Motorcycle reviews

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

Owned an St2 before purchasing the st4sabs. Wonderful handling and sounding bike but weak electrical system and clutch. 6 and 12 thousand services can vary up to four hundred dollars difference in price between dealerships. Oh, the price we pay for Italian craftmanship, a Ferrari on two wheels Show less

A loyal Ducati owner, I have owned two 748S superbikes. I though I'd give a monster a try. I'm glad I did, the bike handles great and the power and comfort is great. My only complaint is the ugly exhaust converter , I have already ordered a full exhaust for the bike. I have many upgrades planned for the bike. I will post later when I have some more miles on it. Show less

I bought my ST3 in May and have loved it. I know of no other bike that offers such a nice combination of beauty, power, handling and comfort. The Ducati engine sounds great and it has amazing torque. This, combined with the bike's excellent suspension and modest weight (467lb.), make it a joy to ride through the twisties. Show less

I'm more than happy with my S4R. It's hard to keep the front end down in first, get pipes/filter/comp. and you can say the same thing about second gear. HARD! I drive aggressively and I think it likes me too. Oh, and it's absolutely beautiful. A work of art. The Ferrari of motorcycles. You have to be passionate about Ducati's or just Italian to appreciate them for what they're worth. And if you're both, stop reading this and buy one already! Show less

I've written several of these follow up e-mails to people contemplating the same thing. Let me tell you how I came to this bike. I previously rode a 2000 VFR800FI. Rode to work every day, rode to Daytona, rode about 2 dozen track days. Very reliable, hey it's a Honda afterall. Did it still break? Sure, but it never stranded me. Next bike had to do the same BUT I wanted character as well. See, the Honda did everything right and was smooth to a point of being "too smooth." It wasn't a looker and it wasn't scary fast. Next bike turned out to be a ST4S. I wouldn't have bought this a first bike or as a specialized bike but for what I use it for it's great. See, I do the same things as my last bike. First as an every day bike:
I have a top matching case on mine. My laptop, jacket fit. I plug my heated jacket, gloves into the outlet on the side. The blinking light on the dash has prevented theft. I have enough bungee points with the pannier bag mounts to carry extra stuff behind me. Second as a tourer:
The bags work. They detatch easily and mount back on. The passenger seat is big and my wife enjoys it better than the VFR. My 2003 didn't have the bigger fairing found on the 2004 and later but the wind deflection is adequate. You rarely use top gear unless you change the sprocket.(more on that later). You have to have a procedure for starting though. The battery on these bikes is barely enough amps to keep kicking it over. In other words, when you turn on the ignition you must preset the idle and begin. The lights are a big draw on the battery and you sometimes think you're going to run out of juice before the cold engine starts. But, you get used it. The bike stranded me once because I left the parking light on(key position) and ran it dead. I jumped it from a car but the battery was toasted. New battery $189. I've ridden this bike to Blue Ridge, Ocean City twice, Charleston SC, and Daytona last year with zero problems. Third as occasional track day bike:
I rode NESBA and Superbike school this past summer. My last bike I put a Ohlins suspension on that is the prime reason I bought this bike. You can't surprise or max out this suspension. Dial it in the middle for regular riding. Dial one turn up for 2-up. Dial it all the way and back a half for the track and smile all day. The brakes are the best, period. The 996 motor. What a rush. The bike goes fast and doesn't get upset easily. It's a hoot. Problems with the bike were all covered under warranty include:

1. Battery replaced
2. Turn signal switch
3. Clutch (impossible to get into neutral from a stop) finally replaced by dealer
4. Loose fairing screws all over. The rubber well nuts and vibration cause them to work out. Conclusion. If you've never owned a Ducati you always fear what maintenance and reliability will cost you. After 600/3000/6000/10000 mile service I've had 2 shims replaced, belts. Service is about 600 average per service with the first two under warranty. I still don't think owning a Ducati is more expensive than others of equal performance. My Ducati gives me more smiles per mile and gets more looks than my buddies BMW, Honda 919, and Aprilia. If you're tossed between the ST3 and ST4s then I'd ask how hard you ride. The ST3 would do 95% of what I want in a bike but I'd add the Ohlins because to me the ride is worth it. The ST4s has that last 5% for me to plunk down the extra money for. You've had a Ducati so you already know what many people don't, that suspension and frame must work together to give you confidence. On top of that, you have a motor that stands out like a Ferrarri in an ocean of Harleys.
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This bike has unbelievable and consistent power in all speeds and RPMs. It is very comfortable, especially for a Ducati. It gets lots of attention and questions from both bikers and others. It's also lots of fun on twistys. You can tell I love this bike. The only thing better would be two Ducatis in the garage. Hmm... Maybe a 999R as bike #2. Show less

This is a really good motorcycle, light, fast, nothing upsets the stability of this machine at any speed. The torque is amazing on this bike as is combined with light weight. Love the precision steering. This is the best bike I have ridden in 30 years of motorcycling. It is a little hard on wrists and bum after 2 or 3 hours. New Zealand is a land of corners and this bike is in its element and so am I. Show less

I picked up my new ST3 in April and within 100 feet of riding I had this permanent smile on my face. I rode over 11,000 kms this summer in all types of conditions. 7 days of the most incredable twisties in BC, Washington, Idaho and Montana proved the ST3 is the best all around touring sport bike today. The engine is the best part, pulls great and excellent torque, very comfortable on the long straight runs and as nimble as any sport bike on the twisties. Loaded with gear I recieved 35% better fuel mileage than my partner's Honda 919. Snow tonight means a long rest for my trusted steed. Better get my skis waxed. Show less

I have put over 7,000 miles on my ST3, performance has been flawless, vibration indistinguishable, suspension good, brakes excellent, gas mileage great, saddle bags and trunk excellent with protection/appearance and size. I do have a small oil leak that showed up after the dealer serviced it, I haven't traced it out yet. The Michelin tires have been giving excellent wear and traction. Fairing provides good protection, except for hands. Mirrors offer a decent rear view. The bike has surpassed my expectations! Show less