Hey guys - I have a few questions about my Monster.
I have a 2008 S4RS 998.
Firstly, I thought the fuel tank would have been bigger than 14 litres but the specs say that is what it is, so what mileage do you get?
Secondly, when does your low fuel light usually come on? Mine seems to come on quite early.
How far have you got once your light has come on?
3rdly, is there are reserve tank? I had a quick look for a fuel switch today and found nothing.
Thanks in advance. There may be more questions to come once I think of them.
I only have a 2 valve but can confirm that the tank is quite small. I can only get 12L in after completely empty.
I get 200Km, perhaps a little more but most 4V will be looking for fuel at 150Km depending on how you ride. Went for a blat with Loony at one stage and his light came on at 120Km!
Once the light comes on you need fuel. Best I've gotten has been 38Km on "reserve". Reserve is what you get after the light comes on!
So nothing to switch just time to fill up.
I'd suggest that for "normal" riding you should get 150Km+ depending on tune and ECU.
Hey there!
Welcome to the wonderful world of S4RS ownership. 140 Kim's is about all I get before the light ones on. Then I guess (as I've never actually pushed to find out) its about 20 or so safe Kim's to the fuel stop.
There is a fuel reserve, I think it's 3.5litres or so.
Good luck & have some fun!!!
I think I actually did a little bit better than that. I got 165 and it only took 11.5 litres to fill so I might have got up around 200. I will keep it in mind that I should start getting worried at around 180. lol. Thanks guys.
Did Ducati ever use a reserve tank?
No reserve tank on the S2R/S4R - just a reserve light. I have a 2006 S2R 1000 and around city cycle get about 180km before reserve light comes on - and that is about 9.5 litres. Tank capacity is 13. I have ridden from Adelaide (my home town) to the Island and got to 200km before the light comes on, max I have done is 235km before fumes... ;D
I think the majority of your 998esque 4 valves are thirsty...even a guy that rode his 1198 this year to the Island only got about 150-160 before the light came on - they have 15 litres.
Depends on your mods too! I have open airbox, DP performance chip, no cat and termis!
QuoteDid Ducati ever use a reserve tank?
Yes, way way back, when they used to look like this, they had a reserve tank.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8295213459_6b89e08b24_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46927829@N06/8295213459/)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/46927829@N06/8295213459/#) (http://www.flickr.com/people/46927829@N06/)
They are kind of hard questions to answer. Every S4Rs owner will probably tell you something different cause everyone rides'em differently.
Personally I usually got to 150-165+ before I see the fuel light, that's city riding and a bit of a weekend run. If you are out on tour you might well see 180 before the light pops on.
From there you'd usually have a safe 20k before you need to look for fuel and and unsafe 30+ before you're thinking about walking/pushing.
The tank is 14 liters but you loose 2 of that to fuel pump displacement so you have only an effective 12 or so liters of usable juice.
Other than that, enjoy going through lots of fuel ;D
I recently upped my record on my 1000s (2 valve). 302km, 62kms after the light came on! Put 14.8 litres in a (supposed) 16 litre tank. I was riding very conservatively the last few kms wondering when I would have to start walking :-)
Good points Matt, I must clarify my points above. I only use my bike on the weekend & as a result, the right wrist is usually considerably more enthusiastic than what you would see on a commute.
Hence the 'approximate' 140 Klm's. I have achieved 160 klm's before the light has come on with a more considered riding style.
I guess if I'm heading out to blow away the stress of the week, I want to enjoy that incredible torque, bugger the fuel efficiency!
Another question I have is about temperature. Usually the bike sits in the 70s and 80s, but yesterday went for a cruise in the city and there was a lot of stop start and it got up over 100. As soon as I got moving it went almost instantly back into the 80s, but is this something I should be concerned about. I have had the bike for 4 days so if there are issues like this, I would like to get it back to the bike shop as soon as possible for warranty.
Cheers
Brian
P.S. Thanks for all the answers.
When it sits in traffic, there is no air flow to cool the oil cooler or the radiator and temperature rises quickly.
That is, until the coolant reaches about 100 degrees (IIRC) - then one fan starts - if that's not enough, the other fan starts soon (+10 degrees?) after.
When it suddenly dropped, it either got enough air or the first fan started.
Remember the coolant is under pressure and won't boil at 100C (your Hi temp light comes on at 120)
So it's all [thumbsup]
I get all that bud - Been around cars and race cars all my life - It was just the sudden rise, and I just wanted to know if it was normal, but thank you for your reply. Was exactly the answer I was looking for mate.
I might as well throw in an example of fuel consumption too ... with the 2-valvers we would typically budget for refills at 200kms - primarily because we ride where there is a fair distance between servos (its best to fill up when you can). Although Jukie has got the 620 to 300 without even being bothered by the fuel light.
We do not use the bikes to commute.
But we aren't talking about girls bikes ... as far as the S4Rt is concerned we are obviously more cautious considering all the hysteria about 140km maximums and maybe 10kms after the light comes on. But the bike does have a standard ECU, airbox ... and ... wait for it ... exhaust. A number of times she has got to 200kms without the fuel light coming on ... she doesn't always ride slow but she does always ride smooth.
Now I don't know if the 'S' is any different to the 't' ... but I remember Trev having to take Sugar for a top up part way through a rider course having only done, I think, 70-80kms when the light started to bother him.
And of course you wont be able to use all the fuel in the tank either!! :o
Once the fuel level drops to the point where it can slosh about and away from the pickup, the drop in fuel pressure will cause the "Brain" of the bike to shut the motor down to save it!? [roll]
Speaking from bitter personal experience here! Thought I had the capacity to kilometres all worked out (Which worked on my carbed M750) and the motor stopped with around 2-3 litres still in the tank!! [bang] [bang]
Are there any other things that you guys can think of that I need to know?
Ummm, well the front tyre doesn't like the road! You'll have to work hard to keep them in contact.
IMO Monsters don't like beer trays but that is something you will discover over time.
They can either be allergic to CF or have a magnetic attraction to the stuff depending on user input and model.
Some also like to turn there's into a rainbow Christmas tree like colour palet. But again that is more user input than bike specific.
Not sure what to make of that
Everything your mates say about Italian electrics is true. They really are terrible.
Which is the reason why you've decided to rebuild yours.
And here I thought I would come in here and have everyone tell me how wonderful Ducatis are.
Quote from: Sabre Brian on December 25, 2012, 08:42:44 PM
And here I thought I would come in here and have everyone tell me how wonderful Ducatis are.
They are!
I sold a mint condition 2001 VFR800 (which I bought brand new) with a mere 17,000 km's on it to purchase a 2001 Monster 900 s, which was not mint, and had 43,500 km's on the clock.
My VFR was so owner friendly it wasn't funny. I hardly ever put a spanner on it. It sounded great.
And yet, there was something missing with it. It lacked soul!
Since owning the Monster, my brother and I have spent hours and hours fixing the mistakes of previous owners and bike shops, tuning and generally applying big doses of TLC.
I admit that I was quite frustrated at first, having to spend more money and lots of time fixing and tinkering. But now it's sorted, it's all good and worth all that effort we put in.
I accept that it's a bike that needs more owner dollars, time and care than a Honda, but put simply, the Monster is simply so much more fun to ride.
GK
Quote from: GK on December 26, 2012, 12:14:34 AM
They are!
I sold a mint condition 2001 VFR800 (which I bought brand new) with a mere 17,000 km's on it to purchase a 2001 Monster 900 s, which was not mint, and had 43,500 km's on the clock.
My VFR was so owner friendly it wasn't funny. I hardly ever put a spanner on it. It sounded great.
And yet, there was something missing with it. It lacked soul!
Since owning the Monster, my brother and I have spent hours and hours fixing the mistakes of previous owners and bike shops, tuning and generally applying big doses of TLC.
I admit that I was quite frustrated at first, having to spend more money and lots of time fixing and tinkering. But now it's sorted, it's all good and worth all that effort we put in.
I accept that it's a bike that needs more owner dollars, time and care than a Honda, but put simply, the Monster is simply so much more fun to ride.
GK
Exactly!! I had a new SV1000S with all the trimmings! Multi adjustable everything, went like the clappers, handled great but, It did everthing well without character!
I found myself doing silly things on the ex's 98 750 Monster! Loved it! It was raw and sometimes a pain in the arse but it talked to me! So I went and bought the M1000DS and wouldnt swap 'em for quids! Particularly the "Old" Girl! [thumbsup]
Quote from: Sabre Brian on December 25, 2012, 08:42:44 PM
And here I thought I would come in here and have everyone tell me how wonderful Ducatis are.
We would have only told you that before you bought 'in'.
But seriously ... some of these nutcases only know every ... single ... little quirk because they chose to acquaint themselves with their machines so intimately. That says a lot more than worrying about trivial things like fuel range and maintenance.
Don't worry you made a good choice.
Firstly guys, I have only had it a week and there is not a single thing that has made me think this wasn't 100% the perfect bike for me. I have always had supersports. Before the Monster, I test rode a GSXR1000 and a ZX10. The ZX10 felt nice. The previous owner had spent lots and spent it right. Yoshi pipes, power commander. Embroidered seat. All braided hoses and the list goes on to the tune of about $6000 worth of upgrades. Last trip to the dyno gave a 208hp reading at the rear bag. This thing was truly awesome and great to ride. The day after I rode the Duc. It was slower, less powerful, although torquier than the Ninja, the ride position was not as sporty as I have been used to and it was more expensive. Everything about the ZX10 should have been enough to make me want it, except for one thing. It wasn't a Ducati.
My mates and I drove to Lakeside about 20 years ago to watch Superbikes. I rode my GSX250. The Superbikes came out onto the track. GSXR750s, ZXR750s, Hondas and Yamahas screaming around the track. Then I heard a completely different sounding bike and I was hooked. It was a 916 Ducati ridden by Mr Scott Doohan. Since that day I swore I would own one, one day. This was never a contest. Once I saw the Monster, I was never going to buy anything else.
Another question - Does anyone have any preference for fuel? I have always been pretty religious with my bikes about using BP Ultimate in my bikes. Does anyone use any different fuel or find that something is better? Is it really worth paying extra for the better fuel?
Quote from: Sabre Brian on December 25, 2012, 08:42:44 PM
And here I thought I would come in here and have everyone tell me how wonderful Ducatis are.
They are wonderful. They're just temperamental.
Like I say to my workmates when they pick on my bike: Money can't buy the sense of accomplishment I get when I get my duc started.
Quote from: Sabre Brian on December 26, 2012, 03:05:25 PM
Another question - Does anyone have any preference for fuel? I have always been pretty religious with my bikes about using BP Ultimate in my bikes. Does anyone use any different fuel or find that something is better? Is it really worth paying extra for the better fuel?
Sabre I wouldn't bother wasting your money on 98 in the Monster
not being a high compression engine you are just throwing away your money
I will use either
91 or 95 cant seem to feel any difference just not E10 [puke]
Quote from: Sabre Brian on December 26, 2012, 03:05:25 PM
Another question - Does anyone have any preference for fuel? I have always been pretty religious with my bikes about using BP Ultimate in my bikes. Does anyone use any different fuel or find that something is better? Is it really worth paying extra for the better fuel?
You can pretty well run anything you like in the injected models! From the 91 pig swill to the you beaut Top Shelf! [thumbsup]
In my DS (By the seat of the pants dyno ;) ) the 98 etc seems to make the motor a bit crisper but it will still run quite ok on the 91 without complaint! ;D
Its only the older carbed models that seem to have a shit fit and foul plugs for example when running the higher octane! Gotta use the 91 octane! [Dolph]
I generally run 98, preferably BP as it does run crisper, like dragonworld says. I took note the other day - 11.4 litres to do 221km on city run (sort of, I live in the Adelaide Hills, fun ride to work and back). Reserve light came on at 183km.
Like the rest say - I didn't buy my Ducati for performance or economy - it was the personality quirks!! The bike not me... ;D
I get that - I never asked about economy or any of that other BS when I bought it. I was just interested.
BP in my part of town is like "Rocking Horse Shit", as is Shell and Mobil! [roll]
About all that is available is Caltex with some of the Independent "No Name"brands! ???
Caltex is fine, it's my other choice besides BP. I'd run the fuel according to the manual. Is an S4Rs "supposed" to run 95?
I only run 98 in my 900 due to high comp.
I ran Caltex 95 today which was almost completely highway and got to 170 before the light came on. Yesterday I got 150 out of the BP 98 but when I filled up it only took 10 litres so the light was probably on a little prematurely again. Did I mention that I am just getting on it every day and having the time of my life since getting it next week. Unfortunately next week I have to go back to the real world and go back to work, and the bike has to go back to have a few minor warranty issues fixed, but loving it while I have the chance to ride it.
Quote from: Sabre Brian on December 27, 2012, 10:02:31 PM
I ran Caltex 95 today which was almost completely highway and got to 170 before the light came on. Yesterday I got 150 out of the BP 98 but when I filled up it only took 10 litres so the light was probably on a little prematurely again. Did I mention that I am just getting on it every day and having the time of my life since getting it next week. Unfortunately next week I have to go back to the real world and go back to work, and the bike has to go back to have a few minor warranty issues fixed, but loving it while I have the chance to ride it.
Was that you on the S4r at the top of Mt Glorious yesterday?
Quote from: Sabre Brian on December 25, 2012, 08:42:44 PM
And here I thought I would come in here and have everyone tell me how wonderful Ducatis are.
I think you might have not felt the full message in mine and others words which does tend to happen on forums.
Dollar for dollar they are an awesome bike to own, there aren't many bike that can tour, do track days and fun twisty rides. All in comfort and style.
True people weren't singing from roof tops about how great a bike they are but then you own it now so you can not only find out for yourself but as you've said you already know.
As for fuel I usually stick 95 Caltex in mine as first preference then BP, Mobil/7-11 ans Shell as a last option.
Happy travels before you have to head back to the real world.
Twizted - Nah mate it wasn't me. I went up to Morayfield to visit a mate.
Matty you will find a large part of what I put here will come with a lot of jest. I have always been
a bit of a class clown. I will mess around with the petrol issue and mix it up a bit until I find what
works best for me.