Question from new Monster Rider.

[syne7]

Hello,

I just got my Duc over the weekend.  I'm enjoying it immensely, but I have a few questions that maybe you could answer with your experiences.  Forgive my ignorance.  I have a 2008 Ducati S2R 1000.  When I run on the local highly it seem s to like 5th gear at 55 - 60 mph.  If I shift to 6th, it seems to bog down a bit and wobble.  Not really bad, but I have to take it 65 to 70 mph to have it smooth out a bit.  At 55-60 in 6th gear I am at 3500 to 4000 rpm's...

Is this normal duc behavior, is it okay to cruise in 5th for 15 minutes at a time?

Thanks for your help and patience...

Jason

[Spidey]

Welcome and congrats on your new ride, Jason.   

Sounds normal.  Ducatis are geared notoriously high in order to pass EPA certification.  If you're at 3500-4000 in 5th and you shift to 6th, it isn't surprising that the engine would bog.  You'll find that many folks switch out the stock 15 tooth front sprocket for a 14 tooth.  Most--but not all--find that regearing makes the gears more usable throughout the powerband.  A 14 tooth front is something like $25, so it's something worth trying and if you don't like it, you can switch back.  The only hard part on your bike is getting off the giant nut that holds that front sprocket on. 

For now, there's no problem at all running in 5th on the highway.  You're not going to break it by revving the engine a bit.  Keep 6th for when you're doing 70+.  That said, if the bike is new, you might not want to break it in with just freeway miles.  For break-in, you'll want to vary the load on the engine a bit by running it at different revs, which is hard to do on a long freeway cruise (15 mins isn't a problem).

There are also some fueling problems with the o2 sensors on the s2r 1000 line that can affect fueling (check the tech section), but that doesn't sound like your issue.

Enjoy.   [moto]

[hackers2r]

At 55-60, I'm usually in 3rd or 4th. 

[syne7]

Thank you very much for the prompt, patient and informative reply.

Jason

[Scotzman]

A lot of people prefer around town  3500-4500 and on the freeway 4500-5500. Some like it screaming, but...

[r_ciao]

my bike is more fun running AT LEAST 5000 rpm.

Ciao and congrats on your Duc.
Ride safe  [moto]

[duc996]

Mine loves it around 4-5 k rpm 

[corey]

4k = magic number

[yotogi]

Based on everything that I have read and experience on my 06 S2R1K, the 1000DS engine really seems come into its own at 4-4.5K RPM. Down below that you are probably going to encounter just what you are seeing. Unlike most twins, the Ducs don't mind reving a bit higher, so I wouldn't worry about it too much once you have the bike broken in (assuming new).

Now, if you want to make your Duc experience even better, there are a few things you can do.

1.) Read the Closed Loop ECU Mods thread here: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=655.0 . The fueling in the low end on the 1000DS engine gives many people fits. Hopefully, you don't have a problem but your bike could probably run better in the lower RPM with some love.
2.) 14T front. I have not done this mod personally, but I can only think of a few people that went back to stock gearing once they did this.
3.) Post up in the THCM board so your fellow Austinites like me can hassle you: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?board=32.0 .
4.) Show up to Ming's on the drag on Wednesday nights to increase our Monster presence out front. A lot of the Duc riders in town meet up here to socialize and plan rides and the like.

And again, welcome!

[NorDog]

Heck, I'm often still in 3rd at 55mph.

[Mad Duc]

Hi and welcome to Ducati ownership. That's probably about the most common question from a newbie that I have heard. I haven't ridden a Ducati that likes to be at less than 4k RPM.

[syne7]

If you install the 14 tooth front sprocket does it alter the accuracy of the speedometer?

[minnesotamonster]

If you install the 14 tooth front sprocket does it alter the accuracy of the speedometer?

nope. It'll still be way off. 

[causeofkaos]

nope. It'll still be way off. 

ha ha ha that was awesome.

[syne7]

So the real answer is