My new S4RS...kind of a let down

[Travman]

So i'm a troll because i expressed what i felt on my bike.  I'm a troll because have a different opinion than yours or many others.  

Isn't that what this forum is for?  To get/find different ideas from fellow/former bike owners. But, I guess you only enjoy blowing bubbles and ponies up each others ass. In fact you're the only troll here, since you did not provide anything of substance to this thread, other than being a TROLL!!!

I'm sorry if my ducati experience isn't up to yours.  But i can't help feeling something is missing on this bike.

Yes. You are a possible troll. No history and an unlikely story. No need to get defensive. Surely you can see the possibility.  People don't always tell the truth and often have an agenda they want to push.

If your bike runs so slow why haven't you taken it back to the seller or taken it to a mechanic to have it inspected.  Do you really need us to tell you that something is wrong.

Hopefully I'm mistaken and they is a minor fix that transforms your bike into what it should be. Welcome to the forum if you are for real. Like I said, we'll see.

[needtorque]

I purchased an 01' M750 new as my first bike. Dyno said 63 hp to rear wheel with jet kit and cored cans. I could spank most 600s from 0-60. Sold that after 6 years and bought an 04' S4R which had the 996 motor and less power than the S4Rs and it pulled like a freight train in comparison to the m750. Like others have said there is definitely something wrong with the bike. However, it does not sound like the OP is very tech savvy as very little diagnostic info was given. Need to get it to a reputable shop or have another board member who is a bit more technical get on it and ride. 

[salbalboa]

Why would someone take the time to troll like this? its pointless. Give the guy a break he only asked for some help and advice.

[Spidey]

i'm not very mechanically inclined.

A number of people have suggested checking the plugs.  It only takes a few minutes.  Is that something you can do/know how to do? If not, would you like us to walk you through it or do you just want to take your bike in to have it checked?

[jaxduc]

YU CAN DOO IT!!!

[Slide Panda]

Ok that is trollish

Isn't that what this forum is for?  To get/find different ideas from fellow/former bike owners. But, I guess you only enjoy blowing bubbles and ponies up each others ass. In fact you're the only troll here, since you did not provide anything of substance to this thread, other than being a TROLL!!!

But I just think you've got a bad duc right now. Obviously their is something off and it's not a maladjusted cable.

If that bike sat a long time TLC is needed. With the ethanol we get now it's quite possible you've got goop from broken down gas at some point in the system restricting the flow. So new fuel filter,drain the tank new good gas and an extra dose of Techron is a starting place there.

New plugs with the proper gap are cheap and easy. And be sure that each cylinder is firing

You may have dirty injectors - not difficult to deal with but time consuming.

You should also have the tank up and air box lid off. It's far from irregular for mice to nest in a place like that. Choked air flow would make for bad running. Have a look at the filter and take it off to be sure there's nothing under either.

I'd still not toss out clutch slip as a possibility.

Obviously something is wrong and I'd be taking your friends advice with a grain of salt.

A number of people have suggested checking the plugs.  It only takes a few minutes.  Is that something you can do/know how to do? If not, would you like us to walk you through it or do you just want to take your bike in to have it checked?

Check out the tutorial and FAQ sections. Lots of common items like that there.
Though some items are a touch dated this site: http://www.ducatisuite.com/index.html
Has useful DIY info. Obviously items vary from bike to bike. But the general principles apply

[Ironhorse]

Again, thank you everyone for posting your ideas as to what the problem might be.  I am really incapable of any thing mechanical, so that's out of the question.

What i am going to do is make a list of all your suggestions and bring it in to the ducati dealer, well... when they reopen after their renovation in a couple of weeks.  Atleast now i can point them in a direction to look towards, instead of only saying twist throttle, no power...

There's hope at the end of the rainbow now...

Cheers all...

[graydo]

OK so first I had to go and search troll and trolling... to me it is a big green lad that lives under old bridges busy scaring people at night... so the discussion so far has enlightened me...thanks to all.
I have a M1100 with a few mods and weight knocked of it and it goes pretty well... I bought a S4RS for a friend (stock standard) unseen based on owner feedback and pictures (the bike was out of country) and must say i agree with Iron Horse... they don't go that hard stock... everything he says seems similar to my experience so maybe.. just maybe with all the smog gear on them they are a bit choked up? I am curious how many of the other S4RS owners have stock bikes? maybe the performance is there but needs to be unlocked with the exhaust, air filter and computer mods? is it possible?

[He Man]

if you compare an 1100 (2v) and a 4v testa, you will notice that the torque delivery is extremely different. the 2v is gruntier on the low end but it completely has no top end.

the S4Rs is restricted and benefits greatly from exhaust fueling and intake. I mean hell the race motor runs massive 54mm exhaust pipes. the stock S4Rs are barely 41mm.

[Uncle Mofo]

My S4Rs at the track  taking no shit from bigger bikes

http://vimeo.com/m/15066614

[hbliam]

My S4Rs at the track  taking no shit from bigger bikes

http://vimeo.com/m/15066614

All I see are some SBK's following a pace car.

[ducpainter]

Where are you located?

Maybe someone can recommend a good tech/shop.

[dan_t]

Really not sure what the differences are between your 'delivered' bikes and ours here in Australia - I think there are some minor changes to do with emissions...?

I transferred across to my current MS4RS from an MV Agusta Brutale 910R. Now if anyone knows anything about these particular MV's, it is an absolute maniac machine. It was ready to pull your face off, jump into bed with your Wife and steal your dog - all before breakfast.

Man, I do miss it.

The S4RS that came afterwards did take me some getting used to. Completely different proposition after the mental in-line 4 of the MV. Almost all of the specs on paper were as close to being identical as it didn't matter & I was kind of expecting......... more.

What was needed in my case was time. Time to simply adjust to how this bike goes about its business, compared to the old bike.
They're both great machines, just coming at the same problem from two completely different angles.

After owning the S4rs for around 2 years now, I can confidently say that I enjoy it MUCH better than the manic MV. It has absolutely HEAPS of power, turns in like nothing else & most importantly, inspires confidence even on the crappest of road surfaces. It's a bloody good looking bike too.....

If you're not happy, take the bike to someone who knows, not a 'friend of a friend' or any other such thing. These bikes are built to be ridden hard & do have the performance from the factory to match. Like any Duc though, they are all a little 'particular' and need someone who is familiar with their systems.

Good luck & I'm sure that if you persevere, you WILL find that great bike you were searching for in the beginning.

[Uncle Mofo]

All I see are some SBK's following a pace car.

a pace car.. I hope you are joking.  The only guy keeping up was Sport Bike Track Time instructor on  a 1098

[Moronic]

So, why has it been such a disappointment?  The performance of the S4RS, or should i say the lack there of.  Where is the acceleration?  Where is the thrust? The torque?  The fun factor?  I don't see/feel the 0-60 in 3.1 seconds.  The roll on acceleration is equally anemic.  While in 2nd gear, doing 35 i twist the throttle, the revs climb quickly to 10000, but the speedo is still well below 55 before having to shift into 3rd.  What is up with that?  Where is the SBK engine?  I thought this was supposed to be a sportsbike.

I have an S4Rs, still running the motor stock. Yours is probably fine. (Not the 55mph@10,000rpm in second bit - if that is accurate, then either your clutch or your tacho is stuffed.)

The thing is, they are not 0-55mph bikes. Probably especially stock. The crankshaft is pretty heavy and the motor likes to pull in the taller gears. And even then, they don't feel as fast as an I-4.

If opening her up in second at 35mph is what gets you excited, the Honda 600 would be a much more entertaining choice.

Stock, the S4Rs starts to feel sweet on the high side of 55mph, in third gear and taller. Roll her on from 55mph in fourth gear at the apex of a turn and feel the torque pulse you up past 100. Then report back. If you still don't like her, she's not for you.