monster for a returning rider

[Curmudgeon]

Rocker arms were an issue on the 916-engine of the S4.

This S4R has a 996-engine, a Desmoquatro, with no such issues.

 

Interesting. So my son should have no such issues with his 2002 ST4s then?

[stopintime]

Interesting. So my son should have no such issues with his 2002 ST4s then?

I don't know, but he might - since that bike is supposed to have a 916 engine.

[Curmudgeon]

I don't know, but he might - since that bike is supposed to have a 916 engine.

According to both the Wiki and Ducati the ST4s has a 996 in 2002. http://www.ducati.com/bikes/sporttouring/st4s/2002/tech_spec.do

[swampduc]

Rocker arms were an issue on the 916-engine of the S4.

This S4R has a 996-engine, a Desmoquatro, with no such issues.

 

The 996 DQ can have flaking rocker arms as well.

[stopintime]

Didn't know there were different engines in the S and the non-S. (non-S is 916)

More importantly: does the ST4S with 996 engine have rocker arm issues?
I thought they had fixed this in the 996 engines...

The 996 DQ can have flaking rocker arms as well.

Thanks!

As often as the 916?

[Moronic]

Maybe I'm conditioned by bikes from the 80's and the S4R just feels more natural, the way listening to vinyl played through speakers sounds more natural to me than mp3s played through earplugs. You can argue all you like about theoretical sound purity but I still will like my vinyl and NAC135 mono block power amps.

Duchess.

The S*R* series Monsters definitely have an 80s-90s feel about the handling, if my S4Rs is anything to go by. The steering is very accurate and you can adjust your line precisely with the throttle, which is just what you want and not very available back then from other makers. However, dramatic direction change at high speed is quite slow and requires a hefty tug on the 'bars. That is what dates the handling, and that is what the newer style chassis is said to resolve.

I enjoy the slower steering on mine. She makes beautiful arcs through long turns. But not what I would call flickable. So what, I am over street racing.

The 03-05 S4R, like the 06-08 4Rs (not sure about the later 4R), has an extendable link in the rear suspension which allows you to adjust rear ride height and hence steering sensitivity. It is a nice feature, and if your target bike has been modded it is possible it has had the ride height raised, which helps produce that "natural" response and in-turn neutrality.

On the power side, you will have a smaller engine than the EVO but which revs harder and makes good torque for longer, and hence has about 15 per cent more power at the top end of the rev range. The trade-off is about 15 per cent less power in the middle, where you will be most of the time. Not really a problem because you still have plenty everywhere, except right down low.

The 03-05 S4R had the 996 Desmoquattro motor, less oversquare and with different heads from the Testastretta engines in the 06 + bikes. Power curves I have seen show the Desmoquattro producing more grunt in the middle than the (4V) Testastrettas, which traded a bit of mid-range for yet more up top. However, the shorter-stroke Testastrettas apparently feel smoother, revvier and more refined, while remaining quite raw by present standards. I love mine. But I'l bet yours (!) will feel just as speccy.  

[thought]

I'd say you've found the one you want already and you should go ahead and pick it up. 

I'm surprised that you thought the 1100 felt that way though, maybe you should try another demo of a new monster, but I feel that the way someone feels on a bike is a very personal thing, some fit, some dont... and from what you're saying the s4 seems just about right.

Have fun, post some pics when you get her

[Buckethead]

Duchess,

As someone who owns neither a new NOR an old style Monster:

1) What sort of warranty would you be able to get on the Triumph? On the S4R? Is ABS available on the Triumph? And if so, how big of a factor is that in your decision?

2) Yes, the 996 engine had issues with flaking rockers. Just ask ducpainter. This should factor into your decision, but I doubt it should be a deal breaker on its own. If you decide to go with the S4R it's something you'll want to keep an eye out for, but it's not a death sentence for the engine/bike. By all accounts, the megacylce rocker replacements do not suffer from the same issue.

3) Be wary of that smooth engine. "I'm sorry, officer. This bike just makes it too easy to go fast!" is not a valid defense in most jurisdictions. 

James

[twolanefun]

Duchess surprised no one mentioned, the feeling you have about the bikes can be explained by tires and wheels. The tires/wheels on the S4R could be a better combo than the Evo, not saying that is it but could be. Personally the Evo handles very well as compared to my other 2 monsters. My S2R does not feel planted most of the time, that is directly the result of the Dymags I put on it, CF rims with Mag spokes. On the track the S2R is sweeet and most of the time on the street but the front end isn't as planted out in the hills like my M900. Tire pressure could also be an issue, if it's too low the bike will steer slow. Lastly the S4R motor isn't as smooth IMHO as the Evo 1100, or my M900, S2R. All FWIW - Gene

[Curmudgeon]

Hello Gene,

Interesting info! The Rossos on the new bikes are sweet. My son was so impressed with mine that he put the last set he could find on his ST4s.  I hope the Rosso II's are as good when the time comes. Same PSI recommended for the street by both Pirelli and Ducati works fine. For the track I expect the +/- 3 PSI hot/cold rule still works.

From the description duchess gives, sounds like this lame dealer uncrated the EVO and tossed her the keys! Hmmm... Not like our Donnie for sure!  The damn thing must have been nearly rigid in the rear for her 150 lbs too.

Surprising that the S4R engine is less smooth than the EVO. The only 4V I've ridden was my 851 and that was smooooth, but it was also chipped and set up by Ferracci.

Be Well!