Hello everyone.

[CookieMonster]

CookieMonster here...I am new to the forum but not the forum world as I am a tuner/gear head/rider.

Well I find myself here because I am looking to make the transition from Jap to Euro...I already have had Euro auto and modified the shit out of it and it's gone.

My prior motobikes include the following:

'98 Honda CBR F3 Red and White (Sold)
'99 Honda CBR F3i aka Pumking Bike (Sold)
'00 Honda CBR F4i Silver and Black (Stolen)

Now I want a Ducati Monster with a single sided swing arm (S4R maybe? I'm not sure which one it is, that's why I'm here to learn about the bike I want), but the Biposto 748 and the 916 are trying to talk me out of the Monster, I am an average guy height wise 5'6" about 190lbs looking to get rid of some lbs so don't start  and I think I would fit just right on a Monster, but I want the Monster to be 800 and up.


In any case I will look, ask ALOT of questions hahaha, and learn about the beauty name Monster.

And hopefully when I make a decion of which one to get I will keep you posted, show you updates on mods and post lots of pix. 

[bikepilot]

Welcome 

Any S*R monster will have an SSA as will all 796 and 1100 models.  The S2R is the 2-valve monster and comes in 800 and 1000cc, the S4R is the 4-valve monster and generally uses a left-over version of the sbk engine (ranging from 916-999 IIRC).

[CookieMonster]

Hey bikepilot

Thank for the piece if information, now school me a little please. Has the S*R models always been around or do they start at a certain year. Which would you prefer having a 2 or 4 valve (I know it is a n00b question, but ask me about BMW and I will return the favor )

[bikepilot]

S*R have been around for a while - since about '01 for the 4-valve model and about '05 for the 2-valve model - others may correct me on this, I'm def not an expert on the history from one year to another.

As for which you'd prefer its really a matter of preference.  A 4-valve bike looks busier as it'll have a bulkier engine and of course radiators.  The 4-valve engines make a lot more power and rev considerably higher.  The 2-valve engines are easier and cheaper to maintain, grunt really well right off the bottom and are generally a bit easier to ride.  I like them both, and in the monster chassis I tend to favor the 2-valve motors.  I like having a 4-valve motor in the garage, I just like it better in something like a superbike or streetfighter chassis. 

[Slide Panda]

S*R have been around for a while - since about '01 for the 4-valve model and about '05 for the 2-valve model - others may correct me on this, I'm def not an expert on the history from one year to another.

Close but not quite. The S*R models all appeared in 05. Back in 01 it was the S4 (no R) - the S*R models brought single sided swing arms and the over-under shotgun exhaust. Prior to that all monsters had double sided swing arms and low mount cans on each side.

[CookieMonster]

So between a S*R 800 Model and a 04 800 all that's different is the asthetics?

[bikepilot]

Thanks SP

CM, I'm not aware of major differences from an '03 800 to an S2R 800 other than the single sided swingarm, exhaust etc.  Stuff like suspension components, brakes and gas tanks have changed a bit from year to year and may well differ from an '03 to an S2R (though its plausible that the '03 S model 800 might have better stuff - someone else will know).  I think its safe to say the mechanical/performance differences are sufficently small that you might as well get whatever you like the looks of best.

Oh, one other diff is the later model small-case (800cc and less, approx. '05 up - someone else can confirm/correct) will have the APTC clutch while earlier small case monsters will have a traditional, but wet, clutch.  The APTC has a ramped mechanism that claps down on the clutch pack under acceleration and lets it slip under decel.  Advantage is you've sorta got a slipper for decel and the clutch pull is really light.  Disadvantage is its hard to launch really hard because it clamps down and grabs, making it difficult to slip the clutch at high rpm for a hard launch.