Ducati S4R or Buell XB12?

[c_rex]

ex R1 rider here.  get the S4RS.

[Jobu]

The salesman trying to sell me an xb12s was trying to tell me they are the best cornering bikes, mostly because of the hollow axle in the front, saves weight, rotational force, yada yada yada, no other bike has them blahblah,  then i get my monster, hollow axles front and rear!  Durh!  Ducati has been doing this on at least the monster since at least 2003.  dipshit tries to tell me its unique...

If he would've told me that the axle being hollow saved rotational weight, I would probably still be laughing.

'Cause last I checked, the axle doesn't rotate.

[DoubleEagle]

Get a S4Rs and you won't be disappointed.  Dolph

[Monstermash]

This is one question that doesn't even deserve a response.

This is after all a Monster forum, right?

Or maybe we should change the forum name to POSBuellWorldwide.org 

[He Man]

You have heat problems but not from the exhaust.

burn. litterally.

Nah, im talking about the rad fans turning on when your stoped dead in the heat of traffic. My S2R1000 is make the beast with two backsing HORRIBLE. in dead traffic. i dont have a fan, but 300 degrees eminating from my crotch isnt cool. an what heat sheidl are you talking baout? i never owne one, just took her for a spin aroun hte block. that took like 10 minutes to circle from traffic.

[Privateer]

Thanks for the help guys.  I did a search and got some great info.  I know the monster is a much better bike but the buell will cost me 2-3K less.  I am still leaning towards the Monster though.

I haven't ridden one but one of my riding buddies has a firebolt and hsi wife an xb12sg.  He likes it, however, he says the dealer support is *terrible*.  He had a clutch cable break and couldn't get a replacement for about 6 weeks.  Finally cannibalized his wife's bike for the clutch cable, modified it a little so it'd work, and then ordered a new one for her bike.  Around here at least, they're HD's bastard son and the HD dealers don't want to waste any of their time selling or fixing them. 

That said, buy the bike you like.

good luck,
Andy

[LA]

After 15,000 mi. and an 04-s4r and 25,000 on an s4rs I have never noticed ANY problem form heat. None.

Of course YRMV.

LA

[Statler]

My first question when people talk about heat off a bike is what they are wearing.    I would notice stuff in jeans I don't feel in leather.   A guy in shorts on a Buell would be roasting chestnuts in traffic.

[sportskid1]

Thanks for all the great replies.  I am going with the monster.  I was leaning that way at the beginning but though I would get some opinions on the Buell before I pulled the trigger as I like the styling but have not really heard much about them. I figured that is they have positive reviews I might try one as they are much cheaper.  Sounds like they are a bit on the cheap side and not worth the savings.

[Monstermash]

Thanks for all the great replies.  I am going with the monster.  I was leaning that way at the beginning but though I would get some opinions on the Buell before I pulled the trigger as I like the styling but have not really heard much about them. I figured that is they have positive reviews I might try one as they are much cheaper.  Sounds like they are a bit on the cheap side and not worth the savings.

Although I gave you a sarcastic answer earlier, if I were you I would ride both and then decide. It should still be an easy decision but at least you won't have any buyer's remorse.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Nah, im talking about the rad fans turning on when your stoped dead in the heat of traffic.

Ah, I get it now. I would've never noticed this-we lane split her ein California, AKA I've never sat in traffic.

[mxwinky]

You will not regret choosing the Monster over the Buell.  I've had the good fortune to spend a ton of time on both, and while the Buell does have its positive points and is definitely fun to ride, the heat that radiates off the engine and up into your crotch is just too much to bear in the tigter/slower stuff.  At speed it's not really an issue.  There is a company out there that sells what I call the "Buell diaper" that consists of a heat-resistant cloth pad cut to shape that fits under the faux tank and (somewhat) prevents the heat from radiating upward and cooking you.  But really, why should we put up with such nonsense when the Monster is so darn awesome.  And if you can spring it, get the later S4RS.  Definitely a better handling bike, and the Testastretta motor is really a jewel.  Have fun and welcome to Monster owership!

[Speedbag]

I'd get an S4Rs myself. And I am a Harley proponent, as most here know. 

However, I am semi-seriously looking for a nice, depreciated-out Buell XB9. There are simple ways to get a bazillion HP out of one, and the '9's short stroke means it'll wing to near-2V-Duc levels. 

[Pedro-bot]

Get the Buell. No reason why, just 'cause I guess..... 

[blue tiger]

Get the S4RS it is a nasty beast !!! <------ That was meant in a very good way...a second gear power wheelie way...a you wont see a Ducati every day way. Sounds like you made the right choice...you wont be sorry !!!