S4R or FZ1

[rileysdad]

I'm sure I'll get biased answers considering this is a monster site, but I really want to get the right bike.  I can't seem to get to ride the Yamaha, but there are great deals on new 2008's.  I'm really in love with the monster and I'm wrapped up in the whole Ducati thing right now.  I rode it and really liked it too.  I'm just concerned with the maintenance and some things Im reading here about leaky tanks and what not.  I don't want to end up with a bike that has alot of quirks, I don't mind resonable maintenance, but I do not want to end up broken down on the side of the road. 

Are there any of you who have owned or have experience with both bikes? 

Thanks

[DrDesmo]

I'm sure I'll get biased answers considering this is a monster site, but I really want to get the right bike.  I can't seem to get to ride the Yamaha, but there are great deals on new 2008's.  I'm really in love with the monster and I'm wrapped up in the whole Ducati thing right now.  I rode it and really liked it too.  I'm just concerned with the maintenance and some things Im reading here about leaky tanks and what not.  I don't want to end up with a bike that has alot of quirks, I don't mind resonable maintenance, but I do not want to end up broken down on the side of the road. 

Are there any of you who have owned or have experience with both bikes? 

Thanks

FZ1 = faster, less maintenance

Monster = better looking, better sounding, more exotic componentry

I don't think many people here have been " broken down on the side of the road ", in fact my Japanese bikes (VFRs) have given me loads more problems than any of my Ducs, including my 900SS, my ST2, my ST4S, my first S4R, or my current S4R.

You can't go wrong either way.  I love my FJR as well 

Seriously - buy what turns you on.  [moto]

Cheers,
Adam

[DrDesmo]

I'm sure I'll get biased answers considering this is a monster site, but I really want to get the right bike.  I can't seem to get to ride the Yamaha, but there are great deals on new 2008's.  I'm really in love with the monster and I'm wrapped up in the whole Ducati thing right now.  I rode it and really liked it too.  I'm just concerned with the maintenance and some things Im reading here about leaky tanks and what not.  I don't want to end up with a bike that has alot of quirks, I don't mind resonable maintenance, but I do not want to end up broken down on the side of the road. 

Are there any of you who have owned or have experience with both bikes? 

Thanks

Also, if you read enough about any bike you're going to find issues. 

FZ1 = fuel injection that sucked and difficult throttle response @ low RPMS
FJR (up to '06) = tons of heat coming out of the engine
VFR = R/R problems
Plastic tanked monsters (S4RS / S2R 800 / S2R1k): Expansion and tank deformation
ST2 ('98) = R/R problems

etc. etc. etc.

Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis - a zillion people own bikes without a single issue, it's just that no one usually goes on forums to go "Wow, my bike is awesome!" 

Cheers,
Adam

[rileysdad]

I noticed you have a very nice S4R, Have you experienced any problems, especially the tank?   

[DrDesmo]

I noticed you have a very nice S4R, Have you experienced any problems, especially the tank?   

LOL

Nope! Not with the one I have now, nor my last one.  Even after my last one hit the road at ... oh, about 60MPH 

Cheers,
Adam

[Duc Fever]

Wow! my bike is AWESOME

[DrDesmo]

Wow! my bike is AWESOME

Mine too 

[DucHead]

Wow! my bike is AWESOME

+2

[Bigbore4]

uhhhhhh

get two?

I ride the Monster back and forth to work and around town, the FJR is the better tool for old farts going more than one tank of gas in one shot.

Not FHE, but one of my riding bud's had an FZ1 and loved it, good handling, power, everything and low maintenance.  If you dont do your own maintenance, i.e. valves, that is a consideration.

[LA]

you will not find yourself broken down on the side of the rode. - has nothing to do with that.  Sounds like you need a Yamaha.

LA

[Statler]

Actually you'll likely not find many biased answers...many guys will say if you're asking just by the fizzer.

How do you like your motorcycle motors?   That's a big thing.  thunder?  screamer?

Is it a tool or is it a guilty pleasure?

a car is a necessary practical device.  A motorcycle is a toy...so buy with the heart not the head.

(unless you're using the bike as a tool in which case Ducatis will drive you bonkers, despite what a few hardcore guys here will say)

[corndog67]

I bought an S4 because I've always wanted a little hot rod twin, and it's been a load of fun.   I'm sure my old CBR900RR that I sold to my brother will still be alive 5 years after this Ducati dies, that's just because that is the way it is.    I can pretty much buy whatever I want, within reason.   This time I bought a Ducati.   It was that, or a KTM Supermoto or Superduke, an SP-51, or something of the sort.  Next, who knows.  I know I'll never be done messing with these 2 wheeled things, at least until I'm in a wheelchair. 


Buy whatever tickles your fancy.   I have no idea what I'm going to want next, but my history reveals, I keep something for a year or two or three, and get something else.  Short attention span I suppose.  But I never look at them like it's the last bike I will ever buy.

[DrDesmo]

you will not find yourself broken down on the side of the rode. - has nothing to do with that.  Sounds like you need a Yamaha.

LA

I think more accurately, he wants a ducati but has heard so much BS about "those italian bikes" that he can't make up his mind.  I've been there before 

Adam

[rileysdad]

Corndog, I'm more like you.  I'm always changing what I like.  I consider myself a motorcycle "enthusiast" meaning I like all kinds of motorcycles.  There are not many motorcycles I do not like and every few years or so that go by I find myself wanting something else.  I've owned so many different bikes, I'm not somebody who is brand loyal or even loyal to a specific type of bike.  I've gone from sport to cruiser, back to sport, back to cruiser again and now I want a naked sport.  Right now my heart is telling me I want a monster.  I really do like torque more then redline power, which is what is really making me lean towards the V-Twin.  Thanks for all the replies.

[DrDesmo]

Corndog, I'm more like you.  I'm always changing what I like.  I consider myself a motorcycle "enthusiast" meaning I like all kinds of motorcycles.  There are not many motorcycles I do not like and every few years or so that go by I find myself wanting something else.  I've owned so many different bikes, I'm not somebody who is brand loyal or even loyal to a specific type of bike.  I've gone from sport to cruiser, back to sport, back to cruiser again and now I want a naked sport.  Right now my heart is telling me I want a monster.  I really do like torque more then redline power, which is what is really making me lean towards the V-Twin.  Thanks for all the replies.

You could always get a Tuono - if you can get past the " guy on a sheet of acid put the stickers on it " factor 

Adam