The S4R Testastretta is the latest update on Ducati's highly successful Monster line of naked sportsters.

The Ducati bettered the Aprilia in the braking department, providing the outright strength of the Tuono's binders without the grabbyness that can catch a rider off guard.

'The Testastretta engine is the highlight of the new S4R,' BC proclaims. 'It pulls hard off the bottom and continues to pull hard all the way to redline.'

Stylewise the most riveting element on the Duc is a nicely sculpted single-sided swingarm that exposes a lovely Y-spoked Marchesini wheel that is framed at its upper end by dual stacked mufflers.

If MCUSA owned an S4R, the stock exhaust would immediately get yarded into a dumpster.

The Duc's intrument panel looks almost BMW-esque in its stark simplicity of black on white dual analog pods, and the tightly spaced numerals on the 160-mph speedo are too small to read quickly; the digital speedometers on the other bikes are much easier to see at a glance.

If the Tuono feels tall, the Monster feels long. While that's partly because of the longish reach for the tapered aluminum bar with a slightly odd bend.

A view of the Monster's tailight assembly.

The only plain round headlight in the group is accented by a flyscreen that offers minimal but useful wind protection even if it flutters at speed.

In suspension, while the Ducati S4R's 43mm Showa fork is similar, the shock includes compression damping adjustability the Tuono doesn't.

Says BC: 'It was able to soak up the rough stuff on the back roads, yet was stiff enough for the faster and smoother track duties.'

'Like the Aprilia, the Ducati's suspension seemed to work well in all conditions without any major adjustments,' says BC.

In terms of handling qualities, the Monster's longer wheelbase is offset by a rake angle 1.0 degree steeper (24.0) than the Tuono's and 8mm less trail.

The S4R represents the Ducati stereotype well, proving to be not especially nimble but highly stable.

Note the poor form of the right foot forced by the exhaust system that keeps a rider from placing weight on the balls of his feet.

Donny B comments. 'The Ducati's trellis frame does a great job transmitting feedback to the rider when cranked over on its side. Nothing ever gets out of shape or even sketchy.'

The Duc casts a nice glow in the So-Cal setting sun.

Depending on who you asked about its appearance, it's either a modern classic or due for a redesign.

If MCUSA owned an S4R, the stock exhaust would immediately get yarded into a dumpster.

You can identify a Testastretta motor by the deep sump under the engine. The Monster's handlebar is lower and further forward than the Tuono's.

Okay, we hate to harp on it, but here's the alternative foot placement on the S4R, with the rider on the balls of his feet but only half on peg because of the exhaust pipes, which quickly wears out toe sliders.

We call him Danger around the office here. Duke turns laps on the Duc.

Mr. Danger evaluates the Ducati S4R's track credentials at the Horsethief Mile.

The worst design element of the Ducati is its exhaust pipe and shield getting in the way of the right-side boots of riders when all the balls of their feet - style over substance.

The Testastretta motor is a perfect companion to this chassis.

'I'd say this bike felt the closest to a true sportbike,' Donny B.

MCUSA prez, Donny B, leads the Duc through a turn with Duke giving chase on the Brutale.