Update 7.24.17: Links updated to latest auction listing and corrected model year to 2004. -dc
“Born” in 1993, the Ducati Monster has regularly been credited with starting the naked bike craze, and occasionally has accounted for two thirds of Ducati sales. A citified workhorse for most of the first decade, special higher performance models began to surface in the early 2000’s. The 2004 S4R undressed the water-cooled 996cc desmoquattro, baring most all the superbike had to offer. This Dallas-based S4R has been groomed for success by the second owner.
In spite of all the reasons an air-cooled desmodue is sensible and beautiful, the complex plumbing exercise that the is the S4R is exciting in a more technical way. Curved radiators for water and oil, their respective pumps and pipes, the hydraulic dry clutch, three big brake disks, all state their case. Larger scale are the 43mm upside-down forks and monoshock from Showa, the latter connected to an aluminum single-sided swingarm reminiscent of the MH900E. Carbon covers smooth over the side panels, cam belts, chin scoop, and mufflers on the two-into-two exhaust.
The Texas owner has shepherded this special Monster through mid-life, heavy maintenance done and improvements made. With all the farkels, there’s too much to list ( ! ) in the eBay auction, but here is the general part :
-Last year for the metal fuel tank (no swelling, but I still run ethanol stabilizer when not ridden for extended periods of time)
-Full Desmo service performed right at 14,000 by AMS Ducati in Dallas,TX . New timing belts, valve service, throttle body sync, oil change (with correct Shell Advance 4T oil), and new battery.
-Rear hub assembly was replaced during the Desmo service as the chain tensioner on the original had excessive wear. Rear wheel was re-powdercoated after this due to grease that had stained the original finish. The color match is perfect, and I installed the correct Marchesini decals.
-Pirelli Angel GT tires (120 Front, 180 rear) are relatively new. Installed by second owner before I purchased the bike. Unknown exact mileage, but I’ve only put 2000 miles on them. I always run the recommended pressure of 31.2 front and 31.9 psi rear)
-Radiator was replaced by the previous owner with a brand new unit (KTM 45360). These come from the factory in black, so I stripped all the paint from it, and painted the end tanks silver for a perfect match to the oil cooler. Bike holds 170-180°F during normal riding. I never saw above 188°F at the track.
-Pre-wired for Battery Tenders (again, used when not ridden for extended periods of time)
-Newer factory grips
-Brake pads still have plenty of life. Newer chain and rear sprocket. Lubricated regularly.
-Recently greased the friction plates for smoother clutch modulation.
-Black key, red key, and code card included.
Better suited to the suburbs than the city, the water-cooled Monsters crave the open road and reward their riders with gobs of torque as well as the wide open feel. Super clean and seeming to need nothing, this S4R is ready to show off everything a Monster could be. Check the auction and contact the owner through eBay – here –.
-donn
