Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Monsters > Buying S4R - What to look for?

[infoage1]

Originally Posted by Gilps

I thought that the S4r used a gel type battery, not the lead/acid type. If so then it should be ok.

http://www.ducatimonster.org/smf/index.php?topic=34.0

Please read the above link.

They use what is referred to as an AGM/VRLA battery. They are not technically sealed. The OEM GS and also the OEM FIAMM batteries leaked (same design by GS). I had two in my S4 leak, before I went with a Yuasa (which is now owned by GS, btw). My friend's three week old 2004 S4r battery leaked. If I had one of the above batteries, I would change it to a Yuasa AGM--no questions. There are over fifty similar examples documented above.

Gel batteries have never been used.

[Nattyboy]

As usual - van is wrong - lol ! (anyway his was the slower blue version!!).

The S4R is a fine tool - ive embarrased many rice rockets on trackdays..toured to france on it, I nip to the shops on it, does nearly 155mph on the clock (on an airfield obviously - ahem)

As for things to look for...nothing major I can think off. On a bike with 8k you really need to have a good sniff round the paint on the crankcases as unless you a bit anal with your cleaning (as I am!!) then they will flake after a while.

Without stealing the DSC's thunder - you'll get a muc more specific feedback on www.ukmonster.co.uk.

Good luck

Nat