St3 / 4??
- Thread starter RSV
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DKM
Member
I had an ST3 for three years and loved it.
Good points:
Performance:- the three valve engine gives tons of torque and a good top end, the pull is strong all the way through the rev range. If you are going to do a lot of urban driving, it's a good idea to change the standard 15-tooth front sprocket for a 14-tooth one to make the engine feel more flexible. The extra acceleration doesn't hurt either!
Handling:- as with all Ducatis you'll want to get the suspension adjusted to suit you. Once you've done that, you won't believe how chuckable a sports tourer can be! The ST4 has higher quality suspension components with more adjustment options, its engine is identical to the ST3's. I never drove an ST4 but my ST3 had a superb balance of handling and comfort.
If you find an ST3/4 it will most likely have the standard Michelin Macadams fitted. In terms of handling these are by far the bike's weakest point and should be changed for a set of Pilot Powers or Diablos.
Build quality:- top notch, and yes, I know we're talking about a Ducati! Nothing ever fell off mine (not even me!) and the quality of the paintwork was up to showroom standard even after three years. I got one deep stone chip on the tank (came up from the road, hit my arm and bounced onto the top of the tank - bugger!) but even though it made a noticeable crater it still wasn't through to the undercoat, never mind the metal. It kind of looked as though the tank is powder coated. The electrics were thoroughly reliable, the only thing I ever had to replace was a dead battery. I guess I was just unlucky with that, and in any case it's not a Ducati component!
Wind protection:- as you've no doubt noticed it has a big fairing and a huge screen. The protection for me was so good (I'm six feet tall) that until I got used to the bike I regularly found on looking down at the speedo that I was doing 10-20 mph more than I thought I was.
Bad points
Although the seat is superbly comfortable, I found it a bit too soft after about 200 miles, because when you try to change your position to get some relief you just sink back into it and it feels exactly the same.
That's all I can think of just now, of course if you have any other questions I'll be happy to try to answer them.
Good points:
Performance:- the three valve engine gives tons of torque and a good top end, the pull is strong all the way through the rev range. If you are going to do a lot of urban driving, it's a good idea to change the standard 15-tooth front sprocket for a 14-tooth one to make the engine feel more flexible. The extra acceleration doesn't hurt either!
Handling:- as with all Ducatis you'll want to get the suspension adjusted to suit you. Once you've done that, you won't believe how chuckable a sports tourer can be! The ST4 has higher quality suspension components with more adjustment options, its engine is identical to the ST3's. I never drove an ST4 but my ST3 had a superb balance of handling and comfort.
If you find an ST3/4 it will most likely have the standard Michelin Macadams fitted. In terms of handling these are by far the bike's weakest point and should be changed for a set of Pilot Powers or Diablos.
Build quality:- top notch, and yes, I know we're talking about a Ducati! Nothing ever fell off mine (not even me!) and the quality of the paintwork was up to showroom standard even after three years. I got one deep stone chip on the tank (came up from the road, hit my arm and bounced onto the top of the tank - bugger!) but even though it made a noticeable crater it still wasn't through to the undercoat, never mind the metal. It kind of looked as though the tank is powder coated. The electrics were thoroughly reliable, the only thing I ever had to replace was a dead battery. I guess I was just unlucky with that, and in any case it's not a Ducati component!
Wind protection:- as you've no doubt noticed it has a big fairing and a huge screen. The protection for me was so good (I'm six feet tall) that until I got used to the bike I regularly found on looking down at the speedo that I was doing 10-20 mph more than I thought I was.
Bad points
Although the seat is superbly comfortable, I found it a bit too soft after about 200 miles, because when you try to change your position to get some relief you just sink back into it and it feels exactly the same.
That's all I can think of just now, of course if you have any other questions I'll be happy to try to answer them.
For 2001 there was the ST2, and ST4
2002 - The ST2, ST4, ST4s
2003 - The ST2, ST4, ST4s, ST4sABS
2004 - The ST2 and ST4 were dropped. The models for that year were - the newly introduced ST3, the ST4s, ST4sABS, with the ST4s and ST4sABS given the facelift fairing fitted to the ST3 and the ST3's gel seat.
2005 - the same bikes were offered.
2006 - saw the ST4s and ST4sABS dropped and an ST3s ABS available.
2007 The ST series was dropped completely from the range at the end of the year.
I'll get my Anorac off now
Looks like the Blackbird is already sold..........so if all goes well with the sale tomorrow, I'll be off to Bristol to pick-up the ST......really looking forward to owning a ST...
Mark....
Spot on Derek (02)......how can you tell that?????, I thought they all looked much the same??
Mark...
chrisw
Elite Member
2002 - The ST2, ST4, ST4s
I'll get my Anorac off now
I had a 51 plate ST4S. The 2002 must refer to model year not year of reg.
The ST4S would be the weapon of choice particularly if you find one with the DP carbon cans, open airbox and K&N filter fitted.
Good on you Derek.......The Bike I'm looking at is a ST-4s, but totally standard.....will need to look into the mods at some time...
Mark...
Told yer Mark......lol
I might know nowt about market shares and ISA bloody wotsits, but I know my Ducati's
Cheers Ian, will be studying your "Book" tonight...
Mark...
'02 was the first year of the ST4s. The fairing side panel ducts and the panel on top of the tank are black, for '03 these were self-coloured the same as the bike, for '04 the new shape fairing was fitted.
I'm hoping to make the proposed run for the weekend, although Sunday might be difficult.
Thanks for the info Derek.........hope all works out for Sunday......by the way, whats a 239???...Trials Bike??
Mark...
I's a 250 Desmo single but it came from the French market where, because of their learner laws at the time, the bikes were made with a smaller bore to reduce the capacity to 239cc instead of the normal 249cc. I only learned this from Stewart last week when I asked him about the odd capacity.
It looks like this
That looks a very smart bit of Kit......is the one you're getting in need of a restoration??
Mark..
I'm not getting one. It's Stewart (239desmo) who has one. I've been doing some work on it for him and he will be collecting it at the weekend. It is very nicely restored by the way 
chrisw
Elite Member
The ST4S was available in 2001. I bought one from Motorcycle City in Manchester and it was delivered in Sept 2001. (MX51***). Arrived from the factory with a faulty ECU and when delivered broke down on me 1 mile away from the dealers. As a result DUK gave me the first set of DP Carbon Exhausts for a ST4S in the UK free of charge (inc fit/set up) and also a free Ducati Dainese Jacket.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11884160@N06/2415904331/#preview
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11884160@N06/2415904331/#preview
mbg
New member
ST4s-duc-996
New member