Ducati Monster 1000 S4R [2004-2008]: A Roaring Testament to Italian Naked Bike Mastery

The Ducati Monster S4R in its natural habitat: aggressive, unapologetic, and ready to dominate the road.

Introduction

When Ducati unleashed the Monster S4R in 2004, it wasn’t just another iteration of their iconic naked bike—it was a declaration of war on mediocrity. Built around the beating heart of Ducati’s legendary Superbike engines and draped in a minimalist, muscular design, the S4R generation (2004-2008) remains a high-water mark for raw, unfiltered motorcycling. This isn’t a bike that whispers sweet nothings—it growls, snarls, and demands your attention. After a spirited test ride on a meticulously maintained 2007 S4R Testastretta, here’s why this machine continues to captivate riders who crave adrenaline over compromise.

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Design & Aesthetics: Brutish Beauty

The S4R’s trellis frame and single-sided swingarm—a marriage of form and function.

The Monster S4R’s design ethos is simple: strip away the excess and let the mechanical poetry speak. The tubular steel trellis frame isn’t just a structural element—it’s a visual signature, exposing the bike’s skeleton like a badge of honor. Paired with the single-sided aluminum swingarm (a rarity in nakeds of this era), the S4R exudes a purposeful, almost industrial charm.

Color schemes evolved yearly, ranging from the classic Rosso Corsa red with white racing stripes to bold tricolor liveries and matte black finishes. The 2007-2008 “Tricolore” editions, with their green-white-red accents, are particularly striking, nodding to Ducati’s racing heritage. At 800 mm (31.5 inches), the seat height is accessible for average riders, though the narrow profile and forward-leaning ergonomics encourage an aggressive stance. This isn’t a bike for lazy cruising—it’s a crouched predator waiting to pounce.

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Engine & Performance: Testastretta Terror

Key specs:
- Engine: 996-998cc liquid-cooled L-twin, Desmodromic valve control
- Power: 113-128 HP (115.5-128.3 HP in later models)
- Torque: 95.5-103.9 Nm (70.4-76.6 lb-ft)
- Redline: 10,600 RPM

The Testastretta engine: a masterpiece of mechanical fury.

The S4R’s soul lies in its engine. Early models (2004-2005) used the 996cc Desmoquattro mill from the 916 Superbike, producing 113-115 HP. By 2006, Ducati upgraded to the Testastretta (“narrow head”) engine—a 998cc beast derived from the 999 Superbike. The result? A seismic leap to 128 HP at 9,500 RPM and a visceral 103.9 Nm torque peak at 10,600 RPM.

Twist the throttle, and the Testastretta delivers violence in the best possible way. Below 6,000 RPM, it’s docile enough for city traffic, but cross that threshold, and the engine transforms into a feral animal. The V-twin’s signature lope evolves into a metallic scream as revs climb, accompanied by a thunderous exhaust note from the twin under-seat mufflers. Ducati’s Marelli fuel injection (with 50mm throttle bodies) ensures crisp throttle response, though purists might miss the raw edge of carburetors.

The dry clutch adds to the drama—its rattle at idle is a mechanical overture, announcing the S4R’s racing DNA. Paired with a butter-smooth 6-speed gearbox, this engine isn’t just powerful—it’s alive.

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Handling & Dynamics: Controlled Chaos

Chassis highlights:
- Frame: Tubular steel trellis
- Front suspension: Showa or Öhlins 43mm fully adjustable USD forks
- Rear suspension: Sachs or Öhlins monoshock (adjustable)
- Brakes: Dual 320mm front discs, single 245mm rear disc

Lean, mean, and razor-sharp—the S4R devours corners.

With a dry weight of 177-181 kg (390-399 lbs), the S4R feels shockingly light for a liter-class bike. The steering geometry—24° rake and 1440 mm (56.7") wheelbase—strikes a perfect balance between stability and agility. Throw it into a corner, and the front end responds with telepathic precision, while the single-sided swingarm keeps the rear planted.

Suspension varies by model year. Base S4Rs feature Showa USD forks and Sachs shocks, while the upspec “S” trims (like the 2007 S4R S Testastretta) upgrade to Öhlins gold at both ends. Fully adjustable preload, compression, and rebound damping let riders tailor the setup for track days or spirited street rides.

Braking is equally ferocious. The dual Brembo monoblocs up front deliver eye-widening stopping power, though the single rear disc feels underwhelming by comparison. Modern riders might crave ABS, but the S4R’s raw, unfiltered feedback rewards skilled hands.

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Competition: How the S4R Stacks Up

In the mid-2000s naked bike wars, the S4R faced stiff rivals:

| Competitor | Pros | Cons |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Aprilia Tuono 1000R | Soaring V-twin power, sharp handling | Ergos too aggressive for some, reliability quirks |
| MV Agusta Brutale 910 | Exotic design, intoxicating 4-cylinder sound | Higher maintenance costs, cramped ergonomics |
| Yamaha FZ1 | Smooth inline-4, bulletproof reliability | Lacks character, softer suspension |

The S4R carved its niche by blending Superbike performance with streetfighter attitude. While the Japanese rivals prioritized practicality, and the Brutale oozed Italian flamboyance, the Monster offered a middle ground—track-ready aggression with just enough civility for daily rides. Its trump card? That soul-stirring L-twin, which none of its inline-4 or V4 competitors could match for sheer theatricality.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Desmo service: a rite of passage for Ducati owners.

Owning an S4R isn’t for the faint of wallet—or the mechanically disinclined. Key considerations:

1. Desmodromic Valves
   Ducati’s Desmo system eliminates valve float but demands precise adjustments every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Neglect this, and you risk catastrophic engine damage.

2. Clutch & Transmission
   The dry clutch wears faster than wet systems—expect to replace plates every 15,000-20,000 km (9,300-12,400 miles). Chain and sprocket (15/43T) maintenance is critical; lubricate regularly and adjust tension to 30-40mm (1.2-1.6").

3. Fluids & Filters

4. Oil: SAE 10W-40 synthetic, 3.1L with filter
5. Coolant: 2.7L of ethylene glycol mix

6. Brake fluid: DOT 4, flushed biennially

7. Tire Pressures

8. Front: 2.1-2.3 bar (30-33 psi)

9. Rear: 2.2-2.4 bar (32-35 psi)

10. Upgrades & Fixes

11. Swap stock brake pads for sintered variants (e.g., Brembo Z04) for better bite.
12. Aftermarket exhausts (Termignoni, Akrapovič) unlock hidden power and amplify the V-twin roar.
13. Upgrade suspension springs if riding two-up or carrying luggage.

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Conclusion: A Modern Classic

The S4R—aging like a fine Italian wine.

The Monster S4R isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a time capsule from an era when electronics didn’t mediate between rider and machine. It’s flawed, demanding, and utterly magnificent. For those willing to embrace its quirks (and keep up with its maintenance), the S4R delivers an experience no modern bike can replicate: pure, unadulterated motorcycling passion.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we’re here to keep your S4R roaring for decades. From Desmo toolkits to performance exhausts, explore our catalog to make your Monster truly yours.

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Specifications sheet

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