On the contrary, this evaluation has its source in his relentless pursuit of
perfection. “Some people buy a Ducati and think that bolting on an aftermarket
can, swapping the tires and adding all the fashionable performance bits is
enough,” Kenefick says, “but every modification needs to be done with a profound
understanding that includes the machine’s purpose and the rider’s intent, and
their combined capabilities. Having raced, I know where the limits are—and they
are beyond what most of us can ever experience. My goal is to build a bike that
inspires the most expert to explore those limits.” For those who sup with the
gods of motor-cycling, Kenefick has constructed creatures some of his clients
call “scary,” in the most complimentary sense of the word. Lust for this level
of speed, power and handling is the edge of the sword that slices raindrops in
two.
 Photograph by Cordero Studios/ www.corderostudios.com (Click image to enlarge)
Being presented to the goddess Kenefick has made, what was raw lust becomes the
immortal beloved. Compared with the stock S4R, his “Full Tilt Boogie” has the
power and polish that comes only from the touch of a single-minded artist and
craftsman. The once-effete silhouette has given way to proud sinews. This is a
lioness ready to lunge.
 “Full Tilt Boogie” references both the appearance and performance of the
RetroSBK Monster. Photograph by Kevin Wing.
RIDING STYLE
Helmet: Shoei X-Eleven Norick 5 TC-1
Jacket: Arlen Ness Old School
Gloves: Spidi Penta
Pants: Icon Anthem
Boots: Sidi Doha. (Click image to enlarge)
Where carbon fiber panels masked passable welds, and wayward wiring marred
classic lines, Kenefick trimmed and tucked, smoothing the shapes and discarding
the unnecessary. “By reducing weight and unsprung mass, we allow the bike to
turn better, stop quicker and accelerate harder,” he explains, pointing to a
plastic tub filled with parts removed—over 60 lbs worth. “The beautiful body was
there. I just gave it the chance to show itself.”A forensic examination of Kenefick’s method and result confirms his respect for
the source material. The Monster as street brawler has been disciplined. As
Kenefick’s study of Arnis Balite, the Filipino art of fighting, has taught him,
“There is no place for a ruffian … refinement in character is important.”
 SpeedyMoto clutch cover. Photograph by Cordero Studios/ www.corderostudios.com (Click image to enlarge)
The key issue in transforming the bike was matching the balance of engine and
chassis to the upgraded performance. “The stock Monster can’t get significant
weight over the front wheel, so there is not enough front-end grip under
acceleration,” he notes. “Usually people jack up the rear end, which creates
spin. Our solution was to lengthen and stiffen the swingarm, increasing the
angle of lift in the back of the bike. The wheelbase was also lengthened and the
trail reduced. The bike now steers quicker and with less effort, the suspension
is more controlled, and the overall ride is more composed.”.A stem-to-stern review evidences Kenefick’s skill in the sourcing and
application of best-in-class components. Starting where the rubber meets the
road, the originals have been superseded by one-off BT002 MotoGP compound
race-quality tires with hand cut treads, custom made in Japan for the bike by
Bridgestone, courtesy of Little Big Racing. The wheels are bold, black and beautiful—forged magnesium from Germany’s PVM.
They are five pounds lighter than stock, yet add the visual heft missing from
the factory edition.
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