2004 Ducati ST 4S ABS
User Reviews
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2003 Model - Great Bike
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 30, 2019I have owned my 2003 ST4S Non ABS model for almost a decade now. I'm 5'8", 165lbs, and a fairly decent rider. I can touch down peg and knee if the need arises.
The bike was a bit out of balance upon my purchase many years ago. I set out to drop the front end about 3mm which help immensely. ... The bike no longer wallowed when leaned over. A proper set of tires like Michelin Pilot Power have also helped.
I purchased new clutch and front brake levers to put them closer to my shorter fingers. The clutch is a strong pull and a bit tricky to get used to but I do not stall it anymore as I once did.
A full day riding in the mountains is a blast. The bike handles great, is comfortable for 2-3hrs at a time, and overall rides great even loaded with gear. I wouldn't say this is a bike meant for 10hour days on a straight highway as the riding position can be fatiguing. I only endure that type of ride in route to better roads. It's not completely intolerable but it isn't fun droning down the highway for 8-10 hours on straight roads. This bike begs to be used.
It has been very reliable. A clutch has been put in at 25K, steering head bearings twice, brakes and tires every 5-10k; Oh, and it does chew up chains/sprockets due to the power and probably my riding style.
Fantastic bike and I'm out looking for another.
Rating breakdown
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ST4S
By (I am an Owner) on Jun 10, 2009My bike is not the ABS model. I have 33,500 miles now, and the bike has been fairly reliable. Had to put a clutch in at about 26,000 miles, due to notched
basket in the dry clutch. I have only done 1 track day on the bike, the rest of the miles fairly easy, and short shifting due to the ... great torque of the
silky smooth 996 motor. I have Remus titanium slip-ons, and fuel injection mapped on the dyno (113rwhp, 75ft bls torque). Reasonably comfortable for trips, but it isn't a Gold Wing or BMW.
That said, it is fairly light around 450 lbs dry, and handles really well with the nitride coated Showa forks and Ohlins rear. I am running Michelin Pilot Powers, which are good for about 5k in easy conditions. Timing belts looked fine after 18k miles (but I did replace them). And valves staying set a long time (which is good because they charge around $500 to set them). I get a lot of approving nods from everyday people who like the looks of the bike.
Saddlebags are nice too, and can hold a helmet. It is a nice, do it all bike.
Not a track tool or a Gold Wing, but very nice all around.
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Coolest Sport Touring bike
By (I am an Owner) on Sep 18, 2008I've researched other Sport touring bikes and none look and feel like my ST4. Very comfortable to ride and has more than enough power.
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