Ducati Monster Forum

Ok, so I'm still looking for the right bike for me and my budget. Pretty sure I've figured out that a fuel injected 900 is the way to go for minimum power/FUN factor.  After looking around a bit, I've noticed a few of the earlier 2000-ish S4's are fairly reasonable to get into. I'm wondering if the liquid cooled, 4 valve/cyl engine is noticeably more difficult (= expensive) to maintain or have serviced?.....[maintence and service histories being equal to a 2 valve]    example:    http://nmi.craigslist.org/mcy/5882877682.html        I'm pretty sure they'd be a bit more fun than the 2 valve engines going into/coming out of the corners and flat-out acceleration.  I THINK somebody mentioned the valve adjustments can be a bear to get to due to the added hardware of the liquid cooling?....or maybe I'm wrong.  Anything else that should be taken into consideration for the 2 vs. 4?

Anyway, looking for input from the collective brain trust here.  Thanks!

D. Dog

Air cooled 2 valvers are easier and cheaper to service. In the end the bike that personally fits you like a good suit with power characteristics you enjoy is the way to go.

Valve clearance check and adjust is ~ 50% higher in my book.

The belts I use are ~20% more for the S4 than 900.

Depending how much you ride, that difference may be significant or inconsequential.

Got it.  The additional 4 valves increase the adjustment cost by 50% [makes sense] and the belts are about 20% more.  Anything else you can think of?  On my old K bike, changing coolant was no big deal. Probably the same on an S4?

Yes, figuring out what the best fit for me is kind of what I'm working through.....as well as a bike my budget can afford.  Having said that, a little quicker is usually better!   [Dolph]

Changing coolant is no big deal.

The rest of the bike, driveline, tires, brakes, etc. is identical or very nearly so.

S4 engine is a 916cc.

They're kinda known for rocker arm issues which can get pricey.  Do research.

This from a guy who bought a 748s last year.

 My local Ducati dealership charges about $700 for 2v and $1100 4v including belts. They do not follow the full Ducati service plan for that price so ask the service person what exactly is done with their "full service"!

 I am not skilled enough to perform the valve adjustment myself, only tires, brakes and fluids are where I save some money. My bikes have low miles so I just budget and wait for a service "sale" and have it done.

Coolant change is easy.

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56984.0

But, the service manual is misleading / confusing.

2v motors are much more torquey down low in the rpm range ( like right off idle) while the liquid cooled motors need more revs to get to the torque. I've owned both and prefer the older 2v air cooled monsters but that's my taste, everybody is different. Ride both for a bit then make your decision.

Like stated earlier, the 916's had rocker arm issues as well as the ever popular leaking base gasket on the vertical cylinder. Do your research and a thorough inspection of your possible purchase.

Timing belts are an easy DIY on the 2v motors. not so much on the 4v's

My 900 2v has that annoying base gasket leak on the vertical cylinder too.

Is it the base gasket or the breather?

Gasket unfortunately!

I would love for it to be as simple as a loose breather! Lol!