I had a S4R, purchased it new and put about 2000 miles on it, mainly in the city. A great bike to ride. Riding position was very good, although wind buffeting was a bit of a problem as there is no real windscreen. Incredible power. Great presence and always got comments from other riders and even motorists. Tended to get a little hot when running in bumper to bumper traffic in hot weather. Otherwise reliable and great fun. Only sold it because the wife worried too much (and rightfully so )
I have a S4R and it is a great bike. Good ergonomics for riding the canyons or even touring. Only downside is the size of the gas tank. Can only get about 120 miles out of a tank of gas. Go for it and ride safe.
The Monster range of Ducatis has been around since 1993 so there are several types to choose from. The primary difference is that some are air-cooled and others are water-cooled with the latter requiring a bit more maintenance. Here's the current range. http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/monster-696/ http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/monster-796/ http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/monster-1100/ I sold my 1098S for something that is more realistic for the street, a S4RS, and prefer its previous styling over today's Monsters. http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/monster-s4rs/ Other than the new Diavel I can't think of any other bike that I'd own for street riding around or across town. http://www.webbikeworld.com/eicma-2010/ducati-diavel/
S2R 1000 here and it is my second Monster. Air cooled 2V. Not as peaky as the S4, but it is one of the best handling machines I've ever had. Not cheap to maintain, but the returns are priceless. Great all-around bikes.
Used to have an '08 695...basically the last of the old-style Monster before they switched in 2009. Fantastic little bike. About 72hp, so plenty for the street. Got looks and compliments wherever I went. Sounds even better with an exhaust (mine had the Termignoni). The suspension is a bit soft and squishy when you get into really tight corners, but I see that as a benefit on the street. Maintenance is super easy and service intervals are every 7500 miles for the later bikes. I'm riding a Streetfighter now, which is basically what the S4 used to be. It's a completely different animal, but it feels like a superbike and a Monster mixed. It's absolutely perfect. Get a Monster!
I just received an email from Ducati regarding the introduction of "The Ultimate Monster". The new 1100EVO is touted as "the most powerful two-valve Monster ever built". Look for it at participating dealers on May 27th and 28th.
My dealer has one with 223 miles (looks brand new) and lots of trick goodies, wants $12K for it... How does that sound???
Depends on what kind of Monster it is. $12K is basically the new MSRP for the Monster 1100S or 1100 EVO. If it's an older Monster, even the top-of-the-line S4RS Tricolore, that's about what it would go for with that low of mileage. Link?
This is it. http://lunsfordhonda.lotvantage.com/web_display/view/3182811 IMO it is basically like buying a four-year old non-current new bike. Except that this one has an exhaust (+), CF fender (+), dry clutch cover, no warranty (-), and 99% chance the belts need changing due to time (-). Testaretta belt changes are a bit more complicated than the old desmoquattro engines. I would say therefore the plus and minus about evens out. Originally the bike was $15k MSRP. It has $2500 or so in extras. IMO in today's environment $10,000, maybe $10,500 if you really wanted it, would be a good price for that particular bike.
Sorry yes it's a S4RS red with stripe at Bob Lunsford Honda Ducati here in Houston. Not a tricolore, but has a lot of cf bits and a skeleton clutch housing and neat stuff. It''s consignment so might be open to counteroffers...I was thinking of tossing the $10K number at it...
I agree, about $10k for one who is looking specifically for an S4RS. This one appears to be unmolested e.g. it hasn't been tail-chopped yet.
Monsters are a terrific all around bike. Trackday, sport touring or commute, a Monster does it all and asks for more.
Tempting. Very tempting, but I'm getting old. I've been reading about Peter Egan busting a few ribs and foot. When you get older, it ain't as easy as it used to be. However, what about turning a new Triumph Scrambler into one of these... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I love these bikes! Todd, you didn't tell me about this. Of course all motorcyclists require a riding buddy. I think I will let you be the one to inform my wife of this decision though.
Yes I know Heather will love to hear that one from me, I'm absolutely sure that one will go over like a wet fart in church! But the answers always no til you ask. Just kicking the idea around, but they are good looking bikes.
Whoa, times have changed... have you forgotten, "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission"? Try; "Honey, check out what I just bought. Isn't it beautiful?" Image Unavailable, Please Login
Black DOES look better......!!!! Well, the ST3 started running rough after Art Car Parade duty, I sure hope I didn't cook it.. ..sounds more like a fuel flow issue...temps stayed cool after cooling system check..
I DID end up with black lace wrapped around the chain sprocket, but pulled it off before rolling the Parade...
Mine runs like crap if I let it sit for a couple of months and I'm starting to think that these bikes don't like ethanol blends at all. Given that ethanol is hydroscopic, the fuel in our tanks will go bad pretty quickly.
Monsters, especially ones with plastic fuel tanks, are very sensitive to the new ethanol fuels (tank swell and fuel line/pump issues.) Sta-Bil now makes an ethanol additive. Works great so far. If I know I'm not going to be on her for a while (like now with my forks off,) I make sure there is a dash in the tank and it is run through before she goes up on the stands. One of my next mods might be adapting SR fuel lines since the stock rubber is just a time-bomb.
Thanks Wade! It DOES feel like "water"....I got a can of SeaFoam we'll see if that helps. Maybe I'll go get a new fuel filter and find out where it goes...I have mislaid the %^$%&^ Manual. This bike has basically "sat since new", 2006 and it has yet to hit 200 miles. I'm working on it tho!!
Draining the tank and replacing the filter is probably a good idea considering the "condition" of your bike (I love the ST3!) Here's a link for downloading the manual but you need to select each pull-down in this order... Year, Family, Model, Languages, then select "Download". http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do
