School me on S4RS

[thought]

But then again have you looked on the used market for SF1098? edit: starting about $10k

I was about to say this too, if you get a SFS it'll have the ohlins/dtc too.

I got mine used when I sold my 796 and was about to get a sf848... the SFS got posted, saw it, rode it, and bought it.

That being said... I still would choose a s4rs + GS combo.  Having two bikes for different needs is pretty nice.

[Uncle Mofo]

S4Rs best street bike ever.     

 Yeah I'm bias too

[DoWorkSon]

Haha thanks for all the input... I think I am definitely leaning towards the S4Rs/GS option.. It's hard to get anything but a monster

My vote is for the Streetfighter 848.  The S4R is cool, but you already had a monster.  There had to be a reason why you parted ways with it in the first place. 

I pretty much modded the hell out of it, and the only thing that it was lacking was more power... Was the 696 fast enough? Probably, but I decided why spend a ton more money modding it when I could buy a bike that had it all. I loved the monster, but I just wanted something with a little more performance. It was my first bike, and I am ready for something with a few more ponies

[coffeegrinds]

I heard that 848 streetfighter has plenty of power...

[jvax]

My vote for S4RS + GS.  Definitely beats having only a SF.

Ever since I sold my 796, I've been waiting for a good deal on either a old gen monster.

Seen a few S2R1000 and a couple of S4RS monsters, but not the right price yet.
One thing I know for sure though, I will never sell my GS 

[$Lindz$]

I have relegated my S4RS to mostly commute/fun/"normal" rides after tinkering with my R6 "track bike" (ECU tune, exhaust, lots of mods, etc.). For hustling at the track or the canyons, I choose the R6 every time. For taking a fun ride without full leathers, S4RS all the way. It's a perfect fun street bike.

SF848 is pretty alright but I'd rather get a SF1098 (better suspension and of course engine). Besides... S4RS is a classic that will one day live in my house on display or something. Street Fighters do nothing for me. Cramped ergos and ugly looks? Bleh.

[zooom]

I'll bet there are way more options for wind deflection wih an S4R than there are with an SF848...

[DoWorkSon]

Going to try to check it out this weekend. Anything specific/special I should inspect on it? Aside from the typical overall condition, maintenance, etc.

[Moronic]

Can't think of anything unique to the S4Rs, off the top of my head.

All the usual Ducati stuff, esp the fuel tank issue in US.

Mine has about 42,000km up - 26,000 miles.

Stuff that has happened:

- Horn bracket broke (it's a flimsy piece of bent steel bolted to the front head).

- Main electrical connector behind steering head got corroded from winter use, short blew main fuse and voltage regulator. (Discoloured wiring at regulator, under seat, a give-away here - bike will still start and run on full battery charge, so a short test ride won't show a problem.)

- Water radiator developed a small leak near the upper left mount around 35,000km. Repair didn't hold so replaced it (thanks to my dealer Wayne Patterson Motorcycles of Bunbury for considerable assistance outside warranty period). You will see green coolant on top of the rad at that point after a test ride if this is a problem on your target bike. The rad is very expensive at full retail.

- The rear Ohlins shock came on most examples with a plastic spring collar that cross-threads pretty easily, making preload adjustment even harder than it is already. A standard Ohlins aluminium collar fits, but you have to pull the shock to do so.

- Shock wouldn't go soft enough on compression for me. See my sig line for fix, which should work fine on the stock shock. You can also fit a shorter spring and hydraulic preload adjuster if desired.

- Front brake pulsed from about 6000 miles. Suspected warped discs but different pads solved the issue and it has not reappeared.

- Dry clutch worn out at 20,000km/12,000 miles. Needed new plates and basket. Replacement still ok although basket is worn (groan on engagement).

- Stock rear view mirrors wore at ball joints pretty early and needed replacing. A common early mod for aesthetic reasons in any case. Rizomas not cheap but work great (you see more shoulder tho) and their better aero improves steering.

- You will need a hugger to save the shock from grit off rear tyre, unless PO has done that. Shift-Tech unit is great.

- Ohlins fork seals tend to stick and leak if bike has sat for a while. Can be freed with a thin plastic scraper such as film negative, allegedly. Relatively costly dealer job to replace seals.

- Fibre washers holding Carbon heat shield on stock muffler compress, meaning bolts loosen and can fall out. Set of new washers were $2 total parts and in stock at local dealer (yes, I was pleasantly shocked). Not an issue if you have/fit Termis or alternative.


Other stuff:

- Oil cooler and rad vulnerable to stone damage, I've fitted guards.

- Rear ride-height adjuster in the shock linkage is commonly seized from corrosion if not used and greased early in the bike's life. You will probably want to use this as kicking the tail up does a lot for the steering.

- Small bolts on filter cover at bottom of deep sump easy to strip, or so I've read.

- Cam belts are due for replacement every two years, regardless of mileage.

- It will run pretty rough under 3500 from leanness if using stock ECU and exhaust.

Good luck!


Edit: One possible issue: Carbon front mudguard (fender) stays don't fully protect fork sliders. A serious stone chip on these will bring persistent seal failure, and I've heard external parts for these forks are not available individually: it's the whole fork (pair) or nothing.

[LA]

Best street bike ever! I've 45k miles on the Sleek Black Beauty and I have never had one problem.  Not one. Runs like the wind. Light as a feather. Your limits are its limits. At something like 90% of what its capable of, the world changes.

In the right hands, they are docile around town.

Did I mention they are beautiful?

Have you stared at your motorcycle today?

LA

[Moronic]

Yes, it is a spectacular bike. Superb in the winding stuff but unlike so many bikes this sporty, also hugely engaging and entertaining to ride on the way to the good roads.

LA, great to hear yours has run so strong for, in my units, nearly 75,000km.

And yes, beautiful. That is where stuff such as the carbon fibre bits and nice alloy parts works so well: beautiful, durable finishes.

I made that big list above just so that the OP would have an idea of what might be worth looking at, but except for the radiator, which was disappointing, it is all either minor or standard Ducati stuff.

The rear shock was an issue for me, but obviously not for everybody - and the fix from Cogent Dynamics is cheap and brilliant if you can get Rick the OEM unit.

Haven't heard from the OP tho ... wonder what he is thinking.

[Thermite]

If you look through the entire DMF you will see countless owners trying to squeeze a little more HP from their bikes.  None of these are S4RS owners.  As LA said your limits are it's limits in the HP department.  I have fitted mine with a steering damper because I have a tendency to pull the front up coming out of corners.  Some of those landings haven't been the best.

Since I own a monster and a SBk I would have to say the monster is poor in the aerodynamics department.  I'm reluctant to run the monster over 110 mph whereas the SBK is comfortable way beyond that.  I also feel more comfortable in the SBK riding position.  I know that's off topic but I'm just putting it out there as food for thought.

[DoWorkSon]

Haven't heard from the OP tho ... wonder what he is thinking.

Im here! Been out of town the last week, but have been reading everyone's input and advice. Looks like I couldn't go wrong with the S4RS. Gonna look at it this weekend if it's still available. Hopefully it's in decent shape and I will finally have a Duc back in the stable. Seems like a shame that Ducati stopped making this bike when so many people enjoyed it.

[xsephirot]

Seems like a shame that Ducati stopped making this bike when so many people enjoyed it.

same can be said of the sport classics

[DoWorkSon]

So, went and took a look at the bike...

Looks to be in pretty good condition, some minor cosmetic issues(scratches in rear cowl, needs a good polishing, CF front fender a little faded/worn). Comes with rearsets, bar end mirrors, frame sliders, new clutch cover and a few other little items.

The tank has been replaced due to the recall. Has new tires. Has been sitting for the most part of a year, with limited riding. Started up strong and without hesitation.

My ONLY issue is that it is due for it's 12,000 mile service. The bike is just over 12k... 

Two questions:
1. Is it fair to ask for a reduced price to cover cost of the service? Dealership quoted me at $1000-1100 for the service.

2. How hard would it be to do this tune-up myself? I have pretty decent technical knowledge and can do most of the items im sure are needed for the service. My biggest concern is doing the valves/shims as I have never done a 4v bike with shims... Only a straight up 2V on my BMW.... What is included in the 12k service?