New bike time! After finishing my M900 I was trying to decide what I wanted to do next. I was keen on another Ducati of course but something different, maybe more valves and watercooled but still has to have a dry clutch and a single sided swingarm would be nice. I didn't want another Monster but this S4R popped up for sale at a good price and it has 4 valves per cylinder, water cooling, a dry clutch and a single sided swingarm. I'd had an idea for an S4R that was to basically build what the Monster could have been in the 90's. 996cc, 3 spoke wheels, single swinger and the classic red and gold paint. We'll see how far I get but that is the direction I'm heading. Now to the bike, it needs some work but has potential and has some goodies already on it such as a full QD exhaust, Power Commander 3, Speedymoto pressure plate and clutch cover, extra carbon bits, braided lines and a Scottoiler. The not so good things include a faulty regulator/rectifier, a worn out clutch and evidence of coolant in the oil. If the engine is a dud I can rebuild it or sling in a new one and I'll still be ahead which is good. If anyone has any S4R specific info I'm happy to hear it
My first Ducati was a 2004 S4R in red with a grey frame, I absolutely loved it! I never liked the look of the rubber cable ties around the trellis frame though, I thought they looked rather untidy. If I can answer any questions, happy to help.
A pet hate of mine. I Swapped the Black Rubber ties for Red cable ties on my red framed Monster, and have used grey ones on my Silver framed 1000SS and M1000. My Red framed 999 has hardly any that are visible so I didn't bother. It makes such a big difference Silver framed M1000 Monster. Before: After: And I know the 1000SS has undergone a complete transformation between these two images, but those Black cable ties no longer draw the eye:
I don't know much about them other than they are Italian and expensive when new. I definitely prefer the look over the stock system, I don't know why Ducati didn't put the mufflers on the left hand side. It's the same with VFR's, the NC30's look better than the NC24's
I don't mind the rubber straps on the gold frames for some reason. They look ugly on the red frame for sure but I also don't like frame and bodywork the same colour, same as double denim
The QD exhaust effectively replaces the “cow’s udder” catalytic converter which was seriously ugly. However , it does contain a cat so not too loud. https://www.qdexhaust.it/en/catalog...r-s4r-2004-2006-ex-box-series-exhaust-system/
The whole standard exhaust system including the silencers downstream of the cat can be removed and the exhaust is still pretty quiet. I remember an S2R where the owner just fitted two short VW exhaust tips direct to the standard cat and ran the bike like that.
R/R is a really easy fix, (do a search for shunt to mosfet rr) you need one from an R1 (others may fit) and an adapter from a Triumph For example both the R1 and the ZX10R both use a mosfet R/R. These can be sourced off eBay. The R/R's both take a pair of molded plugs ie there are no wires coming out of them. In order to fit such a R/R to a Ducati then you need to visit your local (if you have one) Triumph dealership. Order a T2500676 wiring harness. This was made to allow the mosfet type R/R to be fitted to the Daytona 675 etc. The part is a bargain (you cannot buy the connectors cheaper to make your own). The Triumph wiring harness plugs directly into the Ducati loom.
Well that was the most difficult oil filter removal I have had to deal with. First omen was the nut on the bottom rounding off then my strap wrench couldn't do it followed by driving a big screwdriver through it and trying to turn it with a pipe on the handle. Eventually it ended up like this. For my final attempt I cut and welded this ugly thing. It's basically 6 m6 bolts in some 3mm plate with an old wheel nut on the back. It still took a 1/2" breaker bar to get it to turn but we got there. A bit of effort but at least I have a last resort option I can use again.
Well done for getting there. Strangely the only Ducati filter I've ever had to resort to drastic tactics with was also a K&N one. And I'd fitted it myself so know it wasn't over tightened. It appeared to have shrunk down onto the thread as it was tight most of the way off. And no it wasn't cross-threaded. They are really awkward to get any of the more usual strap type filter tools on and I've found that the big socket type things can struggle due to the massive differences in size even with OEM Filters. I never look forward to removing the filter on a bike for the first time as it appears everyone overtightens them. The best tool I've found for 'our' semi recessed filters is one like below, because the strap is so thin you can get it further up the filter than other designs. If it's a bit tight I have a strip of Bicycle inner tube to put between the strap and filter:
Just to add to this, this type is indeed the best IME . However I’ve 4 pre-drilled holes around the band on mine because on more than occasion I’ve had to put self tapping screws through the band and into the filter. I find that holds the filter better than a screwdriver jammed through it.
Ok it’s an RS but pretty much same. I have a spark decay with much silencers with baggies and road rated stamp. Sounds nice and not lout at all really. Tbh don’t like that system fitted, looks like home bodge to me, different strokes…. Before/after
Oh and agree would have been nicer the other side but they do same with multi too. It’s pita for removing rear wheel
Oh for sure the QD box is ugly, I just prefer it to right hand side mufflers with a single sided swingarm. If I hang on to the bike long enough I'll fit a pair of Termignonis on the left. Another controversial opinion I have is about the screen, can't stand them so this one is off never to return . The gauges on these monsters also sit too high for my liking so I'll look at sorting that in future and the Renthal bars are a bit high too. Thankfully the original levers came with the bike, so the knockoff gold things can go in the bin.
I also use these. My technique is to REALLY tighten the screw using mole grips on the tightening knob (oo err Mrs). You can then wack the end with a persuader of choice with relative impunity. I’ve never been defeated yet.
