I need help before i get mad and sell the S4

[jerry]

I have had the S4 for nearly a year now but I am very frustrated with the engine character , compared to my old M900 and my other bike a Monster 750 the S4 engine is rough, it run poorly at low speed ,vibrates more and generaly feels primitive . I have all the tools and diagnostics and the bike is set up perfectly . TPS,injector balance ,Co2 etc etc. i have spent a lot of time learning the ins and outs of the technical areas and thrown money on this bike and love the handling and looks after some initial reservations and problems which i solved , but the way the engine runs is a real turnoff compared to my other Ducatis.

Am i missing something ,? any ideas before i commit to sell the bike and look for another M900/750 or a speed triple or Buell.This bike is in Thailand and it is not easy to come by bikes that i fancy. its mostly HDs or jap sportsbikes.

[Chappers]

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=23596

[JerryXt]

isn't the S4 supposed to be like that - completely barking mad?

[Scotty]

4 valve head -higher reving by design
just keep it above 3 k

[benson]

I got the City X Buell - it's lovely, corners like it's on rails, different character indeed, it's like a tractor on the one hand but a guided missile on the other - a lot of fun - and no plumbing in sight!!!

[jerry]

4 valve head -higher reving by design
just keep it above 3 k

It still feels like a bag of bolts under me ,not smooth even at higher revs,i have a 43 tooth rear sprocket which might be to much maybe should try a 41 , it hit the limiter very easily and the engine braking is too sharp, i dont enjoy the experience of riding this bike as much as my other dukes.they i never want the ride ti finish but the S4 i dont wasnt to ride it , even though I love the looks and handling.

[jerry]

I am wondering if the problem may be the stock ECU , but I am relctant to throw more money at this bike eg: power commander. ultimap or DP ECU and still hate the engine.

[velocity raptor]

I am wondering if the problem may be the stock ECU , but I am relctant to throw more money at this bike eg: power commander. ultimap or DP ECU and still hate the engine.

try a termi ecu and get it set up by a dealer itll be reet

[jerry]

Ok whats best Termi DP ECU or powercommander I guess i will have to try it before I part wiyh the bike because here in Thailand it is not easy to change bikes.
If I dont like it it will be a real hassle to change it.
I will have to wait until I come to UK anyhow as aftermarket parts are rare here.

[Rogerg]

HI Jerry,

When I put an open Airbox & Hi level Sils on my S4 - it ran really lumpy and backfired all the time on the overrun. So I put a Power Commander on, found a custom map on th PC website from a bike virtually identical to mine - It ran really smooth after.

43 tooth on the back - blimey it must be a bit wheelie tastic. I really noticed a difference going from the stock 37 - to a 39 on the rear.

I don't think the DP performance ECU is very programmable.

I've heard good things about these aswell: http://www.protwins.co.uk/Ultimap/ultimap_main.html

[jerry]

my bike had 39 tooth as origonal rear , when chain wore out i put on the 43 but it is to much will get a 41 .

where is the cheapest place to get a Power commander or equivalent?

I will have to wait till I go UK or somewhere they have Ducati specialists

[Rogerg]

I got mine off ebay for about £150 if I remember correctly.

[jerry]

I have just had some luck a mate is coming from UK to Pattaya soon and he is going to bring me a PowerCommander cost about £259 in UK .
Also i am going to get a 41 T rear sprocket so the bike wont be so busy and tommorow i will go through it again with a fine tooth comb to check out all the parameters ,just in case i made an error .

so thanks for all the advice .

I will post again once the bike is sorted or not.!!!!!

[Rockhopper]

I've got an ST4 which is the same engine as yours. It is lumpy low down but that easily cured with a 14 tooth front sprocket. At normal road speeds its a smooth as any other bike. Mine is standard apart from cored cans and a JHP chip along with a superb set up by Neil at Cornerspeed.

[jerry]

Rockhopper , Thats why i went for the larger rear sprocket when I replaced chain but I over did it with a 43 which makes he engine braking and acceleration too harsh and increases vibes so will go down to 41, 39 is standard.

This bike is not smooth at any speed as far as i am concerned and it is all down to fuelling as the standard ECU is to lean.

power commander is on its way.

jerry