Let's talk about my next bike...

[Timmy Tucker]

So I'm getting a terrible itch for a new bike. The problem is, I'm not really sure where to start looking. The 750 is a hoot, but I've been craving more power for a while now. Quite a bit more power, actually. I'm obviously biased towards the monsters and would have no problem getting another one as my next bike. I don't really know the difference in the models though, other than air vs water cooled. Could someone give me a quick, simple comparison of how the m900/s2r/s4/s4r/s4rs stack up against each other in features and performance?

Am considering a couple other bikes as well. Top 2 non-monster contenders are the 999S and '09+ R1 (gasp). I've heard that the ergos on the 999 are pretty good for a sportbike. And most of the guys I ride with are on crossplane R1's. Those things are pure make the beast with two backsing evil. First bike I've seen that made me seriously consider not owning a Ducati.

Break it down for me, dog.

[muskrat]

I think the S4 series will provide plenty of power to scratch the itch.  The 999's are beautiful but your comfort may suffer if you're like me and accustomed to the monster seating.  I would go liquid cooled or you'll be craving power again soon IMO.  You should first decide what bike you like first and then zero in on purchase.

[Timmy Tucker]

Water cooled is a definite plus. I end up in stop and go interstate traffic on a weekly basis.

[kopfjäger]

I'd get the one you want. 

[Timmy Tucker]

I'd get the one you want. 

Which one will scare me a little when I grab the loud handle? That's the one I want.

[kopfjäger]

Which one will scare me a little when I grab the loud handle? That's the one I want.

Any of the 4's will do the trick. 

[Scoober1103]

I ride with a mate who has the s4r and that thing gets up and boogies! As far as the numbers go if your M750 is close to stock it has around 64 hp when new. The s4r has around 115 hp stock and the s4rs is around 128 hp stock. So double the horse power of the M750 and over 30 pounds lighter as well!

On paper:

M750 - 64hp - 423 pounds
S4R -  115hp - 399 pounds
S4Rs- 128hp  - 388 pounds

999s- 141hp -  410 pounds

All depends on what you want, a monster with grunt or something different! I'd love an S4Rs in white if one came up for the right money.

[Timmy Tucker]

Huh. That's interesting. I was under the impression the 750 was the lighter bike of the 3. Don't know how I came to that conclusion though. The s4rs has Ohlins goodness on it too, doesn't it?

[ducpainter]

I wouldn't pay too much attention to published weights or hp numbers.

That said, any of the 4V bikes will get your attention when you twist the throttle.

[DesmoTull]

I really think the Triumph Street Triple should be on your list to check out. 

[SDRider]

Go ride the Streetfighter 848.  That bike is fantastic.

[El-Twin]

I really think the Triumph Street Triple should be on your list to check out. 

+1 on the Street Triple. At least take one for a ride for comparison sake.

That 675 is a little jewel of a motor. But it's character is completely different from a Duc. It's always screaming to get to the top end, and you're always reaching for the next gear. A torque monster it is not, but great fun.

[Moronic]

Water cooled is a definite plus. I end up in stop and go interstate traffic on a weekly basis.

For stop and go interstate traffic, it probably doesn't get better than your M750.

On the numbers, Motorcyclist magazine measured the S4Rs at 448lbs with fuel, and 118hp at the wheel. (With Termis and a DP chip, it typically records about 128hp at the wheel - and Ducati claims 150 at the crank.)

The same mag weighed the 2005 999R (costly race-rep, carbon-fairing version of the 999s, with 1098cc motor) at 452lbs, and it made 139hp - almost certainly with the DP ECU and pipes fitted.

Link to Motorcyclist performance figures here.

[Scoober1103]

I wouldn't pay too much attention to published weights or hp numbers.

That said, any of the 4V bikes will get your attention when you twist the throttle.

As ducpainter said published numbers are only a guide as different publications list different numbers for each bike but it is just meant as a rough guesstimate to the large increase in hp with the 4v bikes. Owners of these bikes will tell you what real world weights and hp figures are.

I took a blast on a Triumph Speed Triple and found it to be a very nice bike too and if you get the R model (here in OZ at least) you get Ohlins goodness also! They are much heavier then the monster but they handle the weight very well and the engine has excellent torque and power!

Just my opinion though!

[Timmy Tucker]

For stop and go interstate traffic, it probably doesn't get better than your M750.

My bike doesn't do well in stop and go, slow moving traffic, the pregnant dog overheats and vapor locks. Have been stuck on the shoulder on several occasions waiting for her to cool down.


I like the Triumphs, think they are pretty badass. I like the monsters more, though.