Ducati Monster Forum

Seems mighty big praise gets laid at the wheels of the S4RS. I myself being a 620 Dark owner am unbiased but being in the market for a new big boy Monster there's two bikes that meet my criteria (i.e. More Power, SS-SwingArm, Ohlins, Lots O Style) the S4RS and the new 1200s. The thing is ...I can get an S4RS for about half of what a 1200S will cost me plus I can get a DRY CLUTCH!!  [drool] which for some reason looks and sounds incredibly cool. On the other hand a new bike is ... a BRAND NEW BIKE!!  ;D plus all the latest gadgetry, better brakes, even more power and possibly the most comfortable Monster ever made. What are the thoughts on the S4RS here? I see most are fitted with Steering Damper... why? Are they prone to tankslappers? Just wonderin...

go for the S4Rs . . . It has SOUL and will make your heart beat faster . . .

For 1/2 the price I would personally get the S4Rs. I don't know if it's the best Monster ever, but it's a damn nice one.

The dry clutch would be a negative for me. They look cool, but IMO a wet is superior in every other way. That said, dry clutch envy is common (I used to have it as well, until I lived with a dry clutch for a while).

More power (if true) and more brakes of the 1200 are just overkill. The S4Rs has more than enough of both already.

The downside of the S4Rs is the plastic tank.

Monsters aren't prone to tank slappers...but a damper is cheap (compared to the crash) insurance.

Get whichever one you like better though. They're both very nice.

If I could find an S4RS at a decent prize range and I was in the market, it would be very difficult for me to decline.

Yes S4RS for sure ..when I bought my S2R ..I had a chance to buy a tricolore S4RS at the dealer ..thought it was to much $$ wise ..Kick myself so many times I did not buy it

as above said this bike will make your heart stir a true classic in every sense of the word

Buy an S4Rs if you want to ride everywhere on the rear wheel?  8) [roll]

Ummmmmm, don't forget the s4r METAL tank!   Upgrade the suspension and vuala.  I am biased however.

and NO Ohlins.

Abso-frikin-lutely

 [thumbsup]

if i wanted to throw away my licence i'd have an s4rs.  great big wheelies.

My two cents worth S4RS's are probably as cheap as they will get right now, as they become older and rarer they will only increase in collectibility and valve. A brand new bike will lose half it's valve as you wheel it out of the dealership!

Im sure the S4RS will increase in value just not sure how long before that happens. I dint think it'll be like what we're seeing with Sport 1000s. Probably because there are lots of Monster options & there are still more being made. If they stopped making Monsters today I have no doubt the S4RS would start climbing sooner than later. As for 1200S losing half its value that quickly. I wish that were true. Then I could just get one next year. What I want to know now after reading these comments is this. Are Dry Clutches actually a bad thing?? I've heard they require more maintenance but beyond that?? Cuz damn they do look and sound cool.

My local dealer said he would give me $7500 for my 2012 Monster 1100 EVO on trade in for a new Monster 1200.  Let's see, I paid $11,999 for it 3 years ago and I have 15,000 miles on it at the moment... and I've lost no valves.  Not sure about your numbers there pal.  ;)

My dry clutch had 20k on it when I sold the bike, zero issues. Never hear of any either, in fact the guy that bought my bike still seems to be riding the piss outta it.

If it's a Monster that you want then the S4RS is it.  I used to say that bike was the best overall Ducati. Then I got to ride a Streetfighter 1098. It's better but not a Monster.  [Dolph]

If I had the means, I would most certainly have an S4RS in the garage.  That or a blue and white S4R at the very least!

JM

If we were ever to part with our STs, they would be replaced by S4RSs.

Not much about that bike not to like, except the tank.  :P

And here I was happy with my 800.

Yeah I guess the expanding plastic tank is the one thing keeping this bike from Monster perfection. I know there was a replacement plan but not sure how easy it was. Is it offeted for 2nd owners? Or even still offered at all? Anyone know the straight dope here?

Replacements aren't offered any more.

so true and sad too.  wait, I have a metal tank  :P

I remember when the S4Rs came out. Everyone was pregnant doging about the extra pumpling the radiator. Calling it ugly and not a true monster (This were the "purist" talking) Well I upgraded from a 2005 S2R  to the 2007 S4Rs 7 years ago and never looked back.

There 's my £ 2. ;)

Easy choice, S4RS all the way if it's half the price.  It's looks will never get old.

and I just got home an hour ago from leaving my 08 S4rs at a dealership on consignment.  [bang]

Well this is a subject close to my heart.  ;D I love my S4Rs and can't imagine releasing it. I've not ridden the 1200 and so can't make a first-hand comparison. I have ridden the Multi whose motor the 1200 has adapted.

So this is part speculation but I think if you were to ride the two you'd be pretty shocked at the differences. The S4Rs is a parts-bin hot-rod that just happens to work really well in its own weird way. The 1200 is a fresh design. It's intended to be much more versatile than the S4Rs.

The S4Rs will be smaller and shorter and lighter and you'll lean forward more onto the 'bars. Its chassis transmits beautifully the feel of that wonderfully smooth, short-stroke Testastretta 998 engine. The engine is very cammy - a bit soft in the 3.5-5.5K range then picking up sharply around 6.5 and really hauling from 7500 to 10K or more. In theory it is the opposite of what you want from a big street twin but in practice it is so entertaining. Even in the soft bit there is a fair bit of go for the street.

The 1200 will likely feel a lot stiffer in the chassis, which could be good for steering precision at high speeds. Whether you get that same feel for the engine I don't know but with the seat essentially bolted to the rear cylinder you're bound to feel something. The motor will offer about the same power up top as a DP-kitted S4Rs but there will be a lot more grunt off the bottom and it won't have that cammy feel. You will be able to carry a passenger much more comfortably and it will be much easier to strap luggage on. The 1200 should also have a much better fuel range.

I rode another S4Rs recently and was a bit shocked to notice how much better I liked mine with the reworked shock and slightly taller, much flatter seat. I think one reason why the S4Rs works so well is that you get that hot-rod motor in a package that is really pleasant to ride at sane street speeds.

Edit: Oh, and a steering damper won't be necessary if you use the proper Ohlins fluid in the front fork.

Thanks for that really thoughtful and interesting write -up!

Yeah thanks. That was a great assesment. Great feedback!

Yeah I would have to agree. Mine is set up for my weight, front and back. (Done by Indy Ducati Matt Carr) New springs, internals and different oil. The rear was raised a bit and the front lowered. I have a steering dampener on it and I never noticed it working?? But I do like the bling factor.  Some after marked cool bits, the usual stuff  Pazzo levers, CRG mirror, Sargent seat, lots of black powder coating and some gold bits.   Everywhere I take it someone wants to buy it  [Dolph]  
 I considered the 1200 till I saw in the person and sat on it. I refused to test ride it. I'm sure I would love the extra power but it was too low for me and I'm not completely sold on the new look.  
  I'm still in love with the S4Rs and I will keep it forever. Eventually adding a Diavel or Multistrada to the garage.  

PS I do like the gas tank on the new monster 1200, now can we slap that on the S4Rs?

S4rs.  [thumbsup]

Paging Duck Stew, Duck Stew to the courtesy phone.  ;D

Just because it is needed.

a picture


(http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/moto_gallery/DUCATIMonsterS4RsTestastretta-115_6.jpg)


 [drool]

And another picture if  I can post that is.  T'is mine and so nice to have ;D

Costing me money already.

(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e381/EXLXSL/P7190500_zps2581d3d7.jpg)

I prefer red. I didn't like the tricolor on the S4Rs

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4945559465_227f7e1f56.jpg)

Black is pretty stunning too.

I'm a fan of the white... it's the color I see the least of and it's pretty stunning in person.

Thats exactly what I want.

I always liked the white with the red stripe. The Tri-color is pretty cool too if only because it was the last of the production ( I think ).

Here is mine
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7gWLUCWZVVI/U0A23zUmOHI/AAAAAAAADGU/Ll8Sa4E4blg/w1041-h587-no/IMG_20140405_130118_044.jpg)

And offhand... to the OP... the answer is to the question is pretty much "Yes". haha

Maybe not the "greatest" as that's always going to be quibbled over but it's def a classic that no one would kick out of their bed.

Im sticking with my 750 Dark.











Cause thats what I have.

Thanks guys for the appreciation.  ;D

I suppose for Duck Off I could have pointed out that the S4Rs is essentially the ultimate upgrade for the 620 Dark. It is not much more than a 620 into which someone has shoehorned a late 999s engine, suspension, wheels and brakes. With all the weirdness and practical shortcomings that implies. And a certain quantity of excitement.  [evil]  Was there a frame upgrade? I'm not that familiar with the evolution of the smaller Monsters. Ducati said they added a bit of bracing to the steering head for the Testa Monsters compared with the pre-Testa S4R, but IIRC the stiffness rose only 5 per cent.

On the cammy engine thing, it has occurred to me since my previous post that one of the fun ways this works is that the faster you go, the harder the engine seems to pull. If you look at Brad Black's power and torque curves for the DP kitted S4Rs, link here (http://www.bikeboy.org/s4rsmonstertermikit.html), max torque doesn't arrive until nearly 8K and it doesn't start to fall off much until after 9K. So as you run up to 8K, the motor keeps getting more and more efficient in the way it uses the mixture, and it holds that efficiency until 9 as the revs rise. The effect on the road is that you keep getting more than you asked for as you open the throttle. It is kind of intoxicating.

And what you get even in the soft bit under 5500 is pretty good anyway. I don't ride that much with other people any more and where I live now there aren't any of the mountain roads I used to love charging through in good company. If I still did those things, then maybe I'd use more of the rev range. But for riding highways and good sweeping narrow country roads solo at speeds mainly under 100mph, I find myself returning from an 800-mile long weekend having never revved the bike past 8K, and not often past 7. Around 7 she is starting to get properly onto the cam and by then your overtake is happening pretty effectively.

So the S4Rs is a very hopped up 620 and the 1200 Monster I imagine is Ducati's attempt to consolidate that experience and make more sense of it. Which inevitably will mean losing some of the nonsense.  [bang]  More I can't say without having ridden a 1200. I've an idea I might like it, but not enough to be swapping. OTOH if I was shopping for a new bike now and both were available new at around the same price, the 1200 on paper at least would match my need to carry a pillion much more helpfully than the S4Rs.

A couple of minor differences that could be relevant:

- the pillion pegs on the S/R Monsters are pretty flimsy. I have a custom dual seat but ask my pillion to mount using the rider peg, because I doubt the pillion peg would stand up to that long term. Well, the peg would but perhaps not the mount. The 1200's rear peg mountings seem much more robust.

- the 1200 "s" uses a bigger diameter fork tube, 48mm vs 43 on the S4Rs. I imagine that would give a less flexy response to a tweak on the 'bars. The S4Rs feels pretty noodly, IMO, when you haul hard on the 'bars at high speed. The standard 1200 sticks with the 43mm fork tubes.

Oh, and is the S4Rs the greatest? As observed above, it depends a lot on what you are looking for. Sure, it's the quickest, and the OEM Ohlins fork is genuinely a good thing. The shock not so much in stock form. And I certainly get it that the air-cooled versions have a charm and real-world usability and thriftiness that the 8V models can't approach.

So if you like big girls, it's no contest?

i find the S4Rs too cluttered with the radiators out front, and terrifying with too much power and no traction control or ABS. that said, if you know anyone who has a tricolore model in good condition, please PM me ;) i want it SOOOOOOOOOOO bad!!!

the newest monster is so characterless. i went on a ride with a group of journos and every ducati in production now, and everyone wanted to ride the diavel and the hyper. i own the multi and it's loads more fun. the newest monster is blah.

for everyday riding, i prefer to 1100 evo to them all. easy, 2-valve, air cooled and all the safety gadgetry. but i much prefer the geometry of the first-gen monsters, especially my 900 -- wish it weren't so fcuking hard to find parts.

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [clap]

If the new bike is as dull as showerfan says it is, then you may have summed up the whole thread in one line!

Although that is not very respectful to those who've bought the 1200. And there seem to be plenty of posts out there (on other boards especially) from very happy new owners.

As someone else said, the blue-tank era pre-Testa S4R (996) must be a contender for greatest Monster as well. I've never ridden one but there is a dyno comparison on Brad's page that I quoted above which shows that the 996 S4R makes a fair bit more power than the Testa version all the way to 6K and it's evens at 7, when the Testa takes over. The torque curves show that the 996 motor peaks about 1000rpm lower at 7K and falls off after that fairly sharply by comparison. You'd think that would make it a better street engine, but an acquaintance has one of these and an S4Rs and says he likes the Testa model much better.

Well I took a 916 engined S4 for a nice long ride and enjoyed it immensely. Way more fun than the 750 I have. So I think the S4Rs is probably even better.

And what of the 1100 EVO ?  Personally the screened vents on the tank always bug me and I cant stand the headlight but besides that I think it's a pretty good looking bike and I even like the Diesel version color scheme, seat and exhaust. But besides looks (which are subjective)  how does it compare to an S4RS & 1200S ?

if looks are less important, i like the 1100 evo the best -- it is the biggest air-cooled two-valve ducati makes. that's real ducati. people get two-valve tattoos.

You can't put looks aside. So if we're bringing in the 2-valvers into the mix, I vote for the S2R1K as the best Monster.

Haha 4 valve tattoo coming up

The greatest is the one you are riding, in my case it's my M900, which looks better than almost any monster including some that beat me out in 06' Monster Challenge. I took her out for a spin last weekend, first time in 3-4 weeks and the grin is much better than when I ride the Devil. I got rid of my plastic tank S2R1000 but kept the M900, the 1100 Evo would be next in my book. - Gene

I've moved on from the 'modding Monsters' thing...

Best Monster ever?!?  The one that makes you smile the most.  [Dolph]

I certainly vote "Yes."   But then, mine is pretty far from stock.  And I have a spare NOS fuel tank in a box for the future.

It's a nice bike and it isn't that slow yellow color  [laugh] - Gene

Yeah I'm also partial to the 2-Valvers so I would also probably vote for the S2R1000. The radiators on the 4-valve WC Monsters just really bug me. You go to so much effort to clean up the look of the bike and get it as naked as possible and then you have this giant ugly radiator up front. They've done a better job of making it stand out less on the new 1200S (not the 821 though) with the curves and some silver trim but its still there like a beer belly on a super model.

This makes me think I need to do a best Monster Poll ...  [shot]

Save your time. Don't you know it's ALWAYS the one you own!  8)

Cliche'd. Droll. Yes it is. Group hug.   ;D   But............. as much as I loved my M900 and thought it just so fine I always knew there was a better one out there.  And that S4RS is pretty much the one.

Agree it's the one your are on. I loved my S2R100, great on the track, but still liked my M900 more, got rid of the S2R - the whole tank thing just pissed me off. I love the Diavel, it may be the best bike I have ever owned, power,DTC, ABS, all day comfortable it  is hard to argue with all that, but my M900, even with all the miles on it, still puts a bigger grin on my face. Well except when I smoke some other bike on the Diavel, bummer that someone already has the SMOKED , SMOKD vanity plates. Glad I did not buy the M1200, but if someone comes out with some minimal bodywork and removable luggage options I'd replace the ST3 with one. I have seen some great examples of the S4RS, Tim's is one, but I gotta belive someone is going to do something with a M1200 and we'll all think it's the greatest. - Gene

Seems to me a bike as powerful as the S4R should have fairings. Having never ridden one I think the S2R1k is the "ultimate" Monster on paper. But the best is the 900 of course...especially mine once it's actually built. :P

In many ways I regret not using a SSSA for my project and envy S*R owners for it. The S*R's may def be the sexiest Monsters... But those SA's are over 22 lbs! and the DSSA are half that. And it's hard to fault them when they're a lustery black;

(http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af202/johnnyblaze19761/20140728_201309_zpssmlz8axu.jpg) (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/johnnyblaze19761/media/20140728_201309_zpssmlz8axu.jpg.html)

Carby Monsters FTW. (Apocalypse ready)

That is a nice black. Mebbee I should paint mine.

Powdercoat  8)  [drink]

Any fitting issues?

You took a beautiful polished aluminum swing arm and had it painted black?  Really? Further words fail me.

Of course not. I took an ugly $39 steel ebay swingarm and had it powder coated black.

Whew! That's better.

If I'd had an alloy swingarm I would have anodized it black tho...

[laugh]

Not good a polished one will stay nicer longer than powder or anodized.........Just sayin. - Gene

Yeah I wanted a black swingarm for my 620 Dark and I could've gone the PC route but it would've cost me more than just buying a black 695 swingarm on ebay for $60 that will stay black and not chip. So thats what I did and I couldnt be happier. Now I'm selling my swingarm for the same as what I paid for the black one so its like I got it for free.  ;D

I got an aluminum swing arm and sprayed it black. It matches the rest of the bike and I din't have to polish it.  ;D

I can sell you one cheap! And it is beautiful. Do with it whatever you wish!

If it is an aluminum swingram for a M900, I'm interested. - Gene

PM sent

I've had a couple of S4Rs and a M1000ie S, I'd say the Rs was just awesome on and off the track. I still get to ride one of my old Rs once in a while and it's a blast.

The M1000 was more balanced, very light and also a lot of fun. However, after riding other Monsters such as the 620, 695 and 800 I think all are just as badass as each other. The Rs just has that little bit more vavoom  ;)

I go to try an S4Rs but I bet my 02 S4 is better, dry clutch and metal tank

 [beer]

If I'm not mistaken, an S4 shares the same engine, swingarm pivot and frame and can thus be "S4r 'd" fairly easily,  no?

S4R'd with appropriate engine swap, a bit of welding required.

S4Rs'd or S4Rt'd, engine and a bunch of parts, some welding required.

taking my S4 to the track this weekend and i'll post a video .. She's been to the track before, actually my first track day about 6 years ago or so. S4rs.... I'll keep an eye out and hope to see one at the track.

Did all the S4 bikes come with the 916 engine?

S4Rs has 998 motor. There is a thread here somewhere that discusses the differences between those models. I actually thought the S2R1000 was a more impressive bike, except for the Plastic Tank. I'm still pretty happy with my M900, but the new 821 may be a better bike than the S4Rs, except for the looks of the plumbing on left side. The 1200 is overkill IMHO, so is my Diavel for that matter. - Gene

The S4Rs has 998 motor, Ohlins and dry clutch, but the plastic tank, the only downside to that bike.

1200s is missing the dry clutch and the right side is a bit rough, but it's definitely growing on me.

Mine has 916 engine, dry clutch and ohlins.. ;)

and metal red tank

(http://[URL=http://s1229.photobucket.com/user/Qomomoko/media/DucatiCFseatcowl1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee464/Qomomoko/DucatiCFseatcowl1.jpg)[/URL][/img]

(http://[URL=http://s1229.photobucket.com/user/Qomomoko/media/CFducaticowl2-1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee464/Qomomoko/CFducaticowl2-1.jpg)[/URL][/img]

S4RS vs. 821 --- how would you define the 821 as "better" ?

Maintenance schedule for starters, electronics, that sound is pretty darn good, and HP is more than enough. - Gene

Fixed

Thanks man!!! [thumbsup]

the S4r is no slouch either and put in a lightweight flywheel and vroom vroom.  METAL TANK PEOPLE, METAL.

 [thumbsup]  [thumbsup]  Hear-hear!

Actually the maintenance schedule difference is nothing more than the stroke of a marketing pen.  There is nothing so intrinsically different between the engines that you couldn't maintain the S4Rs on the same schedule. By the same extension you'd likely be better off maintaining the 821 along the schedule of the earlier models. Either way would work. I would say the same about the electronics unless of course you are talking about all the various choices of maps, etc. ABS and whatnot. Then again the 821 really doesn't need all that stuff, really, but the marketing people like to add it on. As for sound and HP. Highly subjective there. Some people like/want more than others and nothing wrong with that either way too.  [Dolph]

Hey Quomom: what brand is your carbon seat cowl, or is it OE?

not sure...

my friend/mechanic who helped me let my bike dropped and tore the seat and my beautiful red seat cowls so he go me this CF seat cowl. I still prefer my red one and keep looking for one to get...

I"ll see if there are marking on it to let you know the make.

Don't sweat it, I've just been on the fence about buying a CF one, and have noticed a pretty big difference in quality in looks and fit from one brand to another. Was curious bc yours has the look, color, and weave I desire.

no

To each his own I do not agree with your observations on maintenance, neither does ducati, or the electronics. As someone who has more than 100K miles on 4 different brands and >200K miles on another brand, and an ex MSF instructor I think my observations are worth something. I also can tell you that I love every bike in my garage and there is not a one of them I would give up for an 821 but I'l also tell you that the Diavel may be the best bike I have ever owned and one of the big reasons is the electronics. I have already had the brakes and the traction control kick-in and they might have saved me. The brakes from colliding with an Eagle who had a ground hog in his grasp as he tried to take off from the side of the road. The traction control from a hidden batch of gravel same color as the road in a shady spot on a nice twisty section of road.

So you have your opinion and I don;t object to it, but for those reading this board that are newer riders and/or newer to Ducati, I say to you I think the 821 is a great motorcycle, it has all the technology advances that make it one of the best Monsters yet and you'll pay less to maintain it. - Gene

 [beer]     [Dolph]

.

Pic please. you cant spew that much verbal porn without posting a pic of it.  [popcorn]

^

FTFY. It's beautiful.

This entire thread ALMOST makes me want an S4RS. Luckily my wallet crushes that dream pretty quickly.

.

We all know it's all about the S4RT.. come on now!

(http://www.mikemo.org/bikes/S4Rt_gravel.jpg)

I really should take a better pic though.

So what is the difference between the T & the S?

S has Ohlins bits on it.

I think the color combinations were different, like only the T came with the satin titanium.

Ok so what is the difference between the T and the S4R? or is there one.
I know the old S4's had the 916 engine and then I thought they went with the 998 and the SSS with the S4R

S4R is 996 Desmoquattro,  basically same as ST4s.

The S4Rt is a S4Rs (998cc) without the Ohlins suspension plus the unique Titanium paint scheme. The pre 2007 S4R was 996cc

Love it.

If Ducati would build the S4Rs with the DVT 1200 and an alloy tank...  + [bacon]

I like that paint job and if you add the Ohlins which you did... well, that's a sweet ride.
Those headlight bucket ears are cool.

I wouldn't mind having that in my "Garage" ^^^^

So I have my love (a 06 S4R) but a recent check of a local dealer has uncovered a 2007 S4Rs with 12K mile, Termi, open clutch, Rizoma mirrors and some other goodies for less than $6K.

Simple question......should I add it to the stable for the simple fact that it's a STEAL and then figure out what to do with it later? I need help. I really want to pull the trigger....

Doesn't everyone need a desmoquattro and a testastretta?

+11tybillion

If you can afford it, why not?

It's so purdy.........

(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy51/wbamiduro/65CA9E61-90BA-4CED-B04F-3712DA77F6001_zpspe1lrnx8.jpg)

(http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/uploads/gallery/album_111801/81a6387d_SmeagolMyPreciousFunnyShoes.jpeg)

Cause I don't know how to stop once I get it. I've just recovered from Modders Annon.

 [laugh]
Lifes short. Go for it.

 [drool]

Got some more intel, bike needs service (valves, belts, oil, etc). So going to test ride it this weekend when I get my S4R back with a Rexxer tune.

No one truly recovers. The just go into remission for a while then have a relapse. Relapse.. you know you want to.

Funny because after starting this thread a while back. I realized my true love of air cooled Ducatis and am now firmly planted in the S2RS 1000 is the Greatest Monster ever built camp.

Bike got SOLD before i even got there  :(.  But my Monster is now running with an awesome Rexxer tune from Redline Performance. God this thing rocks now!

This arrived last week (http://i58.tinypic.com/116rt51.jpg)

 [drool] mmm no swelling

Is that a metal tank for an S4RS? And who created it for you?

It sure is. Waited 5 months for it to come from 'beater' in japan.  [Dolph]

That looks fantastic!!
Don't paint it :o

Not a bad idea. Here in No VA there is a Saturday Morning meetup of cars in Great Falls Va, http://katiescarsandcoffee.com/ (http://katiescarsandcoffee.com/) , there are some Alum Body Cobras that show up on a regular basis, one of them is not painted, instead the body has that satin finish, but the stripes are polished, then the whole thing has a clear coat on it - awesome! - Gene

Nice  [thumbsup]
I'm on my third tank, I figured this was the last one I would get for free so I paid to have it coated. But on install, even thought it looks good, I can tell it is somewhat larger than designed because it is as far back as it can go and I it is a serious PITA to get the tank re-latched when I have to lift it.

Just out of curiosity, I would assume it has thinner walls, was there any gain in capacity? With the full DP Termis and ECU I get about 70 miles before the yellow light comes on
thanks

on my wish list.

It arrived with a sticker saying 14.3 litres. Before i ordered it i did ask if i could get an increased capcity. Alas no. Would gave been great to have a couple of litres more.
(http://i60.tinypic.com/5xqxye.jpg)

Just 70 miles??

Itsamonster: how did you go about shipping? Bought direct or through Samurider.com?

I think you have created "The best S4Rs ever built" - what a shame Ducati couldn't do it.

I second that.

Glad you approve.
I ordered through samurider, as you can't deal direct with beater. I'm in the uk.
I still think that Ducati should have stepped upto the mark and orgnised repkacement metal/ally tanks offered at cost of manufacture to help owners out. They would have gained a lot if respect in my book instead of washing their hands of it.

It does look sweet in raw ally, but it is a surface which they expect you to paint as it has file/ sanding marks from manufacture.
I'm thinking red with black stripe.

Do you know what gauge metal they used?

I'm not sure off hand. I will see if i can measure it tommorrow.

Only reason I ask is if the file marks and sand scratches are minor and the metal thick enough it can be finished to allow for a natural aluminum finish. Clear would eliminate polishing.

... seems like they now only offer the S4RS model (not the S2R round flange type)  ???

 When I recieved the ally tank for my Bimota it also had circular grind marks and such. I went over it with a random orbit sander with 220 grit pads and it gave it a really nice frosted look. I have the first coat of clear on it so I'm not finished yet, but it works very nicely!

Someone familiar with metal finishing can do just about anything with a tank like that.

Hi Ducpainter, i am a car painter by trade. If i do keep it ally finish, i would clearcoat it to stop grease marks etc.
Have you a recomendation for a clear best suited to bare ally?
I use HS Nexa ( PPG) at work.
Cheers.

Your NEXA clear is fine. It's all about the surface treatment.

Aluminum needs an acid etch. There are materials around that won't discolor any level of aluminum finish. There are also materials that will.

I bet NEXA (PPG) has both.

Ok thanks. I'll look into it. Probably something similar is used on diamond cut alloy wheels. 8)

 I'm using a finish by POR-15, it's a 2 part finish and the kit they sent me has a spray bottle of pre-finish. It is working quite well!