Are these "S" wheels?

[Au111]

They have Marchesini stickers on them, but they are on a used 'base' HM for sale at a local non-Ducati dealer who doesn't know all the details. Is there an easy way to tell the difference?



(Searched, but couldn't find a photo comparison for my own reference.)

Thanks!

[CDONA]

The S wheels have a red stripe around the rim, just below the bead, stock, and the sticker. There will be a weight difference too, but need to be weighed unmounted, I haven't the numbers offhand.

[Au111]

Originally Posted by CDONA

The S wheels have a red stripe around the rim, just below the bead, stock, and the sticker. There will be a weight difference too, but need to be weighed unmounted, I haven't the numbers offhand.

Thanks - so the base wheels in '08 were Marchesinis, just not forged? If so, that explains it. I had read somewhere on the internets that the base wheels were Enkeis, but that may be wrong.

Thanks.

[PKM]

Originally Posted by Au111

so the base wheels in '08 were Marchesinis, just not forged? If so, that explains it. I had read somewhere on the internets that the base wheels were Enkeis, but that may be wrong.

Correct, cast not forged, roughly 2.5 pound difference IIRC. As already noted, S have the red rim stripe, but also the rim spokes appear a bit "hollowed out" when compared to cast rim. And you read correct, Ducati started using Enkei on some of the 2009+ models (my rims are Enkei).

You may already know, but the bike pictured has some nice aftermarket bits: Termi slip-on, clutch pressure plate and open cover, crash protection spools, windscreen, and DP racing seat.

[Au111]

Originally Posted by PKM

Correct, cast not forged, roughly 2.5 pound difference IIRC. As already noted, S have the red rim stripe, but also the rim spokes appear a bit "hollowed out" when compared to cast rim. And you read correct, Ducati started using Enkei on some of the 2009+ models (my rims are Enkei).

You may already know, but the bike pictured has some nice aftermarket bits: Termi slip-on, clutch pressure plate and open cover, crash protection spools, windscreen, and DP racing seat.

Excellent - thanks. And I certainly noticed the fancy bits. Since the previous owner had done all those other upgrades, I was harboring some hope that these were the lighter S rims!

Now comes the hard part: choosing between (i) an 08 1100S w/ 4600 miles, all stock, but crashed once and still showing scrapes on the swingarm, (ii) the pictured 08 1100 base w/ 1600 miles, completely upgraded, but without pillion pegs, or (iii) a new 796. The S will probably sell for the least, with the 796 the most expensive.

[johnchypermotard]

Originally Posted by Au111

Excellent - thanks. And I certainly noticed the fancy bits. Since the previous owner had done all those other upgrades, I was harboring some hope that these were the lighter S rims!

Now comes the hard part: choosing between (i) an 08 1100S w/ 4600 miles, all stock, but crashed once and still showing scrapes on the swingarm, (ii) the pictured 08 1100 base w/ 1600 miles, completely upgraded, but without pillion pegs, or (iii) a new 796. The S will probably sell for the least, with the 796 the most expensive.

fwiw, when i was going to purchase my hypertard, i spoke with terblanche and a few other friends @ ducati who knew the most about the hypertard ... they all agreed, the base model was the better purchase choice, as i could use the price difference in savings to purchase a termi 2-1 system and some other bits and pieces.

as mentioned here and elsewhere, the delta between the base and s models hypertard are:

• the s model has forged wheels, the base are cast ... both are from marchesini. the s model forged wheels are indeed lighter, and in theory stronger. the wheels are the only difference that i feel are worth it.
  
• the s model has ti coated fork sliders, different caps, and the legs are anodized a different color that the base model ... but both forks are the same internally.
  
• the s model has monoblock brembo front calipers ... the base model has two piece front calipers. another fwiw, the original design had a single caplier on the front. i really like the progressiveness of the two piece calipers on the base model, and have found the monoblocks to be a little less forgiving.
  
• the s model has some carbon fiber bits on it, the base model does not.
  
• the s model has an ohlins branded rear shock, the base model has a sachs rear shock. again, fwiw, my contacts at the factory advised that the ohlins shock on the s model is produced by a third party and branded ohlins ... and that they have had more issues with this shock than the sachs.

all that said ... if my choices were between a crashed s and a straight base model ... i would go for the straight base model and spend the savings (if any) on wheels and the DP termi 2-1 system. then add in some carbon fiber bits as appropriate.

just mho.

[couchflyer]

Go with: (ii) the pictured 08 1100 base w/ 1600 miles, completely upgraded, but without pillion pegs. You can always pick up a set here or on eBay.

[Raiden]

I agree with John and Couchflyer. Don't get a crashed bike the base model looks good and you could mod it to your liking as you go along.

[firstarsbrnwhite]

I say find a nice used S model. Not necessary but you will always be wishing you had it!

[freezer16801]

Originally Posted by firstarsbrnwhite

I say find a nice used S model. Not necessary but you will always be wishing you had it!

wrong. I never wished I had an S. The heavy standard wheels are the lightest wheels I've ever owned on any bike. The stock sachs shock rebuilt feels as good to me as my real ohlins' on my track bike and my previous TLR. The front brakes with HH pads on my standard are close to the best brakes that I've ever had (mono radial mount sumitomos on my R6 with vesrah pads are first).

I easily have the cost difference added back into the bike with mods that actually contribute to the bike's performance. Like 2-1 exhaust, light flywheel, front fork spring/fluid change, rear shock rebuild, complete sliders package, zeta handlebars with armor guards, etc.

go with the standard. The 796 doesn't have adjustable suspension, but otherwise would be a fun bike.

If the standard doesn't have pillion pegs, you won't have to take the wife for a ride!