2003 ST4 for a daily rider/tourer?

Il Nero · #1 (**permalink**) 12-12-2005, 06:56 AM

Ciao a tutti!
Been thinking about adding an ST to the 'harem' as a daily rider/commuter bike. I like the 996 motor in the ST4's but the 3 valve ST3 motor sounds interesting as well as less complex.
Anything good or bad to say about either bike? I was over at a pals house the other day admiring his '03 ST4 S and he mentioned he might be interested in selling it, only 6K miles and looks immaculate. I like the idea of actually having a bike I can haul stuff in and even maybe take a girl along!
So, how are these bikes to live with, long term? How do they hold up in value in the aftermarket?
As for maintenance issues, it looks like no real difference to any other Duc from what I can see. FWIW, this would be my 4th Duc, so I am familiar with many of the quirks of owning them.
Grazie,
Nero

ducsrule · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2005, 03:22 PM

I love mine (St4s). No issues to date and we're at about 5k miles. Bought it on Cycle Trader last winter with 104 miles and paid like $8000, bags and all. Bike runs great with two up... the only real change is the OEM sprocket set up, top end gear is not even needed at 90mph and it also hates to go 5 mph. Change the front tooth and all fixed. We ride from 4k feet to up and over 10k feet and the bike doesn't seem to miss a beat. Detachable bags for two up riding you each get you own for overnight trips and they suprizingly hold alot.

Best of luck,
Brian

Il Nero · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2005, 03:08 AM

Thanks Brian, I'll keep in touch with my pal and if he's going to sell it I'll make a decent offer.

Nero

btime · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2005, 05:30 PM

I bought an ST3 this summer and I love it. My primary riding is back roads for a few hours a day on weekends and running errands or short jaunts during the week. I have 2k miles on it since July and I can ride all day without complaints.

I put on heli-bars, zero gravity touring windscreen, dropped the front sprocket by 1, slip-ons. I got rid of an HD Roadking for it and I can't tell how good it feels to be back on a real motorcycle. I have a friend with the Yamaha FJR and he prefers the agility of the ST3, but for more serious touring the FJR may be the bike.

I think it's a coin toss between the ST3 and ST4. The ST4 has a little more HP, but the ST3 has plenty. I've had it up to 136Mph at about 8.5K so I know it will push beyond 150 - as if that matters.

TrickLidz · #5 (**permalink**) 12-14-2005, 01:10 AM

99 ST2. Pic taken this summer, now 50k miles.....trouble free!!
Go for it!

C.H.Luke · #6 (**permalink**) 12-15-2005, 12:48 AM

Buy it. Ride it a lot. You'll love it.

Go down one tooth on the front sprocket - you have to do that as you won't believe how much better power is everywhere.
If you are going to travel get a Ducati Designs headlight. The stock lamp is a crime.

Jengel451 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-15-2005, 09:47 PM

Well if you don't buy that one, I have an 03' ST4s senna for sale as well in Seattle!

I love this bike, but I'm done riding on the street, track and dirt for me going forward!

12,7xx miles

DD headlight
Duc Performance seat (Leather)
Throttlemiester
Heavier fork spring, new seals, new oil replaced this spring.
K&N Filter
Dunlop 208 GP-A
Barnet Clutch basket
Barnet Aluminum/Carbon Clutch plates
EBC HH Brake pads, 50% left
CRG front brake lever
Euro Headlight switch
520 conversion - up 5 teeth in the rear
(Still have the stock gearing and chain)
Cams indexed

$9500

Il Nero · #8 (**permalink**) 12-27-2005, 07:48 AM

Sounds like a nice bike, I'll keep it in mind!

Nero