Newbie requesting opinions and recommendatons on S2R vs S4R

[WetDuc]

The monster 1100 is awesome dude.  Basically a new and improved S2R.  I think you will really like it.

[thought]

since it's a m1100, here's the answers to the questions i believe you'rs asking...

yes, it has a plastic tank but it isnt as big of an issue as with the previous monsters as the new monsters (696/796/1100) use plastic tanks skins on top of the plastic tank.  so when if/when it expands it wont ruin the paint.  but it can still expand and make it hard to remove the tank... not much you can do about that unless you plan on caswell'ing the tank.

you should get 2 keys and a code card.  you should also check to see if the owner has the little plastic shroud you'll need if you ever want to remove the bikini fairing.

i cant think of any major engine issues you should be aware of before picking up the bike, the new monsters have been pretty reliable iirc.

[Moronic]

I have to say that reading your earlier posts it occurred to me that what would really work for you would be an M1100 of some kind - latest and arguably best of the aircooled 2V motors with allegedly a bit more breathing up top than the 1000s and a quicker steering chassis.

However, you need to be aware you are not getting an S4 engine in this. Ducati went away from the S*R designation partly because after I think 08 there was no need for the * as the four-valve motor was dropped from the Monster line-up altogether, the Streetfighter taking its place.

Only thing I'd suggest you consider, if you haven't bought the bike already, is whether you want the "std" version M1100 or the "s" version, which comes with an Ohlins front fork.

The "s" also has an Ohlins shock, although it is a relatively low-spec example. 

[Case S2R]

Shhhh, dont say this too loud but...

When the S4R was out magazines reported "If you really ride your bike" the S4R chassis is not up to the motor. That said I do think S4R's are cool and would own one if the right deal came along.

Assuming S2R 1000, it is hard to go wrong with it.  Most find it is a glorious street package and very well balanced in power, chassis, manintence, looks and perfomance.  To be objective note: I own a S2R 1000 and am bias.

My advice is S2R 1000 and save the 4 valve for when you get a Superbike 

Case

[Moronic]

Shhhh, dont say this too loud but...

When the S4R was out magazines reported "If you really ride your bike" the S4R chassis is not up to the motor. That said I do think S4R's are cool and would own one if the right deal came along.

Case

Well, these guys didn't seem to have a problem and it does look like they "really" rode it. 

S4Rs "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" launch piece from SuperbikePlanet here.

I don't think it is so much the chassis not being "up to" the motor, more that the turn-in is a little bit lazy, or cruisey, compared with similarly high powered modern sports bikes.

For me, that is part of the charm.

You are probably right that the aircooled motor makes more sense in that chassis: it would offer plenty of power for the speeds where naked bikes work best.

The S4R* I see as a hot-rodded version: pretty silly, costly to run. Hard to justify - except to yourself, when you're riding it: then it's easy.

[thai guy]

Well, I think I can wrap this up and officially join the club.  Much thanks to everyone for their help and input - you can trust that it was all taken into consideration and each comment had due influence on my decision.  Long story, but I ended up with a really nice Black 05 S4R. 

I did some serious soul-searching over the S2R vs S4R and it all came down to the maintenance.  After much internet searching I'm confident that I can maintain this Italian mistress on my own. 

I brought it home last night (really, really late) and took it for the first ride this morning.  Initial impressions - Wow, is that clutch loud, but I like the "mechanicality" of it (my own word).  Surprisingly light, almost like a big dirt bike.  Love the rumble (stock exhaust for now  ).  Really big, smile producing torque.  Immediate love - I'm feeling confident that I made a good decision.

I came off the bike and immediately phoned my brother (also a lifetime in line 4 Japanese bike guy) and told him I now can attest to the allure of Ducati.

e in the market for a nice full Arrow setup, but until the funding for that comes along I'm going to look into opening up the stock exhaust in some way.
The bike has a few tasteful mods: Very well done tail chop (looks factory), bar end mirrors, misc. carbon fiber bits, open clutch cover, etc. My immediate concern is to do something with that abortion that Ducati calls an exhaust.  I'll b

[muskrat]

it does crawl under your skin.    congrats on the purchase.  love her and never cheat.

now, pics please.