buying an s4rs

[lucati]

hello all.  i am watching for an 07 or 08 s4rs.  what should i watch for?  what are known or common issues?  i have had a 1098 for six years and i have gone through the common issues.  what should i expect from an s4rs?

[ducpainter]

hello all.  i am watching for an 07 or 08 s4rs.  what should i watch for?  what are known or common issues?  i have had a 1098 for six years and i have gone through the common issues.  what should i expect from an s4rs?

Fun?

[Heath]

Expanding tank

[Blackout]

People telling you "Nice Buell"

[lucati]

expanding tank, like the 1098.  yup

how about starter clutch issues like the 1098?  clutch slave issues? 

is the major service that includes valve adjustments at 12000kms(7500mi) like the 08 1098?

[ducpainter]

There haven't been major starter clutch issues, or slave issues, reported here on the S4RS.

Many people swap slaves for a lighter pull, but I haven't seen reports of failures.

[lucati]

thanks ducpainter

i looked at, and tried a s4rs tri colore today.  nice bike.

here is what i saw.

clutch slave is def allowing air in the system just like my 1098 did.  in fact the resevoir was bone dry.

started nicely so no starter clutch issues.

steering stopper not adjusted properly and left handlebar switch housing scratched the gas tank.

rear ride height seemed low and is likely adjusted down.

still has the "cow bell" emissions carbon filter.

pretty much stock condition with just a slip on.  the rear fender is intact.

i was surprised how small the bike felt.  i mean i felt more cramped than i expected.  handle bar risers and lower rearsets or pegs will happen.  i like my comfort!

the akrapovic slip on sounds like crap.  it is a two pipe into one cannister design.  it is rotten looking and sounding.  i will have to address that.  can i do something with that exhaust box(baffles?  cat converter?) to open it up and get a better sound?  i figure i will have to buy a complete exhaust system.  another problem is that he does not have the oem slip ons.

other signs of neglect like dirty chain, dirt splatter inside the rear fender, lots of bug guts, tire pressure was 5F/8R(LOL)

[stopintime]

Did you see if the steering stop is damaged? Or adjusted incorrectly? Or bent bars?

The ride height rod is showing a thread or two stock - of max five. Small adjustments have a big effect on height AND geometry, so be careful.

You can get de cat pipes from our sponsors. Nice sound  The full system from Ducati (discontinued, I believe) raised the power from 130 to ~147, so your bike has some potential. It included an open air box lid, filter and ECU. Flashed ECU will probably be required with the cat gone.

Lowered pegs are ok, but will affect available lean angle - which is less than your previous bike(?) Think about raising/modifying the seat as an alternative...

An eight year old neglected bike will need fluids, tires, service and quite a lot more. When everything is done correctly and working well it's a hell of a bike 

[koko64]

Flagship model.

Watch that steering stop isn't damaged from a crash.

[ducpainter]

Flagship model.

Watch that steering stop isn't damaged from a crash.

The ST style frame, while not indestructible, has much stronger steering stops than the newer bikes. The 851 style frame was even stronger. I'd sooner thing a bent bar.

How long has the bike been sitting? That could explain the tire pressure.

[lucati]

steering stop was not properly adjusted.  the bike was definitely not down.

the owner did 1000kms(625mi) in five years.  he said he took the bike out briefly this morning to make sure all was well.  i asked him why he didn't notice the 5psi/8psi tires...  some people...  that said he is a nice guy.

the bike only has 8000kms and is in very good condition.

as soon as i threw my leg over i knew the rear end had been lowered.  i looked at the link and guessed it is adjustable.  there were no threads showing where i looked(at the bottom, near the swingarm).  the owner had no clue about the ride height.

the owner also had no idea about the clutch slave letting air in the system.  i explained that to him.  it was pretty bad and difficult to find neutral.  that is a simple fix though

de-cat pipes huh...  that sounds like a must.  could you post a link or tell me which vendor?  the exhaust sounded awful.  ruins the riding experience.  my honda vtr1000f and 1098 both have free flowing, non cat conv exhausts and they sounds great.  i rode my hawk to see the monster.  when i left i got on the hawk and before i got to the end of the driveway i was really appreciating the nice hawk exhaust note.

i told the seller that he will likely find someone else to pay closer to his asking price and i did not want to offend him with the number in my head.  he asked me for it and i told him i would think more about it and get back to him tonight.  i did and i gave him the numbers and he turned them down.  i told him that my offer stands for an undetermined time frame.

as i write this i had the thought that i will call him back and tell him what to do for that clutch slave.  that poor bike needs to be better appreciated.  he actually told me one reason he was disappointed i won't buy the bike is because he feels the bike would be well cared for and appreciated with me, it would find a good home.  sounds like a dog!  i love dogs too.

thanks guys

[ClownTrigger]

The clutch hydraulics on my 07 S4R are solid, but neutral is still a pain to find. I even installed the FactoryPro shift kit which actually made it just a little bit worse. If you've already got the bike, change the oil. Check for that "metallic" look in the oil when you change it. More than one S4R(S) has eaten its rod bearings, including mine. I'm in the middle of putting in a new motor.