Troll Road: Ducati Monster S4R

Stylish, racy and well-endowed - the Ducati Monster S4R

It’s the Ducati Monster that started the very trend of modern-day streetfighters, and even today, the bike looks good. Ducati have, over the years, given the Monster some engine upgrades as well as styling tweaks, keeping it fresh. This is one Monster that’s growing old gracefully…

The S4R is an exuberant troll – snap the throttle open the front end will reach for the skies. And why not. The S4R’s V-twin engine is the same one that used to do duty on the 996 superbike. The 996cc Desmoquattro engine produces 113 horsepower, and enough torque for the aforementioned wheelies to be completely effortless. The bike uses Marelli fuel injection system, which makes for optimum throttle response and perfect fueling at all times. The exhaust note is relatively muted, but slap on a set of Termignoni pipes and that should be cured right away.

Given its lack of wind protection, very high straight line speeds are not the Monster’s thing – it’d rather cruise along and look good. But yes, it’ll take all hard cornering you can throw at it. At the front, the 43mm USD forks are fully adjustable and the rear spring is adjustable for preload and ride height. The chassis and the suspension go hand in hand to provide you with a wonderfully stable, quick-steering machine that handles, yet also remains comfortable most of the time. Powerful, stylish and fun – that’s the Monster S4R for you.

Engine: 996cc, Desmoquattro, 8-valve, V-twin
Power: 113bhp@8750rpm
Top speed: 220km/h
In a line: The haunt is on…

Right click and download a motorcycle-usa.com roadtest video of the Ducati Monster S2R here