My Ducati Monster S4Rs chapter is closed. Superduke R replaced it.

[KTMCHEESE]

Sold my S4Rs yesterday after it was for sale since late July. It's a great bike and the new owner should love it. It just had the 7,500 mile service and a new Corsa III rear put on. I'm really going to miss the engine as it was one of the best bikes I've ever twisted the throttle on. The bike handles pretty well too. The main reason why I sold the bike is the range. Hunting for gas stations every 90 miles or so just took all of the fun out of riding the bike for me. Running out of gas and always wondering where I'm going to fill up next just gets old after a while. So I replaced it as it just wasn't acceptable anymore. Got kinda of tired keeping the boulevard queen nice and polished too.

So I bought an '08 KTM Superduke R and I freaking love this new bike. The power is nearly the same, both bikes have 130 at the crank. My S4Rs had Arrow pipes and the DP/Termi ecu. Comparing it to my KTM with Akra slip-ons (Akra header standard) and the KTM/Akra map loaded to the ecu, I think the Duc edges it in power but honestly it doesn't feel like more than 3-4 horses more. The delivery feels different as the KTM is happier down low (very light flywheel and 16t sprocket standard) than the Duc but the Duc loves to be flogged up high, whereas the KTM gets a bit buzzy above 9K. Still a great motor, though Ducati is the king of twins.

Where the KTM really shines over the S4Rs though is in the handling. The chassis is more up to date than the S4Rs in which the motor overpowers imo. The Superduke R comes with top shelf WP suspension, every bit as good as the Ohlins on the S4Rs. The bike is sprung pretty stiff stock so I don't have to switch out springs for my weight (195 lbs.) like I did with my old Duc. I can feel everything that this KTM is doing under me and I have alot of confidence in the front end. The bike just freaking rails and is great in the tight stuff as the transition from side to side is effortless. The bike bombs out of corners. The steering geometry is very aggressive, particularly on the R model so it comes with a steering damper. Because of this the S4Rs feels a bit more solid in fast sweepers. And the brakes are identical between the two bikes except for appearance. The finish of the KTM is more industrial, still feels high quality but definitely not as polished as any Ducati. It has mostly molded black plastic for all of the body panels and the paint on the tank is satin. I actually like the finish of the bike better as I don't have to fuss with it. The KTM also has a 4.9 gallon tank which is good for nearly 50 more miles (maybe more) than the 3.6 gallon S4Rs tank. Range on the KTM is 150+ unless I'm having a very irresponsible ride 

So to sum up lots of pros and cons, in some ways a lateral move but in others the KTM works better for me, but probably not for most. I know for certain it won't keep its value like a Duc as KTM just doesn't have the prestige of a Ducati here in America. But prestige and image was never a motivating factor in my two Ducati purchases as many of you probably know from my past rants from both here and the DML 

So it was fun, and good luck to you all...

[Triple J]

C'mon man...PICTURES!!!

Congrats on the new bike.  If they made bags for a Superduke (I need to carry stuff to work & on long rides), I'd likely trade them my MTS for one.

[KTMCHEESE]

C'mon man...PICTURES!!!

Congrats on the new bike.  If they made bags for a Superduke (I need to carry stuff to work & on long rides), I'd likely trade them my MTS for one.

Not mine but my bike looks just like this '07, except that mine came with an Akra header pipe, a higher compression ratio, higher redline and some lighter internals..
Ventura makes a framed tail pack system for all of the superdukes, although their frame doesn't fit with the longer Akra pipes. Guess I'm just going ta hafta cut 'em down doan cha know...

[ghostface]

Very nice choice and even more an excellent comparison; fully understood. When my cash comes in I do believe the KTM SuperDuke R to be an upgrade. Have fun with your new ride.

[Triple J]

Not mine but my bike looks just like this '07, except that mine came with an Akra header pipe, a higher compression ratio, higher redline and some lighter internals..
Ventura makes a framed tail pack system for all of the superdukes, although their frame doesn't fit with the longer Akra pipes. Guess I'm just going ta hafta cut 'em down doan cha know...

Bad ass! 

[CairnsDuc]

Always loved the Superduke, Awesome machine!

The riding instructor that did my opens license test owns one, I've seen him out on the local ranges with it, he rides it like a motard, rear tyre slipping and sliding all over the place.

I spoke to him one day after I laughingly tried to keep up with him up the range, I pulled up about 2 mins after him, and I said hello and we got to chatting, I asked him about his riding technique, and I had to smile at his reply.
"If the bikes turning, and the rear tyre's not burning, your not trying hard enough!"

No wonder he destroys a tyre every time he takes it out!!! 

[teddy037.2]

sweet new ride, man!

[jesse370]

They are great bikes. Congrats!

[DesmoDisciple]

That is a wicked looking bike. Congrats.

[Evil_Ductator]

Gorgeous!  That color is my fave.  I sat on one at the dealer once and it was just much too tall for me, my inseam is short.  Otherwise I'd really consider one too.  In fact there is currently a poster of one on my wall right above my monitor as I type this 

Just out of curiosity, have you been able to make a comparison to the non-R version? 

Enjoy the new ride, I totally hear you on the satin finish and not worrying so much about scratches !

[Centerline]

Sold my S4Rs yesterday after it was for sale since late July. It's a great bike and the new owner should love it. It just had the 7,500 mile service and a new Corsa III rear put on. I'm really going to miss the engine as it was one of the best bikes I've ever twisted the throttle on. The bike handles pretty well too. The main reason why I sold the bike is the range. Hunting for gas stations every 90 miles or so just took all of the fun out of riding the bike for me. Running out of gas and always wondering where I'm going to fill up next just gets old after a while. So I replaced it as it just wasn't acceptable anymore. Got kinda of tired keeping the boulevard queen nice and polished too.

So I bought an '08 KTM Superduke R and I freaking love this new bike. The power is nearly the same, both bikes have 130 at the crank. My S4Rs had Arrow pipes and the DP/Termi ecu. Comparing it to my KTM with Akra slip-ons (Akra header standard) and the KTM/Akra map loaded to the ecu, I think the Duc edges it in power but honestly it doesn't feel like more than 3-4 horses more. The delivery feels different as the KTM is happier down low (very light flywheel and 16t sprocket standard) than the Duc but the Duc loves to be flogged up high, whereas the KTM gets a bit buzzy above 9K. Still a great motor, though Ducati is the king of twins.

Where the KTM really shines over the S4Rs though is in the handling. The chassis is more up to date than the S4Rs in which the motor overpowers imo. The Superduke R comes with top shelf WP suspension, every bit as good as the Ohlins on the S4Rs. The bike is sprung pretty stiff stock so I don't have to switch out springs for my weight (195 lbs.) like I did with my old Duc. I can feel everything that this KTM is doing under me and I have alot of confidence in the front end. The bike just freaking rails and is great in the tight stuff as the transition from side to side is effortless. The bike bombs out of corners. The steering geometry is very aggressive, particularly on the R model so it comes with a steering damper. Because of this the S4Rs feels a bit more solid in fast sweepers. And the brakes are identical between the two bikes except for appearance. The finish of the KTM is more industrial, still feels high quality but definitely not as polished as any Ducati. It has mostly molded black plastic for all of the body panels and the paint on the tank is satin. I actually like the finish of the bike better as I don't have to fuss with it. The KTM also has a 4.9 gallon tank which is good for nearly 50 more miles (maybe more) than the 3.6 gallon S4Rs tank. Range on the KTM is 150+ unless I'm having a very irresponsible ride 

So to sum up lots of pros and cons, in some ways a lateral move but in others the KTM works better for me, but probably not for most. I know for certain it won't keep its value like a Duc as KTM just doesn't have the prestige of a Ducati here in America. But prestige and image was never a motivating factor in my two Ducati purchases as many of you probably know from my past rants from both here and the DML 

So it was fun, and good luck to you all...

Good choice there with the KTM.  It's outward surfaces may not compare to the Ducati, but take the tank and fairing panels off and take a look at the construction of the frame....it DOES compare, if not even more than the build quality, especially the welds on the chrome moly frame.  I know what you mean about the KTM being on rails in the twisties, my 950 Adventure is far more fun to ride in tight twisties than my S4RS, even with dual sport tires on the KTM.
For your SuperDuke, I would advise looking to Evoluzione Cyclesports and their clutch slave cylinder replacement for the one on the KTM, be ready at some point a few miles down the road to replace the water pump shaft and seal as well.  The fuel pump might be an issue still as well.  Enjoy that orange and black beast.

[KTMCHEESE]

Gorgeous!  That color is my fave.  I sat on one at the dealer once and it was just much too tall for me, my inseam is short.  Otherwise I'd really consider one too.  In fact there is currently a poster of one on my wall right above my monitor as I type this 

Just out of curiosity, have you been able to make a comparison to the non-R version? 

Enjoy the new ride, I totally hear you on the satin finish and not worrying so much about scratches !

I've ridden two regular Superdukes but just for short demos. The regular SD suspension isn't set up as aggressive, it less on it's toes with a shorter and not as stiff spring in back, the redline is 9,600 rather than 10,500 for the SDR, larger titanium intake valves on the SDR, higher compression and larger 52mm throttle bodies straight from the RC8 too. SDR has 12 more horses. At only $1300 more than the regular SD I thought all the upgrades were a deal. Milled triple, black swingarm, forks, brakes. orange powdercoated frame, steering damper comes stock etc...etc...

[KTMCHEESE]

For your SuperDuke, I would advise looking to Evoluzione Cyclesports and their clutch slave cylinder replacement for the one on the KTM, be ready at some point a few miles down the road to replace the water pump shaft and seal as well.  The fuel pump might be an issue still as well.  Enjoy that orange and black beast.

Yeah I've been over ast ADVrider.com a fair amount and read about all of these problems/upgrades. Mostly for the 950's but I'm sure some of them will pop up on the 990's too.

[DoubleEagle]

I'm just glad there are gas stations every 30 miles in about any direction from where I ride.

I'm used to stopping and topping off  if not just to stretch a bit and clean my visor.

No reasons for me to stray from the flock. I love my Ducatis too much to look for reasons other than more HP and Torque from the next Italian " Beauty."

I would have to think long and hard to let one of my Ducs go just because I had to go out of my way for gas or feeling that washing, drying and spray waxing after each ride wasn't what a Ducati deserved.

Hope your happy.  Dolph

[KTMCHEESE]

I'm just glad there are gas stations every 30 miles in about any direction from where I ride.

I'm used to stopping and topping off  if not just to stretch a bit and clean my visor.

No reasons for me to stray from the flock. I love my Ducatis too much to look for reasons other than more HP and Torque from the next Italian " Beauty."

I would have to think long and hard to let one of my Ducs go just because I had to go out of my way for gas or feeling that washing, drying and spray waxing after each ride wasn't what a Ducati deserved.

Hope your happy.  Dolph

I totally understand your position. Some people feel more content when they're with the flock. The same reason why fish school I suppose. The 'security' of having a bike and an image that portrays the upper crust is important to a lot of people. There's no need to stray far from the city limits too much as nobody would really notice you 'out there' either. I know Harley guys love to keep they're bikes polished too, maybe you can discuss the similarities of character with them next Sunday morning at Starbucks...