Ducati ST4 reviews

I bought my 2003 yellow ST4s after I totaled my 2003 HD Sportster. Let's see why I would have considered the Ducati. Better bags, better handling, superior brakes (which I could have used before), performance beyond belief and looks that strike envy everywhere I go. Only folks who equal the attention my bike gets is my BMW friends. The other day I was at Portland International Raceway. About 200 bikes where there and immediately a crowd gathered around my bike. Okay, the chick who parked her Honda next to mine might have something to do with it. Show less

When I first got the bike I took a 200 mile trip with it to get used to it, it ran superbly, the sound and feel is exhilerating, hadles superbly, the way a Sport Touring machine should. Plenty of torque to get you there in a hurry, with great looks and comfort. There are some modifications that need to be made, as well as any bike would need, I think the Corbin Saddle would greatly enhance the long distance aspect. A set of bar risers would be nice as well, aftermarket exhaust, chip, K&N Filter and possibly a 14 tooth front sprocket. The only complaints I have of this bike is the low RPM operation in gear, you constantly have to ride the clutch in traffic because of the gearing, I think a smaller front sprocket would fix that. Another thing is the lighting, stock it is not the greatest, I took the headlight apart, cleaned the film on the inside, replaced the bulb with a Sylvania Silverstar H3 and added some small driving lights under the front fairing, that has increased the lighting tremendously. Show less

Heavy, underpowered, broke. Frame flex was terrible so it was too weak on the track but yet it was to sport oriented to be comfortable on long trips. Sorry Ducati fans but this is bike will require care that I, as a motorcycle "rider", am not willing to give. When you put 4k miles/month on a bike Ducati cannot fill the bill. Parts availability, parts quality, engineering were some of the areas that this particular bike fell short in. I cared for it meticulously and it still broke due to poorly engineered/manufactured parts. Show less

We had our 2001 ST4 for about 2 months before putting it up for the winter a week ago. In that time we put 1600 miles on it. We've had no mechanical problems, and we've constantly gotten compliments on our bike. We installed a set of bar risers and we're planning on installing the taller windscreen before we go on vacation next summer - we're thinking about going to Cape Cod, a 1200 mile trip and have no qualms about riding the bike so far. We're curious about how the Corbin seat might improve riding comfort. The only real complaint I would have is the time and labor involved in removing the bag rails etc. We're not hard-core sport riders, and the bike is definitely more than able to handle any sport-riding we would do. As a passenger, the seat is pretty comfortable even on long hauls unless you spend much time on the very end of the seat where the cushion is considerably thinner. The bags seem to have plenty of room to pack for a week of vacation. As newlyweds, we look forward to several years of riding with this bike. Show less

I've owned my ST4 just 6 weeks and have come to realize that I never really experienced true motorcycling before owning Ducati. The bike has been absolutely perfect...not a single quality related issue has surfaced and its pure joy to ride. The ST4 is extremely powerful and responsive, with terrific handling and control and a very smooth application of power to the road. Shifting is smooth and precise, although a bit of effort is involved. For such a substantial machine, it is extremely agile--it reminds you of its sport bike heritage from the moment you press the starter until you shut it down. In fact, this motorcycle inspires so much confidence, I need to watch myself. The motorcycle wants to run, and run fast! At 80 mph+ you feel like you are just getting started. Not only is the power there and accessible, but the bike is rock steady. I put a Corbin seat on--it's great. And I'm taking the saddlebag rails off and re-mounting the turn signals for a trimmer look. This motorcycle is better than anything I have ever ridden and I recommend it without reservation to anyone who want to really enjoy riding around town, in the country, or on twisties--the more the better! Show less

I've been ridin' for bout seven years now. I have ridden and owned many bikes from my first Yamaha 550 to last year's 996S. But the ST4 will be a bike I keep ALWAYS, did some mods, pipes, chip & KN filter and the thing goes pretty damn good, looks great and the comfort is unbelievable for my 6'1 frame 230 pounds. I rode it one day for close to 300 miles got off and my ass wasn't screamin' at all! If torque is your gig, and comfort a priority while lookin' damn good and handling great at the same time don't pass up on this bike!! Even though spring 2001 will probably put either a RSV Mille "R" or GSXR 1000 in my garage, this Ducati will always stay! Long Live Ducati! Show less

I've owned my ST4 for a year now. Its home is in the Pacific NW and it's been to Laguna Seca, Sears Point and almost to Pike's Peak (got caught up on Montana roads and never made it). Other than the high cost of routine maintenance I have no complaints at all. I put Heli-bars on it right away and no other changes. The bike is ridden two up on long trips, and the extra hp of the ST4 over the ST2 is well worth it in my opinion. It is totally reliable, beautiful to look at and well finished. The power and sound of the 916 makes it all worth it. I have no complaints at all, although the 12,000 mile service with the third set of tires installed will be about $1,300 because of valve adjustment and timing belts, etc. I've ridden BMWs for 15 years prior to the duc and must say I don't enjoy chains and sprockets, but it is a small price to pay for the enjoyment. Show less