Well guys, I just bought a new 02 S4 from Jeff at Ducati Austin.
It's my 31st motorcycle, and easily the one that has made the biggest initial favorable impression.
The S4 I bought from Jeff is one that has been the "clothes horse" for displaying various accessory parts and mods, so it was pretty well equipped, plus I added several more items:
Carbon fiber for every non metal exterior part on the bike, except the rear upper fender (that holds the license plate) and the seat cowl
Billet satin Ducati mirrors, billet satin Ducati turn signals, billet license plate holder
Termignoni high mount oval carbon fiber exhausts, chip, and opened air intake
Gray bodywork AND gray S4 wheels (total stealth)
Lowered seat on order (I am only a 30" inseam)
14 x 42 gearing (22% stiffer than stock, 4300 rpm and 47 HP at 60mph)
It's a total sensory overload! When Jeff started the bike up for me and my wife the first time, Karen went into shock when she heard the "raw" and "aggressive" quality of the sound! And when the tight gearing caused unplanned wheelies at the first two traffic lights on the trip home, she realized this bike REALLY has "response".
My first couple of rides have been totally overwhelming, and I say that dspite the fact that my last bike was a Hayabusa. I know that the S4 is "slower", but the Hayabusa was heavy and did things so smoothly and quietly while not stirring the soul, while this bike definitely gets your heart rate very elevated with its go-kart feel! The gearing I specified (based on data from my own computer simulation program) means instant response at any speed even in top gear, and with the S4's close ratio gearbox (different than S4R), the ability to travel at 30mph in ANY of the 6 gears. And, 1st gear is STILL good to 56 mph.
I think I'm really going to enjoy this bike.
Jim G
It's my 31st motorcycle, and easily the one that has made the biggest initial favorable impression.
The S4 I bought from Jeff is one that has been the "clothes horse" for displaying various accessory parts and mods, so it was pretty well equipped, plus I added several more items:
Carbon fiber for every non metal exterior part on the bike, except the rear upper fender (that holds the license plate) and the seat cowl
Billet satin Ducati mirrors, billet satin Ducati turn signals, billet license plate holder
Termignoni high mount oval carbon fiber exhausts, chip, and opened air intake
Gray bodywork AND gray S4 wheels (total stealth)
Lowered seat on order (I am only a 30" inseam)
14 x 42 gearing (22% stiffer than stock, 4300 rpm and 47 HP at 60mph)
It's a total sensory overload! When Jeff started the bike up for me and my wife the first time, Karen went into shock when she heard the "raw" and "aggressive" quality of the sound! And when the tight gearing caused unplanned wheelies at the first two traffic lights on the trip home, she realized this bike REALLY has "response".
My first couple of rides have been totally overwhelming, and I say that dspite the fact that my last bike was a Hayabusa. I know that the S4 is "slower", but the Hayabusa was heavy and did things so smoothly and quietly while not stirring the soul, while this bike definitely gets your heart rate very elevated with its go-kart feel! The gearing I specified (based on data from my own computer simulation program) means instant response at any speed even in top gear, and with the S4's close ratio gearbox (different than S4R), the ability to travel at 30mph in ANY of the 6 gears. And, 1st gear is STILL good to 56 mph.
I think I'm really going to enjoy this bike.
Jim G