Ducati S4R 2008 Mods Page

[gecko]

Starting a thread on modding my S4R. I just picked her up new and she will undergo some mods over the next few months. She is Titanium coloured, with black wheels and a red frame. I will use this page to chronicle the mods that will go on and the experiences that result.

To start, here are some billet bling I just received in the post.

1) MPL Slipper Clutch ECO1.
2) MPL Clutch Pump.






I bought some billet parts from MPL. I have bought parts from them before and used them on my previous monster. They are excellent in terms of communication and shipping. The parts seem well made and I hope the install will prove that they are also reliable and work well. More impression on that later, when I do the install.

Also in the near future is a full Akrapovic EVO exhaust system.


The exhaust is in backorder and I hope to get it shipped to me in July.

The Fatduc closeloop "cheat" will also be added and possibly a PC3 or a DP ECU. I am still evaluating the options. Any suggestions?

[brix821]

awesome bike. That is one of my favorite color combos on a monster

[dbran1949]

Has anyone ever put an akrapovic on an S4R(t,S)? I have a full termi system but like the look of the akrapovic, I am curious about how it sounds in relation to the akrapovik

[gecko]

When I install mine, I will let you know how it feels. Must wait till it arrives though.

[PhoenixS4R]

Has anyone ever put an akrapovic on an S4R(t,S)? I have a full termi system but like the look of the akrapovic, I am curious about how it sounds in relation to the akrapovik

I have an 05 S4R with a Akrapovic slip on (50 state legal bought by previous owner) that I made illegal by installing a Marving Mid pipe. It's the previous gen that your asking for but I can make a video clip if your interested.

[gecko]

I recently wrote to Akrapovic. Here was my email and their response follows.

Based on what I have read on your site, I have ordered the above.

Akrapovic is compatible with the O2 sensor, where else Termi, Leo Vince and Arrow systems do not. My question is:

1) Do I need to use any other tuning techniques after I have installed the EVO system? Many forums I have read would say that a full exhaust system would mean that the bike will run too lean. Is this the case?

2) What tuning system would you recommend? I have the following options:

- Fatduc O2 manipulator + PowerCommander 3

- DP ECU (as supplied by Termignoni systems)

- Keep it stock.

I hope you can help me rest my fears.

Here is their response:

Dear Sir,

we designed all our system to use stock electronic set ups. There is no need to do any modifications on electronic set up. Of course with new mapping usually some extra power is added. We preferr power commander, but also with out any mapping you will not damage the engine.

Thank you for your question,

Best regards,
Akrapovič d.d.
R&D department

I guess we will all find out soon enough. Wish the darn pipe will arrive soon.

[Moronic]

Thanks for posting that reply, gecko, good information.

[gecko]

FINALLY! Got the Akrapovic Evo full system installed. LOL..

Teamed with PC3 + FatDuc. Custom map and tuned by Malaysia's top PowerCommander tuner.

Only slightly pissed he didn't do a base dyno run fully stock for comparisons. Only with the Akra on and then another with the Akra + PC3. So, sorry guys I cannot tell you what my baseline was. Assuming my bike makes the same as what is reported by Ducati which is around 118bhp (measured on the crank), I am happy to report that she now makes 121.8bhp on the rear wheel! Let's add 10% back from powertrain loses and I she is now kicking out  134bhp on the crank. The tuner was more optimistic saying powertrain loses is as much as 20%. That would sound OVERLY optimistic though... because then the bike would be making 146bhp!!

Anyhoos.. happy it made some difference.

[Moronic]

Akrapovic claims 7hp from the exhaust alone.

So it sounds as though your tuner could be using a fairly low-reading dyno.

From memory, the dyno that webzine Motorcycle USA uses got only 110hp out of their stock S4R at rear wheel.

What was the no-PC figure? Looking at other efforts reported over the past couple of years, there seems to be more go available from mixture adjustments than from exhaust swaps.

So if you didn't get a very significant jump from the PC, it could be the bike is still leaner than optimal for max power. Possibly because the PC can't add enough to the very lean stock map. In which case you could possibly have more available from an ECU reflash to go with the PC (which would require a retune, unfortunately).

I'm just speculating here. But you'd think an Akra full system well mapped should give a boost comparable with that from a full Termi system, or Arrows with remap, etc.

[gecko]

Without the PC3, I got 117bhp.

Weather and humidity may also play a part. Considering Malaysian weather is usually hot. When the dynorun was done, the ambient temperature was 31Celcius (no PC3) and 33C (with PC3). Humidity was hovering around 55%. Heat isn't good for making high power.

Most notable however, isn't the peak power output. Without the PC3, the was a huge flat spot between 7800 - 8200 rpms. With the PC3 installed, that flat spot is virtually eliminated, and the power difference was 7bhp. Also cured was a smaller flat spot between 3800 and 4500.

Took the bike out for a spin today. FatDuc could not really cut it, as the exhaust was popping away under 4000rpms. Doesn't really surge or anything, but could be better. I am no tuner, so I may be getting this completely wrong. Does this popping men that the closeloop section is still TOO LEAN? If that is the case, perhaps upping the value on the FatDuc may help a little.

I suppose the best way forward would be a DP ECU upgrade to remove that closed loop system entirely!

Power aside, the swap to OHLINS was very succesful. The rear is much sweeter now and feels less harsh, yet planted. Not even tuned or dialed-in the suspension yet. The MPL clutch pump has lightened the clutch lever pull significantly. UNFORTUNATELY, the MPL slipper clutch did not fit! Could be a production problem. The clutch plates were too tight and had absolutely no play at all. Have contacted MPL for a resolution. Keep you guys updated.

[Moronic]

Well if Akra's claim is close, sounds like your dyno was calibrated similar to the Moto USA unit and your stock bike would have recorded 110hp or so.

Which would mean that 122 is a nice little return on investment and about what you would expect from the Termi full kit.

The bigger percentage gain in the 7-8k range is also similar to the Termi plus DP ECU report from Brad Black's page: Link here.

There may be even more to be had from a different ECU but yours seems pretty good. How does she feel now?

I'm not sure about the low-rev popping - maybe others can help.