Description
The original and first Ducati Monster started as a styling exercise, an idea that required a lot of convincing to the top brass. Once the project was approved, the diligent thumb of the Ducati accounts department wasn’t lifted, a desire to keep costs low meant that the first Monsters weren’t really “monstrous” as such, but parts-bin specials.
Ducati launched the S4R over a decade after the Monster’s first release, now fitted with a 996 engine, a twin high-rise exhaust a single-sided swing arm and 113BHP! This particular 2004 Monster S4R is no ordinary example though, its been treated to a host of upgrades, modifications and improvements to build the ultimate Monster.
When you first approach the bike, it’s instantly clear that extensive changes have been made. The most obvious start with the removal of the twin-high-rise exhaust system. In its place is a QD exhaust system that cuts off before the rear wheel, and is mounted far lower than the original system. There are three additional benefits, the lower mounting position helps to improve the bike's centre of gravity, whilst the design also helps to narrow the bike, and finally, it sounds really, really good.
Whilst you’re admiring the QD exhaust system, you’ll notice that the rear swing arm is far more visible than on a standard S4R, the rear plastics have all been removed, and the end of the frame modified to suit a Café racer style seat from Jainsco.
For the bike’s handling, the rear damper was replaced with a fully adjustable Ohlins unit, whilst the forks were sent to Brooks Suspension to be overhauled and upgraded as well as anodised in a classy gold finish. A more aggressive handlebar position is achieved thanks to clip-ons from Woodcraft Technologies. This set-up is all tied together with a near-slick set of Pirelli Diablo tyres.
The Cafe Racer theme continues, a lightweight headlight is mounted lower than the standard unit, and bar-end indicators allow a fully streamlined look whilst still being able to pass an MOT. The bike is finished in a deep shade of gloss black with contrasting grey decal “M” motifs.
Whilst the modifications made are extensive, the pattern is simple, and it lives up to the original Monster’s lineage. Take a base bike, that might be good, or even great, and remove all the unnecessary frills, take it back to exactly what it needs to be so that the rider and the machine operate as one unit.
The work on the bike was completed by its builder, Rob Maxwell, who set out to build his perfect Monster, the concoction of anodised aluminium and carbon fibre is a heady one and is probably best suited to the brave. But we think this is one of the coolest bikes to ever have rolled through our doors, it has covered just over 11, 000 miles and is ready to ride.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The bike can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
