ducati st4s

We had the opportunity to ride the similarly freshened ST4s ABS. (During tripping to Barcelona, Spain, to attend the world release of Ducati's new ST3 sport-tourer), we built with the same frame and bodywork as the ST3, the $16,295 ST4s ABS (subtract $1000 for the non-ABS version) is distinguished by its more powerful, four-valve Desmoquattro engine, uprated suspension and Brembo-built antilock braking system.

Essentially, ST4s' 996cc V-twin unchanged from last year, was produced 117 horsepower and 72 foot-pounds of torque (both claimed). This ferocious quick-revving motor is an adrenaline factory on fast, open roads, pulling with authority well into double-digit revs. As fun as it is at speed, however, a slight off-idle stumble and general low-rev snatchiness (a common Desmoquattro complaint) make it less than ideal for stop-and-go duty. Suspension, on the other hand, is faultless. Pairing a fully adjustable, inverted 43mm Showa fork with titanium-nitrided sliders and a similarly adjustable Oehlins rear shock, suspension is suitably taut for the hyper speeds that the eight-valver encourages, and offers excellent absorption of both high- and low-speed bumps. Everything as you'd expect on a bike with a price tag north of $15,000.

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ducati st4

Look like the else on the ST4 is the same as on the ST2. The suspension and chassis are identical while providing for a ride that is plush and comfortable. The ST4 handles like a Ducati: solid. This bike isn't upset easily. The ST4 also has a slightly larger rear tire than the ST2, 180 Metzler MEZ4s compared to the 170 MEZ4s on the ST2. But the colors are different and a $2000.00 USD price difference, there isn't much difference between the ST4 and the ST2. One staffer who rode both motorcycles, although not back-to-back, thought the brakes felt softer on the ST4. However, both motorcycles are equipped with the same 320mm floating rotors with Brembo, 4-piston calipers up front and a 245 mm disc out back, although the ST4 front rotors are also equipped with an aluminum flange. The only explanation we could surmise is that the more powerful ST4 engine requires more input into the progressive brakes in order to slow the bike down because of the ST4's stronger acceleration. That said, another evaluator who rode both bikes, again not back-to-back, didn't notice a difference.

Exactly, there might not be that much of a difference between the ST4 and the ST2 other than the engine. If money really isn't that much of an object, then why not equip your sport tourer with a kick-ass engine? However, a 1998 ST2 we dynoed measured 57.3 ft-lbs at 6500 rpm and the 2000 ST4 produced 58.9 ft-lbs at 8750 rpm. The main difference is at the top-end where the ST4 made 99.5 peak horsepower compared to the ST2's 76 ponies. So, is 20 more horsepower at the top-end enough to justify a $2000.00 price difference? Maybe, but since neither the ST4 nor the ST2 will see much time on a race track other than the occasional track school, it's hard to say whether the $2000.00 price difference is worth it. Even so, buy what feels right and ride the hell out of it.

ducati st3

Finally the Ducati ST3 was an Italian sport touring motorcycle made by Ducati between 2004 until 2007. The Ducati ST3 used the liquid cooled Desmotre (three valve desmodromic valve) engine. The design was aimed at meeting anti-pollution limits. Otherwise it was a competent trellis framed sports tourer with a protective fairing, and optional colour matched luggage. And the Desmotre bottom end was derived from the 1000 DS Desmodue, with the water pump in the alternator cover. The ST3 engine had two 34 mm intake valves and one 40 mm exhaust valve and an included valve angle of 40°.

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