow, seem to have got a few feathers flying here.
Let me clarify. I am not trying to argue that the S4Rs stock necessarily will be
slower 35-55mph in second gear than a Jap 600. My point is simply that this sort of use does not show off the stock bike very well, IMO.
Similarly, sure the bike would come off a 55mph apex quicker in third gear, but it will pull fourth, and if the turn opens up on exit then gives room to stretch her legs in fourth that is a great way to get a sense of how that engine does what peaky little 600cc fours don't do.
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 04, 2012, 10:05:33 AM
Most of my riding is in the twisties, and there are only 2 or 3 short straightaways where i can really open up the engine to around 120-130mph then i gotta jam on the brakes back to 30. Highway riding is crap cos of all the speed cameras everywhere. So basically what i want from this bike is the "sling shot effect" from 0-55 or 30-55mph. And from the reviews i've read, and the 0-60 numbers, which they've posted, this bike should very well do it, stock.
And I will stand by my observation: I don't think the stock S4Rs does this particularly well. Sure,
it's okay, but this is not the sort of riding, IMO, where the bike will
feel dramatically more entertaining than a good 600cc inline four.
Just to clarify again: I am not claiming that a stock S4Rs necessarily will be slow, or will feel slow, through a set of 35-55mph turns, and nor am I claiming that necessarily, it will be slower through said turns than a good 600. Well set up and well ridden, I am sure it could be just as good, possibly better.
But the OP's point is that it doesn't feel dramatically better to him. That doesn't surprise me. Why would it? The S4Rs will be heavier, and slower to turn in (esp with stock rear ride-height). Stock, it only has about 10 more rwhp.
It will have a broader power spread, with much more mid-range grunt. Raise the rear, short-shift and concentrate on maximising apex speeds and an S4Rs will be wonderful even on those roads.
But that isn't how the OP has been using his.
So, it does not surprise me that he hasn't been impressed, and I am not convinced his bike has a mechanical problem (although it may have!).
Quote from: Ironhorse on September 02, 2012, 10:59:39 AM
While in 2nd gear, doing 35 i twist the throttle, the revs climb quickly to 10000, but the speedo is still well below 55 before having to shift into 3rd. What is up with that?
It all comes back to that statement. This is not about spark plugs. Bad spark plugs would not allow the engine to rev quickly to 10,000 rpm ( which is pretty much the top, and then some, of this engine's limits ). Bad plugs would miss and pop and just be plain out doggy trying to rev. Nor is it anything to do with any sort or perceived restrictive exhaust, which would also be slow to rev. I also seriously doubt that there is anything wrong with the tachometer at this mileage.
Think about it........ 10K in second gear is equivalent to at least 80 mph plus even with the 14 tooth counter sprocket no matter how long it takes to get there. He says 10K rpm quickly and not even 55 mph. That is clutch slip pure and simple. Nothing else adds up and, when you think about it for even just a little bit, it is the only thing that matches the problem as reported. Plus, given the power of the engine and an unknown previous life, a worn clutch is the most believable and the easiest to repair of all the offered solutions.
All of the other talk about where this engine likes to rev and how it likes to rev is also weak. No matter how this engine could be tuned even in it's stock off the showroom floor it made some grown men weak in the knees and others think they found the perfect bike. I've seen more than one "new to Ducati" riders buy one of those bikes and be scared shitless of it.
Any discussion of how it turns, or brakes, or handles is also beside the point. He's simply talking about it not going when he twists the throttle. Get the power / acceleration problem handled first and then move on to any other points of discussion if there are any.
Trust me.
Quote from: howie on September 02, 2012, 02:07:29 PM
If you are in second gear, engine spinning at 10,000RPM and only going 55MPH there are only two possible causes:
Slipping connection between engine and rear wheel (clutch or drive line part)
Tach is way off and you are turning about half the RPM.
Quote from: MacDuck on September 04, 2012, 11:26:31 PM
It all comes back to that statement. This is not about spark plugs. Bad spark plugs would not allow the engine to rev quickly to 10,000 rpm ( which is pretty much the top, and then some, of this engine's limits ). Bad plugs would miss and pop and just be plain out doggy trying to rev. Nor is it anything to do with any sort or perceived restrictive exhaust, which would also be slow to rev. I also seriously doubt that there is anything wrong with the tachometer at this mileage.
Think about it........ 10K in second gear is equivalent to at least 80 mph plus even with the 14 tooth counter sprocket no matter how long it takes to get there. He says 10K rpm quickly and not even 55 mph. That is clutch slip pure and simple. Nothing else adds up and, when you think about it for even just a little bit, it is the only thing that matches the problem as reported. Plus, given the power of the engine and an unknown previous life, a worn clutch is the most believable and the easiest to repair of all the offered solutions.
All of the other talk about where this engine likes to rev and how it likes to rev is also weak. No matter how this engine could be tuned even in it's stock off the showroom floor it made some grown men weak in the knees and others think they found the perfect bike. I've seen more than one "new to Ducati" riders buy one of those bikes and be scared shitless of it.
Any discussion of how it turns, or brakes, or handles is also beside the point. He's simply talking about it not going when he twists the throttle. Get the power / acceleration problem handled first and then move on to any other points of discussion if there are any.
Trust me.
+3
+6
Didn't DucatiGirl have this same problem a few months ago?
paging DucatiGirl... someone find the link!
This guy (assuming he really has this bike and he really is having this problem) will sh** a brick when he (his dealer) fixes the problem and discovers the true difference between his japanese 600 and his S4
[thumbsup]
Quote from: jaxduc on September 05, 2012, 07:21:33 AM
+6
Didn't DucatiGirl have this same problem a few months ago?
paging DucatiGirl... someone find the link!
This guy (assuming he really has this bike and he really is having this problem) will sh** a brick when he (his dealer) fixes the problem and discovers the true difference between his japanese 600 and his S4
[thumbsup]
Apples and oranges - her bike is a 2v carb'd bike. His is a 4v water cooled, injected bike.
And it's and S4Rs - different than an S4
Quote from: Slide Panda on September 05, 2012, 10:00:27 AM
Apples and oranges - her bike is a 2v carb'd bike. His is a 4v water cooled, injected bike.
And it's and S4Rs - different than an S4
True...
but a slipping clutch exhibits the same symptoms regardless. ;)
Quote from: ducpainter on September 05, 2012, 10:14:10 AM
True...
but a slipping clutch exhibits the same symptoms regardless. ;)
Right - but she had fuel issues and if I recall a bum coil too.
Quote from: Slide Panda on September 05, 2012, 10:16:35 AM
Right - but she had fuel issues and if I recall a bum coil too.
I believe she was chasing a unicorn with all those other issues.
Nothing 'fixed' the bike until she replaced the clutch.
Ah, I lost track of it.
I hate unicorns.
Quote from: ducpainter on September 05, 2012, 10:14:10 AM
True...
but a slipping clutch exhibits the same symptoms regardless. ;)
[thumbsup]
In to say that whacking on the throttle in 1st, 2nd or 3rd on my S4RS at ANY speed will do 1 thing: Point the front wheel to the f***ing sky. Especially "stock" with low rear suspension and bars. I raised the rear all the way up and installed clip-ons and the thing still lofts a wheel well into the 100s.
i too found the std s4rs a let down performance wise. just didn't go (or wheelie) like i expected. full system fixes them nicely. oh my wordy lordy yes.
should still pump a cbr600 in any test tho. if the 600 is faster there's something wrong with it.
Quote from: $Lindz$ on September 06, 2012, 12:16:02 AM
In to say that whacking on the throttle in 1st, 2nd or 3rd on my S4RS at ANY speed will do 1 thing: Point the front wheel to the f***ing sky. Especially "stock" with low rear suspension and bars. I raised the rear all the way up and installed clip-ons and the thing still lofts a wheel well into the 100s.
+1000000000000000000000000000
Only ridden a S4RS 1 time and the amount of power was incredible. Pulled wheelies in 1st 3 gears without even trying. Just rolled on the throttle and up the front came. Can't see anyone complaining about the power of the bike if it's running properly with or without aftermarket exhaust.
I'm with Mac. Revs without response = clutch pack. When I bought my S4RS it had less than 3000 miles on it and the clutch pack had already been replaced. The PO complained profusely about the clutch citing it as the reason he was selling the bike. I don't know what he was doing but it obviously involved slipping the clutch way too much.
As for the OP if his clutch is slipping that badly its only an matter of days before its not going anywhere. At that time his problem will be obvious.
Just for shits & giggles try craking open the bleed screw on the clutch slave cylinder. Although not likely it is possible for the line to hold pressure if the relief valve in the master cylinder is not funtioning properly. Just crack the scew & if fluid shoots out then you've got pressure in the line when there shouldn't be any.
Of course there's always the chance that the previous owner roasted the clutch drag racing or partaking in some other nonsense.
BTW My S4RS will rip you arms out of their sockets if you give it half a chance...
Cheers
Quote from: extra330 on September 07, 2012, 11:21:03 AM
BTW My S4RS will rip you arms out of their sockets if you give it half a chance...
Cheers
Amen. [laugh] I have not ridden an S4R, but I have a carb'd 900 and have ridden the S2R 1000. If you're cracking the throttle open and not holding on for dear life [evil], there's something up with your bike. I personally vote clutch.
When I had my S4R my son asked if he could get a motorcycle at 16. I told him no as the risk is something I feel should only be taken on as a consenting adult (similar reasoning for no tattoos on my kids). Of course he insisted that he could handle it. Soooooo, I took him for a ride on the back of the monster. Went to a back country road that I knew well and had a good reasonably safe straight section and gave it about 75% until I hit 90ish and then let off. As soon as I hit the throttle to accelerate, he clamped those arms around me tighter than hell and didnt loosen up until we arrived back home. Needless to say I had no more argument from him about getting a bike.
Bump
So what's the story? What's up with the bike? Inquiring minds want to know..........
If the bike is revving under "load" then it's not spark, and I doubt it's fuel.
All signs point to the clutch slipping. Or the tire spinning on the ground [laugh]
FWIW, my S2R1K is just as fast as the old 600's I've had...and that's air cooled. S4Rs is a rocket if it's running right.
[popcorn]
I'm telling you its the blinker fluid. needs to be changed
Quote from: jaxduc on September 13, 2012, 01:06:29 PM
I'm telling you its the blinker fluid. needs to be changed
dude...you are so wrong...it is the chrome muffler bearings...they are out of alignment!