This is really a shoot the shit thread and looking for opinions.
I was offered an S4R 2007 (the grey metallic one) thats been refitted with ohlins, so its basically an S4Rs at a reasonable price. What are some of the reasons you would buy/not buy this thing?
Some things to note:
-I cant really ride the thing in the NYC all too much because 4v + urban life sounds like misery or is it?
-I seldom ride for pleasure anymore, I have twin boys + newborn baby girl.
-I have space for only 1 more bike.
-I already own a S2R1000 that is currently being rebuilt slowly.
-My first bike was a M900 and I actually want that more since its something I could ride and beat on daily.
-An S4Rs was at one point in my life a dream bike, but always seemed impractical.
-The other bike I'm looking at is a ~2018 to 2020 Multistrada or...another DR650 (my last one got stolen).
-My daily ride is currently a suzuki Tu250 which is for commuting and not exactly fun.
I've realized that Ducati Monsters (the older models atleast) occupy a special place in my soul and Im really motivated to find another monster, but I really dont need it.
Water cooled 4 valves are maintenance money pits.
I've been told that, but what makes them money pits? Assuming I will be doing all valve and belt adjustments myself.
This bike is a 2007 so its quite old but "well maintained" and ~15,000 miles. I'd think no matter what time has gotten to the rubbers.
4valves easier to modulate than 2v. Larger clutch slave is good. Tight throttle cable is a plus (as slways). Dry clutch is fun and easy to work on. Either this top predator or a 125cc scooter. If it proves to be a mistake, sell it when the S2R Evo is ready to ride.
I have a 2002 ST4s (the one with the 996s engine) and an old school M900. The valve clearance and adjustment is much more involved in the ST and it seems to go through chains more frequently. Oh, and all the bodywork has to come off of the ST to do anything, but a non issue with the S4R.
Quote from: He Man on June 18, 2026, 03:58:17 AMThis is really a shoot the shit thread and looking for opinions.
I was offered an S4R 2007 (the grey metallic one) thats been refitted with ohlins, so its basically an S4Rs at a reasonable price. What are some of the reasons you would buy/not buy this thing?
Some things to note:
-I cant really ride the thing in the NYC all too much because 4v + urban life sounds like misery or is it?
-I seldom ride for pleasure anymore, I have twin boys + newborn baby girl.
-I have space for only 1 more bike.
-I already own a S2R1000 that is currently being rebuilt slowly.
-My first bike was a M900 and I actually want that more since its something I could ride and beat on daily.
-An S4Rs was at one point in my life a dream bike, but always seemed impractical.
-The other bike I'm looking at is a ~2018 to 2020 Multistrada or...another DR650 (my last one got stolen).
-My daily ride is currently a suzuki Tu250 which is for commuting and not exactly fun.
I've realized that Ducati Monsters (the older models atleast) occupy a special place in my soul and Im really motivated to find another monster, but I really dont need it.
I'm selling a 2011 DRz400 currently. If that sounds interesting...
Testasretta 4V's at least don't have the rocker arm issues.
They are a handful in tight confines (city).
If the price is good, buy now, enjoy (?) and sell later.
Quote from: He Man on June 18, 2026, 05:27:02 AMI've been told that, but what makes them money pits? Assuming I will be doing all valve and belt adjustments myself.
This bike is a 2007 so its quite old but "well maintained" and ~15,000 miles. I'd think no matter what time has gotten to the rubbers.
My understanding is that you need to pull the cams to adjust valves.
If you think you can do it yourself... go for it.
Quote from: ducpainter on June 18, 2026, 04:27:38 PMMy understanding is that you need to pull the cams to adjust valves.
If you think you can do it yourself... go for it.
You do not have to pull the cams on a testastretta.
Desmoquattro: yes.
I'm always tempted to do the same. The s4r was the tops. The grey testerstretta was something I always ogled over. But I think you should buy something that would reinvigorate your passion to ride. For me I got a Vespa with a big ass top case and ride the piss out of that. Park it on the sidewalk in front of wherever I'm going and no one cares.
Just bought an adventure bike with wind protection, cruise control and bags. Makes it really easy to get out and ride... having fun again. My monster always feels like it's going to explode on me and leave me stranded, which is its own vibe I guess.
Good luck man.
Were on the same page....
My neighbor has a 300 GTS and he let me ride it. holy smokes. Talk about being a hooligan. I am also on FB marketplace looking at a 2019 Multistrada Pikes Peak.
Ideally my stable would look like this
Livewire One
Multistrada
Monster
Vespa 300
DR650