Riding now: Ducati Monster S4R

Now that the summer has really hits these shores, the Norge has become too hot to ride: I'm just too well protected against any air stream, even when riding on fast country roads. I hate the idea of riding without any protective gear, so basically I had three options: 1) stop riding on summer or 2) change the bike or 3) buy a separate summer bike.

Buying a summer bike is not that simple when you have a limited budget and an odd restricted set of mind: no bike within my budget seems to be a perfect fit for my criteria. Finally, as I'm a big fan of Italian motors, I restricted my decision between Griso, Monster and Brutale, rejecting Brutale because of too far-away dealer support, then eliminated Griso because of recent arguing at my local Guzzi dealer: they declined to use the Agip 10W60 oil (which I supplied, and which is THE recommended grade in the manual) and insisted on using their Silkolene 15W40 oil instead. That was so amazing attitude, that it was bye-bye to Griso. That leaves Ducati Monster then. I found a red 2005 S4R with 14000 km on the clock for sale at Maison de la Moto and after two test rides I bought it.

To be honest, it (the S4R) felt almost scary on my first test ride - the front end was running wide  in corners and the engine was like crazy. It turned out that the tire pressures were low and that the suspension settings were really strange to my liking: a bit hard front end combined with soft and low rear, where rebound damping was nevertheless fully tightened. Odd mixture! Now she's back to factory settings (almost, I have not been able adjust the rear preload as I don't have the required tool) and already behaves pretty well. Even the engine feels less crazy now - fresh fuel makes wonders. Fast and beautiful she is!

More photos with higher resolution at http://pexi.smugmug.com/gallery/3051914