2001 Monster S4?

[rileysdad]

About 2 years ago, there was an 04 S4R for sale locally (and here).  It was the blue and white one and it was perfectly modded.  I fell in love with it and would've bought it, but I didn't. 

I've been itching for one of these bikes for a while now.  There is a nice 2001 S4 for sale locally.  Nice shape, some decent mods, owned by an older gentleman, 8K miles, etc.  I can get it for around $4500.  I like the bike, but not like I liked that single sided swingarm blue and white beauty a couple years back.  My question is, are there things about the 2001 to stay away from?  Pros and cons 2001 vs. 2004?  Is $4500 a decent deal?  Any and all opinions welcome.  Thanks

[Speeddog]

S4 is 916cc with the close-ratio transmission.
S4R is 992cc with wide ratio transmission.

'01 S4 has a mechanical speedo, and a bit more tolerant version of the Immobilizer.

Inspect for acid damage everywhere around the vertical cylinder.
It was definitely a problem on '02, not sure if '01 bikes had it.

Also check for a base gasket oil leak on the vertical cylinder, again more of an '02 deal, but not exclusively.

$4500 may be a decent deal, but without seeing it in person, really hard to say.
Tires good and reasonably new, not the originals?
Chain and sprockets good, or shagged out?
Cambelts changed within the last year?
6k service done?

[rileysdad]

Thanks for the information.  I will see it in person this week.  So far all I have are photos.   I will check all of those things that you mentioned.

[ducatiz]

also, the 916 motors have flaking rockers.  there is no way to check if this is going to happen, you only have the oil screen to tell you that metal bits are coming off.

of course S4 = DSS and S4R = SSS

[Speeddog]

also, the 916 motors have flaking rockers.  ~~~SNIP~~~

Any 4-valver is at risk for flaking rockers.

I've got a 748 on my lift right now, I just replaced 4 bad openers and one closer on the vertical cylinder.
The 4 openers on the horizontal had already been done.

I've seen 916's and 996's and 998's with flaking rockers.

I've gone 50k miles on my S4 with NO flaking rockers.

Actually, I've replaced flaked rockers on ST3 (3-valve) and 2-valvers as well.

[rileysdad]

I've owned almost every kind of bike under the sun.  Have an 09 RoadGlide right now, but I've never owned a Ducati.  Seems like the Ducati "purists" tend to prefer the 2 valve engines.  Is there an advantage to one over the other besides the obvious (Horsepower, Liquid cooling, etc?).  Both engines have belt driven cams correct?  Are the 2 valvers more reliable?  Thanks for the responses by the way!  Great stuff so far.

[ducatiz]

Any 4-valver is at risk for flaking rockers.

I've got a 748 on my lift right now, I just replaced 4 bad openers and one closer on the vertical cylinder.
The 4 openers on the horizontal had already been done.

I've seen 916's and 996's and 998's with flaking rockers.

I've gone 50k miles on my S4 with NO flaking rockers.

Actually, I've replaced flaked rockers on ST3 (3-valve) and 2-valvers as well.

i've never heard of them on anything but the 916s, that's pretty sucky

[rileysdad]

The dealer up the steet has an 07 S4RS for $9k.  It's in perfect shape, traded in by a Ducati enthusiast.  All stock except for exhaust.  The extras are nice but I don't think I really need the S model.  Is it worth it to go with the S? 

[Christian]

S4RS has upgraded brakes, suspension, and more HP from a larger motor (998cc). IMO, worth it.