Ducati Monster S4RS Review: A Naked Beast with a Superbike Heart

There are motorcycles that thrill. Then there are motorcycles that haunt your dreams. The Ducati Monster S4RS belongs in the latter category—a no-compromise, street-legal beast that combines the raw essence of Ducati’s iconic Monster line with the soul of a championship-winning superbike.

Born during a time when Ducati was pushing boundaries, the S4RS emerged as a masterclass in engineering and design. It wasn’t just a Monster with more power—it was a culmination of Ducati’s racing heritage, technical brilliance, and sheer Italian passion poured into a naked bike platform.

Spare Parts Collection for the Ducati Monster 696

The Power Within: 998cc Testastretta Engine

The beating heart of the S4RS is a 998cc Testastretta L-twin engine—lifted directly from the Ducati 999 Superbike. “Testastretta” translates to “narrow head” in Italian, a nod to the engine’s compact combustion chamber design that boosts performance and combustion efficiency.

This liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin roars to life with 130 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 76.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. These aren’t just impressive numbers—they translate into ferocious real-world acceleration. Whether you're blasting down a highway or carving a mountain road, the throttle response is immediate, intense, and deeply satisfying.

There’s a visceral feeling every time you twist the throttle. It’s not just power—it’s drama, presence, and a little bit of madness in the best way.

Suspension and Handling: Razor-Sharp Precision

Ducati didn’t skimp on the handling department. The S4RS is equipped with top-of-the-line Öhlins suspension—fully adjustable 43mm inverted front forks and a premium Öhlins monoshock in the rear. This isn’t just for show. It offers a level of damping control and feedback that makes the bike feel planted at high speeds and agile in tight corners.

You don’t just ride the S4RS—you become part of it. Every bump, curve, and lean is translated through the frame like a live wire. It feels intuitive and connected, rewarding skilled riders with confidence and control.

Braking: Brembo Brilliance

To harness the wild energy of the Testastretta engine, Ducati gave the S4RS a braking system worthy of a track machine. Dual 320mm front discs with radial-mounted Brembo calipers and a 245mm rear disc deliver stopping power that’s sharp, consistent, and confidence-inspiring.

Hard on the brakes into a corner? The S4RS holds its line. Need emergency braking in traffic? It bites with authority. There’s a finesse to the way the Brembos modulate pressure, giving you the confidence to push harder.

Design: Muscle, Style, and Italian Flair

A quick glance at the Monster S4RS is all it takes to realize this is no ordinary street bike. The classic trellis frame remains the centerpiece, painted to contrast beautifully against the muscular tank and minimalist tail section. Carbon fiber details around the front fender and cam belt covers add an exotic touch.

One of its most striking visual features is the single-sided swingarm, borrowed from Ducati’s high-end lineup. Paired with Y-shaped Marchesini wheels and vertically stacked twin exhausts, it gives the S4RS a stance that’s aggressive and unmistakably premium.

Even stationary, it looks fast.

Riding Experience: Raw, Engaging, and Rewarding

Riding the Ducati Monster S4RS is an experience that stirs the soul. The upright seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, while the narrow tank and wide handlebars offer confidence-inspiring control.

It’s loud, a bit rough around the edges, and full of character. But that’s part of its charm. There’s no traction control or electronic rider aids to dull the experience. It’s just you, the throttle, and pure mechanical honesty.

It demands respect. But for those willing to engage fully, it offers one of the most visceral rides in the naked bike segment.

A Cult Classic: Legacy and Collectibility

Only produced between 2006 and 2008, the S4RS was a short-lived legend—but its legacy lives on. It represented the ultimate evolution of the air/oil-cooled Monster before Ducati began leaning more into electronics and refined road manners.

Today, it’s considered a collector’s bike—especially when found in good condition with original parts. Enthusiasts who own one often keep them for life, not just because of performance, but because the bike tells a story. A story of raw mechanics, Italian racing soul, and a time when motorcycles didn’t ask for permission—they demanded attention.

Technical Specs Snapshot

Here’s a brief look at what makes the S4RS a standout machine:

• Engine: 998cc L-Twin Testastretta, liquid-cooled

• Power: 130 hp @ 9,500 rpm

• Torque: 76.7 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm

• Suspension: Fully adjustable Öhlins (front and rear)

• Brakes: Brembo radial calipers, dual 320mm front discs

• Frame: Tubular steel trellis

• Wheels: Marchesini lightweight alloys

• Weight (dry): Approx. 390 lbs (177 kg)

• Fuel capacity: 13.5 liters (3.6 gallons)

Why It Still Matters Today

In today’s world of electronically-governed machines, the Monster S4RS serves as a refreshing reminder of what motorcycling used to be—and what it still can be. It’s a machine for purists. For riders who want the full experience, unfiltered and unapologetic.

It’s also incredibly customizable. Owners often upgrade exhaust systems, swap in performance clutches, or enhance the handling with lighter wheels and upgraded rearsets. Aftermarket parts for the S4RS are widely available, allowing riders to tailor the machine to their unique preferences without sacrificing its soul.

Ducati Monster S4RS: The Ultimate Naked Sportbike

Final Thoughts: The Monster That Still Roars

The Ducati Monster S4RS isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s an emotion. It speaks to those who crave adrenaline but appreciate engineering. It seduces with looks, hooks you with performance, and rewards you with a riding experience that’s hard to forget.

Sure, there are faster, more high-tech bikes today. But few offer the blend of heritage, performance, and personality that the S4RS delivers in spades.

If you ever get the chance to ride—or better yet, own—one, don’t pass it up. Some motorcycles come and go. But legends like the Monster S4RS? They stay with you forever.