Triumphrat

JVS1670 · 06-08-2006

Test rode both bikes recently, I took the same route for both and went back to back with no time in between. Both have a ton of charecter and look cool as can be but if price is a factor, which it always is, then the S3 wins I think. Both lifted the front wheel easily in 1st with just the throttle and popped up again in 2nd with a power shift, and this is on bikes with very few miles. The Duc had the best brakes and suspension I have ever experienced but the S3 is real close. Riding an FZ1 now and gettin real close to making a move, S3 is definitely leading the list. Both bikes make the FZ1 feel like a tank in comparison.

nyburner · 06-08-2006

Cool.
If price is really an issue tho, did you check out the S2R1000? Which FZ1 feels like a boat, the 1st gen. or the new one?

JVS1670 · 06-08-2006

No I didn't even bother riding the S2R1000 from what I read I didn't think it would come close to the S3 in the power dept. I'm used to having some hp and didn't think that model would cut it. And yea I have an 03 FZ1 , its a great bike with lots of power up top but actually feels big and sluggish compared to those 2 around town.

jdub3 · 06-08-2006

there is a post on the s4r vs s3 a few weeks back. check it.

and btw:

F Ducati!

:2guns:

[ This message was edited by: jdub3 on 2006-06-08 16:17 ]

Curmudgeon · 06-08-2006

How did the Ducati handle? The Ducati I owned and the Ducatis I've ridden have steered slowly, which is not to my taste. I much prefer the handling of the S3, though I'd love those Ohlins forks from the S4RS!

desmoface · 06-08-2006

Hey JVS, I am in the same boat..looking at new bikes..these two are very close, when $$ is factored in the s3 is a better value...I still haven't been able to pull the trigger though..that s4rs is frickin amazing...I guess I'm a v-twin guy cause that s4rs really pushed me buttons...

Steve

Quote:

On 2006-06-08 15:41, JVS1670 wrote:
Test rode both bikes recently, I took the same route for both and went back to back with no time in between. Both have a ton of charecter and look cool as can be but if price is a factor, which it always is, then the S3 wins I think. Both lifted the front wheel easily in 1st with just the throttle and popped up again in 2nd with a power shift, and this is on bikes with very few miles. The Duc had the best brakes and suspension I have ever experienced but the S3 is real close. Riding an FZ1 now and gettin real close to making a move, S3 is definitely leading the list. Both bikes make the FZ1 feel like a tank in comparison.

[ This message was edited by: desmoface on 2006-06-08 17:24 ]

JVS1670 · 06-08-2006

The Duc was definitely had a heavier feel to the steering but was real stable, it also had a lower seat which made it feel smaller. You could buy a lot of mods for the 5k cheaper price though, once the 07 changes are announced I think it will be S3 time.

stmike · 06-08-2006

[quote]
On 2006-06-08 17:23, desmoface wrote:
Hey JVS, I am in the same boat..looking at new bikes..these two are very close, when $$ is factored in the s3 is a better value...I still haven't been able to pull the trigger though..that s4rs is frickin amazing...I guess I'm a v-twin guy cause that s4rs really pushed me buttons...

Steve

[quote]
Desmo, I don't mean to offend, but have you tried getting some therapy for this neurosis you seem to be experiencing? You've been on this forum for a year come Monday (happy anniversary) and still can't decide what to buy. Judging from your post, it seems that you'd probably be very happy with the S4RS. One of my friends just bought an S2R and is deeply in love with it, and another has had an S4R for a couple of years now, then bought an MV Brutale recently thinking he'd sell the Duc, and ended up selling the MV instead. If a bike really pushes your buttons, then give it a shot.

Golfinc · 06-09-2006

If price is an issue then you don't want to see maintenance costs.

Look at the Duc vs S3 service intervals. Then factor in the cost of parts and labor which is much higher than the S3. My Triumph mechanic does Ducati work as well and he turned me away from an S4R because of the basic service costs and frequency.

[ This message was edited by: Golfinc on 2006-06-09 07:34 ]

R100Pilot · 06-09-2006

Briefly considered the S4. For that kinda scratch, I'd rather have

But then I gotta sickness for Bavarian bikes like you got for Vtwins.

Also considered the S2.

Bought a Speed Triple. Haven't had a bit of buyer's remorse.