Ducati ST4 (2000 - 2006) review

Worth a look if you want something different to the VFR800
Excellent handling, good engine and well thought out features
The ST3 is almost as good and cheaper

A lot of people wouldn’t even consider buying the ST4S as a tourer because of Ducati’s reputation for reliability, or lack of it. Well, that’s a thing of the past and the ST4S is a very good sports-tourer.

Last year it had a re-design and Ducati really thought about the things a sports-tourer needs. The handlebars are adjustable, as is the seat, and the screen is massive. Handling wise the ST4S is excellent, helped by the quality suspension, and the engine is lovely.

The only slight fly in the ST4S’ ointment is the Ducati ST3, which is almost as good everywhere but for £1000 less.

A lot of people wouldn’t even consider buying the ST4S as a tourer because of Ducati’s reputation for reliability, or lack of it. Well, that’s a thing of the past and the ST4S is a very good sports-tourer.

Last year it had a re-design and Ducati really thought about the things a sports-tourer needs. The handlebars are adjustable, as is the seat, and the screen is massive. Handling wise the ST4S is excellent, helped by the quality suspension, and the engine is lovely.

The only slight fly in the ST4S’ ointment is the Ducati ST3, which is almost as good everywhere but for £1000 less.

Seats0
Suspension FrontShowa 43 mm upside-down fully adjustable fork with TiN surface treatment
Suspension RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock with remote control preload adjustament. Aluminium swingarm
Wheels Front3.50x17
Wheels Rear5.50x17
Wheels Made Of5-spoke light alloy
Tyres Front120/70 ZR 17
Tyres Rear180/55 ZR 17
Brakes Front2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, 4-piston caliper
Brakes Rear245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
ChassisTubular steel trellis
Cubic Capacity (cc)996
Valves8
Max Power (bhp)117
Max Power Peak (rpm)8750
Torque (ft/lb)72
Torque Peak (rpm)7000
Bore (mm)98
Stroke (mm)66
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio11.5
Valves Per Cylinder4
CoolingLiquid cooled
Fuel DeliveryElectronic
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain