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Ducati Monster S2R 800 Tuning Guide

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Overview

Oh Ducati, why must you tease us so?

Air-cooled, desmodromically actuated valves, belt driven, and a single-sided-swingarm to boot.

What’s not to love about the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Ducati Monster S2R 800?

With 75 hp (horsepower) and 52 ft. lbs (foot pounds) of torque (tq), there are certainly faster bikes on the market, at the time, and currently. So why would you spring for such a machine?

Because it’s visceral, Italian, incredibly robust, and it’s reminiscent of simpler times. A fully analog motorcycle focused on beauty and performance.

Lets get into it.

[Overview of Ducati’s History]

[Aprilia vs Ducati Reliability]

Ducati Monster S2R 800 Tuning

Motorcycle ‘tuning’ comes down to a few things:

The air that is taken in, the amount of fuel that is able to be distributed (ie: injected in this case), and the rate at which the mixture of air / fuel can be ignited (spark).

In the days of air-cooled, analog, Ducati’s this meant a jet kit for your carburetor, which increases the amount of fuel that can be transported through the carburetor.
An intake kit, whether it be modifying the stock unit (commonly removing the top, or cutting, of the factory airbox), a K&N replacement filter, or a K&N Pod filter setup.

Chopped Airbox Example Courtesy of Ducati.ms / Pod Filter Example Courtesy of Brad The Bike Boy

For modern fuel-injected models, most owners prefer to go with a Power Commander fuel management system. This is in lieu of any carburetor jet kits as the fuel distribution (air fuel ratio, or AFR) is electronically controlled. This Power Commander will allow you to access your system via a laptop, computer, or other suitable connection.

Lastly, the shiniest and most favored of all Ducati Monster S2R 800 tuning related upgrades: a fuel exhaust system to fully encapsulate the single-sided-swingarm and dual exit exhaust.

Most owners prefer to go with a Termignoni exhaust system. These are historically the most desirable systems in the Ducati community, and what’s not to like about their high quality carbon fiber canisters?

My experience renting my motorcycles for cash on the side:

[Riders Share Motorcycle Rentals – My Review As an Owner]

Performance Upgrade Recap – Important Notes

These are the primary performance upgrades for your Ducati Monster S2R 800 tuning. However, it should also be considered that to have a fully tuned Ducati Monster S2R 800, you will need to make sure that all of your services are up to date. It is absolutely necessary to perform regular maintenance to preserve the looks, and performance, of your Ducati – or any motorcycle for that matter. When servicing your Ducati Monster S2R 800, you should remember that your valve clearances must be regularly checked to ensure optimal functioning, and your belts (most Ducati motorcycles, prior to modern chain-drive systems, have belt driven cams) replaced as necessary. If properly maintained, your Ducati Monster S2R 800 – or other motorcycle – will be a high performing, reliable, machine for years to come.

What about Ducati valves?

Fuel Injection and Performance Services for Optimal Tuning

Adjusting the Throttle Body (Synchronization)

Per the Ducati S2R 800 shop manual, you will need to follow these instructions to fully synchronize, or balance, your throttle bodies. Please keep in mind that this is Ducati’s supplied service material. This means that you will be under the assumption of having all necessary equipment and modules to perform the service as guided.

The throttle body is a crucial component in engine power management. It is responsible for performance and exhaust emission control. During production, the throttle body assembly is adjusted and set using data from extensive testing. It is an integral part of the injection-ignition system and must work in harmony with all other parts of the system.

Therefore, the throttle body should be treated as a whole. This section describes the procedure for adjusting the throttle body as a system, including:

  • Balancing the air flows
  • Setting the CO rate

It is important to view the throttle body as a complete system in order to ensure proper functioning and performance.

  • Connect the Measurement Module (3) to the Measurement Module connector (D) of the DDS.
  • Connect sensors (4) and (5) to connectors (A) and (C) of cable (3), regardless of the combination.
  • Connect vacuum/pressure hoses (6) to sensors (4) and (5) and connect fittings (7) to these hoses.
  • Turn on the DDS (1). Refer to “Instrument power supply” for instructions.
  • Enter the “Measurement module” function.
  • Press the “Cylinder synchronization” icon.
  • The page will show you which socket of the cable (Measurement Module) (3) to use with a capital A, B, or C.
  • Remove the screws (20) from the intake manifolds and install couplings (7) in the seat of screws (20).
  • Fully tighten and close the by-pass screws (19).
  • Start the engine and run it slightly fast.
  • Connect an exhaust gas analyser to
  • the exhaust pipe take-up points using
  • fittings (22) part no. 88713.1010 and
  • measure the CO rate of each cylinder.
  • If the percentage is outside the
  • specified value (1.5% Vol.), adjust the
  • trimmer.
  • Switch on DDS (1), refer to
  • “Instrument power supply”.
  • Connect the diagnosis connector (A),
  • the power and diagnosis cable (2) to
  • the motorcycle diagnosis socket (B).
  • Enter the general functions menu,
  • pressing “Menu Key 1” icon (C).
  • Press the “Vehicle selection” icon.

To fully understand the instructions above, be sure to see the full shop procedure in the PDF link below.

You can access the full procedure for Ducati Monster S2R Tuning – Throttle Body Synchronization here

Exhaustive Ducati Monster S2R 800 History

If you’ve made it this far, I bet you’re familiar with this bikes history. If you’re not, don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.

The Ducati Monster S2R 800 is a motorcycle that was produced by Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati from 2005 to 2008. It is part of the Monster range of motorcycles, which are known for their naked or “streetfighter” style and performance.

The Monster S2R 800 is powered by an 803 cc air-cooled, L-twin engine that produces 75 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque. It features a six-speed transmission and a wet clutch. The motorcycle has a steel trellis frame and is equipped with 43 mm upside-down forks at the front and a rear monoshock suspension. It also has a single-sided swingarm, which is a signature design feature of Ducati’s Monster range. The S2R 800 has a dry weight of 169 kg (372 lbs) and a fuel capacity of 15 liters (3.9 gallons).

In terms of design, the Monster S2R 800 has a classic, minimalist look with a round headlight, a large fuel tank, and a single-seat design. It also has a relatively compact size, which makes it a good choice for riders who are looking for a sporty, agile motorcycle that is easy to maneuver in traffic.

One of the standout features of the Monster S2R 800 is its performance. It has a quick acceleration and a top speed of around 135 mph (217 km/h). It also has a relatively sporty handling, thanks to its suspension setup and lightweight design. The motorcycle also has good brakes, with a pair of 320 mm discs at the front and a 245 mm disc at the rear, both of which are equipped with four-piston calipers.

In terms of comfort and practicality, the Monster S2R 800 has a comfortable riding position and a relatively smooth ride, thanks to its suspension setup and engine design. It also has a relatively high-quality finish, with good-quality components and materials used throughout the motorcycle. However, it does have some limitations in terms of storage, with only a small tail section under the seat for storing small items.

Overall, the Ducati Monster S2R 800 is a sporty and agile motorcycle that offers a good balance of performance, handling, and comfort. It is a popular choice among riders who are looking for a naked or streetfighter-style motorcycle with a classic, minimalist design and a strong performance.

That’s all for now everyone. Remember that Ducati’s (or any motorcycle) will be a well-performing, reliable machine, for years to come, when maintained and cared for properly.

Any questions, concerns, or needs otherwise?
Let me know in the comment fields below!

-The Seasoned Wrench