My Three Phase Plan.....

[Steveo]

I joined a few weeks ago. I'm not a Monster owner yet, but thanks to the advice received from other members when I joined I'm about to start my Three Phase plan...
Phase 1 - Sell my GSXR 1000 K3 - It goes up for sale next week. Be sad to see it go but alas time takes it's toll on my old bones and joints...
Phase 2 - Sell my GSF 1200 Bandit K4 - A Monster member advised that there is no point having it in the garage collecting dust!! It'll also add to the budget for Phase 3.
Phase 3 - Go and buy a Monster. I'm hoping to get a test ride on a S4R this weekend (weather permitting!!). So if the heart rules the head Phase 3 could become Phase 1!!!
Watch this space....

[J.P]

Nice to hear you've got it all planned out.
Where are you going for your test ride Steveo ?

[Pomp1]

Got to admire a man with a plan..

[Steveo]

Ashford. They have a 09 plate S4r which I've got to try and blag a test ride on as it's pre reg but they have offered a test ride on a 1100 demo...might all be a tad too expensive but......oh, the sacrifices you have to make!!!

[J.P]

I best. If it's a Testastretta motor, like mine, you'd better do a bit of weight lifting this week because when you crack open that throttle the surge of torque is amazing. I've had mine for one and a half years and still can't help doing it. Terrible for fuel economy, great for a smile.
If you want any post purchase suggestions let me know, I've had a fair amount done, and I only live up the road in Brockley/Lewisham.
Worth keeping your eye out for the monthly Kent meet at the Oakdene Cafe in Wrotham.

[jimbo696]

That is a great bike, I often admire it when I am in there. There is also a very nice brand new S2R which I like. I rode the 1100S y'day and it goes like a train. I accelerated away, not full throttle and the front came up very easily...
I will be in there on Sat, i will look out for you...

[cairojay]

I best. If it's a Testastretta motor, like mine, you'd better do a bit of weight lifting this week because when you crack open that throttle the surge of torque is amazing. I've had mine for one and a half years and still can't help doing it. Terrible for fuel economy, great for a smile.
If you want any post purchase suggestions let me know, I've had a fair amount done, and I only live up the road in Brockley/Lewisham.
Worth keeping your eye out for the monthly Kent meet at the Oakdene Cafe in Wrotham.

Same for me - its a brute of an engine and I love it!

[singletrack]

Hi Steveo. welcome.

this is what you need, at Snells in Alton.




http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/dealerservices_photoad.jsp?did=18794&pageid=1&id=200851325602778

[gary tompkins]

Couple of S4r's in Autotrader

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/bikes/DUCATI+MONSTER/Ne-2-4-7-8-27-64-104-133-146-236,N-239-4294967134-4294967235/advert.action?R=200846323337289&distance=59&postcode=DA1+2SR&channel=BIKES&make=DUCATI&model=MONSTER&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2004&vehicleRegLetter=04

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/bikes/DUCATI+MONSTER/Ne-2-4-7-8-27-64-104-133-146-236,N-239-4294967134-4294967235/advert.action?R=200840319962156&distance=53&postcode=DA1+2SR&channel=BIKES&make=DUCATI&model=MONSTER&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=&vehicleYearOfManufacture=2004&vehicleRegLetter=54

[Steveo]

Thanks for the responses...
Gary and Singletrack...thanks for the links...nice bikes. I'll keep them in mind for Phase 3!!
J.P...I'll have some raw meat for breakie Saturday so I'm ready for battle!!!
Jimbo696...test ride booked...might see you there...but with £1000 excess on test rides I'll be proceeding with caution and won't be undertaking any stunts..well not deliberately anyway...
If my wrists are still in tact I'll let you know how I get on...
Steve

[jimbo696]

Steve,
Are you riding the 1100s or the S4? they also have a 696 demo.... They don't have an S4 demo...

[Steveo]

It's the 1100s demo. The S4r is for sale and not registered so can't take that out.
Steve

[jimbo696]

That's what I thought.... IMO, the 1100 is nothing like the S4... Have a go on the 696 while you are there....

[J.P]

I'm guessing Jim, that Stevo wants some proper power, hence he was looking at the S4 or S4R to begin with an an option. The Dark side is strong.

[Steveo]

J.P is right...I need, and am used to, more power!! The 1100s was a fun ride, cool bike, well balanced etc etc but the rev limiter was a pain but I supposed you get used to that...and under 100bhp...!!

So it's definately the S4r

By the way, Phase 1 going well with plenty of interest and some serious bids on ebay for my Gixxer.

The Dark Side is getting closer...

[jimbo696]

I was in Ducati y'day, but got there later than planned., sorry I missed you.... If you want oodles of power the S4 is the bike....

[Steveo]

No worries Jim. I got there a bit earlier than expected as well. First time there. I was like a kid in a candy store. The brand new grey S4r they have looks the nuts. If all goes well with the bike sales I'm hoping to get one within a month..

Steve

[jimbo696]

Steve,
I agree it is a lovely bike...Good luck, hopefully you will have it just in time for spring!!

[J.P]

So Stevo, it's not a Brand New S4 is it ? The Testastretta engine models aren't grey ?

[jimbo696]

The one in Ashford is new and the paint scheme is a very dark grey???

[Steveo]

J.P ''Testastretta''? Remember I'm new to the Monster world. The bike at Ducati Ashford was a 998
S4r, in a kind of dark graphite grey, so I'm assuming it was the Testastretta engine.....it wasn't a
S4Rs...does that make any sense to those more familiar with Monster speak?

[J.P]

Yes, I was just confused because I wasn't sure if the Testastretta engined bike came in Grey. Obviously it does.
If you're interested in spending lots more to unleash the engine power, see the thread started by Paul Towner on 'Help for slow S4R', because I've made a number of changes to the standard engine, well not that many really. But if you need any help, advice feel free to ask me.

[J.P]

And the difference in the S4R and S4RS was about £1500 and with a few more carbon bits and the Ohlins suspension. Looks nicer, but it should for £1500 more.

[Steveo]

Cheers J.P..yep saw the thread...will keep that in mind...first thing is to get a Monster I suppose then I'll be in touch for tweeks & mods....!!!
Steve

[Steveo]

An update....

Phase 1 complete...Gixxer sold, paid for and collected....
Phase 2 bandit goes on ebay tonight
Phase 3 Tried to put a deposit on a S4r in Chicester but a deposit already paid by a guy from Holland!!! There seems to be a trend developing because bikes are relatively expensive on main land Europe and because of the very weak pound against the euro the Dutch and Germans are literally invading these shores and pillaging our used bike market. I've heard stories from more than one dealer/ebay that they arrive in vans, pay the purchase price in cash and leave with a few at a time....

Off to Aylesbury this Saturday...wish me luck...

I'd better hurry or I'll have to buy Japanese again....

[J.P]

That's it, you get further away from the shore and you should be ok from those raiding Europeans.

[singletrack]

Have you tried Moto Rapido and Snells? They are probably a bit closer- and very good dealers.
M-R have a 2006 S4RS on their website that looks great, ( I saw it in the showroom and it looks even better in real life) and Snells still have the triclore S4RS :heart:

Or are you definitely after a new bike?

[Steveo]

Thanks Singletrack, good call. The one at Snells looks good but a bit above budget. The S4r and S4Rs at M R look very nice...I'll give them a call and fix up a visit this Saturday...

Thanks again for the heads up.

Steve

[Steveo]

My three phase has come to an end, well almost. I'm now the proud owner of a Black, 04 plate S4r!!! Phase 2 hasn't been completed yet but couldn't wait. Should be delivered in the next week to ten days...just in time for spring...bring it on...

[Steveo]

Now time to think about Mods...
The bike I've just bought is pretty much standard...
I fancy, as a first job, replacing the silencers with Termis...so the questions are cost? Where from? Stamped and road legal (as I had a tug on a previous bike, so don't want to go there again!)? If not new, how do you ensure original? and any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[jimbo696]

Steve,
Congrats on getting the Monster.... If no one on here has Termis, you could try over on ducatisti.co.uk you might get lucky!!

[Steveo]

Cheers Jim I'll give it look.

Ducati Aylesbury have just confirmed delivery this Friday. So guess what I'll be doing all weekend?!!!

[J.P]

If you want a cheaper option that replacing the end cans with Termi's, leave the standard ones on, but get rid of the CAT. It's heavy and slows the airflow and the link pipes are cheaper than a full system. Then use the money to buy a power commander that will smooth the whole engine out for you and make it a much better ride. That's a no brainer.
Also get the open airbox instead of a covered one. The noise will be louder than the exhaust !

[J.P]

And congratulations on getting the bike by the way !
You're just down the road from a bunch of other owners. Why not join out trip to Le Touquet for the day on March 28th. And keep an eye on the KENT section to see what's going on in your area.
And if you want to join a load of us on August 3rd at Cadwell Park drop me a line.

[Steveo]

J.P - Thanks for the advice on the mods..
I saw the thread a while ago on the Le Touquet trip but it's my Dad's 70th do so no can do I'm afraid.
I'll give 3rd August some thought and keep an eye out for the Kent section.

Steve

[J.P]

Good on ya. Always worth a little ride down to the Oakedene Cafe for Brekkie the 2nd Sunday of each month.

[Steveo]

It arrived at 10pm last night and it truely is a thing of beauty..

Out for an inaugural ride later this morning with lunch around midday at Oakdene...

If anyone's around, come and say hi, I'll be the old git with a cheshire cat grin stuck on his face...

Happy days.

[J.P]

Well done. Sunday is sunny all day !