[Cess pit]

Thought I'd jot down my impressions of the S4r so far as similar threads have help me in the past.
As a direct comparision to the 848 I owned I find the monster is a more relaxed bike.
Certianly not as focused as the 848, hardly suprising I suppose, but it does mean you can tiddle around the country lanes obeying speed limits without feeling the bike is constantly straining at the leash waiting to scream off into the distance.
However should you feel the need, and I often do, to apply some madness and twist the loudness tap then you are in for a treat. This is one fast bike.
The ton appears with ease and it is only above 3 figures that the lack of a fairing makes an impression.
Stopping is just as easy, never more than two fingers on the lever to achieve some incredible braking that requires you to really hang on with your knees on the tank. Unlike myself on these occasions the bike remains stable and composed through out this process.
I find that she is a "loose" bike that shakes and shimmys occasionally but this is all very predictable and just adds to the fun. Not sure if a damper is needed though I can see some would appreciate the peace of mind. Handling is superb, very Duke-like, all stable mid-corner with lots of feedback and the Pilot Power 2ct tyres are perfectly suited to this bike. They were the tyres I wanted for the 848. Lots of grip and feed back, quick warm up and good in the wet too, the perfect road tyre I guess.
She is quit a practicle bike too, comfy, good riding position thats easy on both back and wrists and quite roomy allowing you to wriggle around if thats your thing.
Any sort of spirited riding will see the light coming on at between 80 -90 miles (or less), however Ive achieved 110 miles and counting on the motorway at a steady 90 which I thought was good.
As always, the carbon fairy will visit from time to time and I'm no exception here. So far I have added a carbon hugger, a real must IMO and some R&G crash bungs as that radiator looks so vunerable. Open clutch cover to release that wonderful Ducati clutch noise is also something you must do and I am a convert to the dry clutch, really brilliant.
Passo levers have made a difference too as they have increased the feel especially on the brakes and look awesome.
Plenty more things planned, Exhaust of some description, carbon bits and I'll shorten the tail at some point too.
If you are up for a practical bike that does most things in a typical Ducati type way then you would be hard pushed to find a better alternative I think, and....it looks bloody gorgeous.
Thanks for staying with this, have fun
Cess pit