Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta (2007-2008): Review & Buying Guide

Price: £7000-£13,000 | Power: 130bhp | Weight: 177kg | Overall BikeSocial Rating: 4/5

They say the brightest stars burn for the shortest time and that is most certainly the case with the Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta. Arriving in 2007, the S4R S (let’s drop the Testastretta part of its name for ease) built upon the S4R’s (the first water-cooled Monster model) already pretty spirited base to create a seriously frothing at the mouth Monster that was the most aggressive naked bike Ducati had ever built. Armed with top-spec chassis components, and with a price tag to match, the S4R S was effectively a 999-powered Monster super naked and had absolutely no corners cut. Only produced for two short years, if you are into Monsters it is the absolute pinnacle of the ‘old-school’ versions and is staggering to ride. Fast, stylish and extremely impressive in the bends, the S4R S is an incredible machine – and one that also commands a pretty incredible price tag! Is it worth over £10,000 considering it is quite an old bike now and not even that powerful compared to a modern super naked? Arguably not but those who love them will happily pay through the nose for what remains a standout Monster model. And who are we to argue with them?

Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta (2007-2008) Price

Back in 2007 the S4R S would have set you back just under £10,000 – which is a remarkable amount of cash when you consider the S4R was £8250 and the 999 only a few quid more at £11,250. However what is even more remarkable is that nowadays a used S4R S will still cost you around the same amount – if not even more. Relatively rare in the used market due to the fact that they didn’t sell in huge numbers and were only available in 2007 and 2008, a good condition S4R S will cost you between £7000 and £11,000 with a few even advertised for over this. Are they really worth that amount? To be fair the used prices of 998 and 999 sportsbikes have gone through the roof, so why shouldn’t the naked version follow suit.

Engine and Performance

The S4R S may use the same basic Testastretta engine as the S4R however Ducati decided to give it a stack more performance in S guise. Producing a claimed 130bhp, which is 13bhp more than the S4R, as well as 76.7lb-ft of torque it is pretty close in terms of its power output to the last 999 (in 2006 it made 140bhp with 80.4lb-ft before being replaced by the 1098). Packing a dedicated oil cooler design as well as a deep-sump (to stop oil starvation under extreme use), 12-hole fuel injectors (the throttle bodies are smaller than the 999’s) and trick cams, the S4R S’s engine is noticeably more impressive to use than the standard S4R model’s.

A simply amazing engine, the S4R S’s has all the soul and feel you would expect from an older Ducati V-twin yet as it is housed in a naked bike, it feels far more rapid and thrilling than in a sportsbike. Deceptively quick to accelerate, the way the Monster picks up pace is certain to make you grin and once on the pipe it sounds incredible – especially through a set of slightly cheeky Termis. But, and you know what is coming here, it is an older Ducati and that means it can (and probably will...) be expensive to run.

As on all older Testastretta engines, the cam belts need changing every two years and the valve-clearances also checked very regularly. Technically, Ducati say the S4R S requires a service every 7500 miles with the valve-clearances checked every 7500 miles and belts changed at 15,000 miles however this isn’t realistic. Owners seldom cover 7500 miles a year and so it all falls down to the two-year service when the belts are swapped and clearances checked and in between the oil and filters are changed. Always inspect the bike’s service history and if in doubt, get the belts changed and clearances inspected just to be safe, which will set you back about £500. To be honest, as the S4R S tends to only get used on dry days, mechanically-speaking they are generally pretty sound. Check the radiator and oil cooler for damage as they are prone to getting dented by stones flung up from the front wheel, see if the clutch slave cylinder is leaking (they all do eventually, look for paint peeling around it) and ensure the bike has been remapped to suit any aftermarket cans and all should be well. If you find the bike a bit aggressive on the throttle, you may want to consider altering its gearing. The standard ratios are 15/43 but 15/42 (which the pre-Testastretta S4R ran) makes it a little calmer...

Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta (2007-2008) Handling & Suspension

The S4R and S4R S share the same tubular steel chassis and single sided swingarm (with identical geometry) but the S ups its performance through Öhlins suspension front and rear (the R has Showa forks and a Sachs shock) and Brembo pad-per-piston radial brake calipers. Interestingly both bikes share the same Y-spoke lightweight alloy Marchesini wheels.

On the go the S4R S is sublime – uncomfortable and a bit committed admittedly but still sublime. Thanks to the traditional stretched out Monster riding position and wide bars, you really feel at one with the bike and it responds with glee to you muscling it through bends. Although firm the suspension is fully-adjustable and can easily be tweaked to give a less harsh ride and the brakes are simply astounding – which is to be expected as they are taken from a sportsbike and stuck on a 177kg naked! If rapid twisty A-road riding (or smooth B-roads) is your thing, the S4R S will feel right at home and is an absolute joy to blast along on.

When buying used, much like the engine, the S4R S’s general lack of use makes it quite a safe buy. Always inspect the swingarm to see if its eccentric adjuster moves freely, give the Öhlins suspension a good check for leaks as they don’t like to be left standing still (often they initially leak slightly then reseal once the seals get lubricated) and check for dragging pads as the pad-per-piston Brembos are quite prone to sticking pistons but generally all should be well. It’s unlikely but lookout for dings in the front wheel caused by heavy wheelie landings (or kerbs) and inspect the carbon panels for cracks around their mounting lugs as they can be a bit fragile.

Comfort & Economy

Slightly annoyingly, the Testastretta motor is a bit taller than the old 916/996 engine that the original S4 models used and that means the S4R and S4R S Testastretta have just 14 litre tanks, shrunken by 1.5 litres in the update. Averaging about 38mpg (it can often be less...) this equates to a range of around 138 miles but realistically, it will be about 120 miles until the fuel warning light illuminates. Do you want to travel any further on a Monster? Not really and although the S4R S does have a small fly screen as standard, it’s not much use and the riding position and firm seat make covering big mileages a bit of a strain.

Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta (2007-2008) Equipment

Bereft of any electronics aside from an immobiliser, the high spec of the S4R S means that there isn’t much you really need, or could want, to add to one – well aside from the almost obligatory twin stacked Termignoni pipes! Yep, it is almost impossible to find an S4R S that doesn’t have these twin carbon pipes on it, which were an official Ducati accessory. A few owners fit other brands but this is a Ducati from the 2000s, it needs Termis so pay extra for the real deal. A few owners fit trinkets such as open clutch covers (it has a dry clutch) and extra carbon covers but the vast majority stop at a set of cans – which to be honest is all it needs.

Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta (2007-2008) Rivals

Considering its high price tag, owners of the S4R S tend to be dedicated Monster fans. It’s a good bike but not one for mainstream Monster fans, simply down to its cost.

Benelli TnT 1300 (2004-2018)| Approx Price: £4000-£8000

Power/Torque: 130bhp/86lb-ft | Weight: 199kg

Aprilia Tuono (2003-2011) | Approx Price: £2500- £5500

Power/Torque: 116bhp/78lb-ft | Weight: 180kg

Triumph Speed Triple 1050 (2005-2010) | Approx Price: £2500-£6000

Power/Torque: 128bhp/78lb-ft | Weight: 189kg

Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta (2007-2008) Verdict

If you look at the S4R S’s price tag and wince, it’s not for you. Yes, this is a very expensive naked bike but by the same token it is also a pretty special bit of kit. The absolute pinnacle of the old-school Monster models, the S4R S is stunning to ride with a ballistic engine and heaps of kerb-appeal. And a catastrophic price tag... Far from a mainstream Monster model, the S4R S is a bit special and you need to be prepared to pay for this exclusivity. If you are happy to do this, it’s a great bike. If not, maybe an S4 will be more to your (and your wallet’s) liking...

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Ducati Monster S4R S Testastretta (2007-2008) – Technical Specification

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