Another ignoramus query (on the S4 range)

[AK ducati]

So I'm confused.  I always figured that the S4, S4R, and S4RS had progressively higher capacity engines, but looking at the Ducati website (monster archives), there is no difference between the S4R and S4RS in 2007/08.  Was this only in later years that the engines were the same?  Reason I'm asking is I'm looking for a new distraction.  I have an 06 bone-stock 620 dark (that I'm holding on to!), but I'm torn between the S4RS or getting an identical version of my very first car back (firebird formula 350 with T-tops).  If only I was rich and could afford both 

[dark_duc]

The "s" designates Ohlins and CF upgrades, mills are the same.  I just stepped up from an '06 620 to an '08 S4RS and believe me when I say....they are entirely different bikes.  The S4RS will have you grinning from ear to ear much longer than any TA will.

[AK ducati]

I saw your post earlier post on your new purchase-congrats on a beautiful amazing Duc!! But I thought there was a difference in earlier years with the S4R having the 916 and 996, vs the S4RS having the 998?  The problem is I know the S4RS would put a grin on my face, but so did that old beastly formula (not the bulky TA) with the massive dashboard from the racing division with things you don't see anymore like an amps readout, oil pressure (and no glove box, cup holders......). I'm sure I'll make a decision soon-they both cost the same 

[dark_duc]

I'm no expert of the various S4 models so I will leave that to someone wiser.  To be honest, the 620 is a great bike with easy maintenance and to keep that and add a sporty cage, that would be very tempting.  I am lucky to live in an area that allows me to ride most of the year so I always lean more towards two wheel upgrades.  If I lived in an area that forced me into a car more than I could definitely see going for a performance car.  Another thing to consider is the maintenance cost of jumping up to the S4's.  I went into it knowing that every other year I will be shelling out a grand for a major service.  I was comfortable doing valves and belts on the 620 but the testastretta is a bit more than I feel comfortable with...food for thought.

[AK ducati]

Fair enough-I'd lean towards 2 wheel upgrades too if I lived in weather where I could ride year round! As to maintenance cost, I wish I knew more and was more comfortable about servicing my 620.  Never messed with valves/belts before.  The closest Ducati Dealer is in Anchorage (a great dealership and mechanic, and an expensive ferry ride away), and while I have no problems with taking my 620 there, I don't know that I could afford taking the S4RS out there too.  I bought my immaculate 620 with 9000 miles on it, and I've ridden it to 16000 miles.  I'm the 4th owner and I don't think it was ever service for belts/valves until now.  Welcome to the AK lifestyle.....

[dark_duc]

I would highly recommend a valve check and belt swap if it has gone this long.  The original owner of mine had to have the valves adjusted at 6K and since I have owned it, it has always checked out good (I am over 35K now).  You definitely don't want to break a belt though.

If you are comfortable doing minor repairs to cars, than you should be more than capable to do the service on your 620.  I would recommend picking this up: http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/2VBOOK/Maintenance/2VBOOK.html

Between it and the standard service manual (which I could send you if you need) you should be fine. 

You can also rent "kits" that give you all the tools you need plus shims from here:  http://ducatitoolrental.com/Tool_Kits.html

[brad black]

s4 has the 916 engine.

s4r 2004 - 2006 has the 996 desmoquattro engine.

s4rs 2006 - 2008 has the 998 testastretta engine.

s4r 2007 - 2008 has the 998 testastretta engine.  it is an s4rs without the ohlins suspension.

if you know the difference between a testastretta and desmoquattro it's pretty easy to tell them apart.

[AK ducati]

Hey thanks a lot for the links dark_duc!  I might end up having to do the belt swap and valve checks on my own if I can't get to the dealership this summer.  I really don't like the idea of breaking a belt.  I have a friend who's really good at rebuilding bikes (admittedly old Nortons) who should be able to help me if (and when) I get stuck.  Brad-thanks for the info.  That clears things up!

[Speeddog]

A bit more info:

S4 is pretty much an ST4 without bodywork.
It's got the close ratio transmission, though, like the M900ie and 748.

S4R, motor is pretty much an ST4s motor, in an S*R frame.

S4Rs is the 998 motor in an S*R frame, with Ohlins suspension and CF bling.

S4Rt is the 998 motor in an S*R frame, no bling.

They're all much more labor-intensive to maintain, compared to the air-cooled 2-valvers.

Rs and Rt are the first generation Testa motors like 749 and 999, and are a good bit more of a PITA to work on than the second gen (848 & 1098 version).

[the_Journeyman]

They're all much more labor-intensive to maintain, compared to the air-cooled 2-valvers.

This is why I didn't pull the trigger on a Blue/White stripes (my fav combo) S4R.  The price was a little high, which gave me time to think about the other things.  I decided that 1) Couldn't afford to pay local dealer (who is now gone, even worse) to do the valves/belts, and 2) I wasn't sure I wanted to perform the maintenance on the 4V motor myself.

JM

[AK ducati]

Thanks for the reminder on the increased complexity and maintenance requirements vs my air-cooled 620.  That makes me ponder a lot more now about getting an S4..... 

[jerryz]

I have 2 aircooled Ducatis and an S4  and the S4 is my choice for long distance touring its very reliable and  I think easy to work on i do it all myself , maybe 50% more hassle to service than an aircooled  model.