Monster To the Max

MONSTER TO THE MAX

Naked 996

Lovely motor, Ducati’s new dual-spark air-cooler, with great gobs of torque over a broad rpm band. But outright oomph falls short when judged against the 120-plus-bhp four-bangers from Kawasaki and Yamaha.

Not to worry, Ducatisti. Borrowing from its World Superbike-winning roadracers, the Bologna bike-maker has created the pumped-up Monster S4R. The liquid-cooled 996cc V-Twin makes a claimed 113 horsepower, 12 ponies up on the previous 916cc Monster S4 and a whopping 28 more than the Monster 1000S i.e.

Not just a simple engine transplant, the new-for-’04 model boasts substantial chassis and cosmetic upgrades, as well. Leading changes include an MH900e-derived single-sided aluminum swingarm, fully adjustable Showa suspension (with TiN-coated fork legs) and a highrise exhaust system capped by dual rightside mufflers. Also in the makeover mix: multi-function instrumentation with built-in anti-theft immobilizer, a smattering of carbon-fiber body and engine covers, and separate rider and passenger footpeg brackets for enhanced cornering clearance. So far, no word on price.

—Matthew Miles