Newbie, Considering a Monster

[armybiker]

Welcome to the club!!!  Weigh your pros and cons and listen to the guys in this forum. I have lurked for along time just reading and reseaching and going over the old threads. I am confident that no matter what you get the rest of the forum will help you out where you need it. 

P.S. The 1100 is a BEAUTIFUL bike.

[DrDesmo]

Thanks guys for all the responses.  So, as far as maintenance costs, are they very costly to maintain.  I remember the old Ducatis being known for needing alot of maintenance, but I thought those days were gone.  Like say the first maintenance at 7500mi, what kind of money are we talking about for the 4 valve vs. the 2 valve.  The guy at the shop was telling me that he liked the air cooled bikes better too, something about the throttle response.  So is that the main difference between the s2 and s4, 2 valve air/oil cooled vs. 4 valve liquid?  I would think that the liquid cooled would be more reliable.  Any probs with overheating in the air/oil cooled?

What makes the s4r "hard to tame"?  Do you mean just because of it's power to weight ratio or is the handling hard to get used to?  Honestly, I'm really looking at these bikes specifcally for great handling.

Thanks for all the responses.

RD -

Welcome! This place is a goldmine. 

A couple of things about the S4R, since I do believe you're lookiing at mine. 

FYI, I'm not selling it for any other reason than I'm moving to Denver in 6 weeks and am trying to lighten my load.  I found out today that  ForwardAir is only $495 terminal to terminal, so it's not by any means a catastrophe if it doesn't sell 

The bike you buy, whether it's 2V or 4V, is highly dependent upon the comptency of the person(s) servicing it and the way in which the owner treated it.  You do not want a bike that has barely been ridden and more than a few years old, as all manner of "bad things" (seals, gaskets, etc.) happen.  I bought a bike a couple years ago that was a "washed frequently and put away" type of bike, and ... Yeah, it was an interesting experience for sure.

Anyways, back on topic.  The 4V motors put out considerably more HP than the 2V - not trying to start a fight here with the aircooled crowd, just stating facts - and my bike today was running around 160 degrees F when I was taking it around Concord, Carlisle, Acton MA today on backroads.  Another thing to note about the 4V is that yes, they require maintenance every 6000-7500 miles, just as the 2V.  Eric @ Clubhouse motorsports (in the lakes region) has been the one responsible for all of the valve services on the bike, and no matter what duc you get, he's the guy to see about it.  For reference, the valves portion of the 6k service for my bike was ~$375, which isn't bad at all.  A few bucks more than the 2V, sure, but again I'd rather have the extra HP.

The '07 S4R has a testastretta (narrow head) engine which has some advantages, but not the low end grunt that the 996 has.

Any questions just let me know - you really can't go wrong with either a 996 or a 998 ('07) based monster, it all comes down to what turns you on.  If you're looking at a bike at Seacoast I have nothing but awesome things to say about Jesse + Co. they won't steer you wrong

Cheers,
Adam

Here are dyno charts on the S4R and the 1100 for comparison - they're on different dynos, but it gives you a good idea of the power curves of both.

M1100:



S4R:





( Keep in mind mine has an open airbox, a full arrow system, and a PC3 that's tuned in - so it's more than this)

[rileysdad]

Yes, Adam, I contacted you about yours.  I would have liked to come today but life got in the way.  I sold my VTX yesterday and I have some money, I'm just doing my research now.  Your bike is beautiful, I just need to ride both motors and see what I like.  Yes it is Seacoast I'm dealing with, I live 2 miles from them and they are cool. 

[rileysdad]

Hey Adam,  how comfy is that rear seat compared to stock for a passenger?  My wife will want to come for a ride now and then.  Thanks

[red baron]

  Sitting on the back of an S4R is really no fun. 

This is true of all Monsters.

If'n you want two-up get a Multistrada or ST3/4.

[DrDesmo]

Yep, what River said.  Any monster is NOT ideal for two up riding of any great distance.  That goes for the 696, the S2R, S4R, etc.  That's why I bought my FJR1300 (longish distance rides with my gal

Cheers,
Adam

[DrDesmo]

Is this the other bike you're looking at?



Definitely has some nice addons (Termi system, mirrors) 

It's an Aircooled S2R 1000, so you get some of the nice bits (carbon fiber pieces here and there, a dry clutch you can bling out  , etc.)  It's the air cooled motor FYI, so depending on your preferences for style that could be a win too. 

As I said, you can't go wrong 

Cheers,
Adam

[rileysdad]

The link did not work but yes, based on your desc. I beleive that's it.  I'd like to check yours out today if you're around.

[DrDesmo]

The link did not work but yes, based on your desc. I beleive that's it.  I'd like to check yours out today if you're around.

I am, this stupid weather pretty much guarantees that 

Give me a shout at 603.344.7200 or send me an e-mail adam@mediascope.com

Cheers,
Adam