Ducati ST4 Test

[McJim]

Hey Winston - is that your BMW with the For Sale sign in Gala Street?

Because I heard you had test rode a Ducati from Rogers I assumed they must have done some service work to it so popped in and made an enquiry.

Thanks to you I can get someone else to dismantle my engine and replace the worn valve shims/belts etc.

Rogers Yamaha service Ducatis!

Woot!

[Winston001]

Not my BMW, but if you ride down the first block of Herbert St you'll see mine parked on the street - not now of course, it is lovingly tucked up in the garage. White ex Police. Anyone got a siren......?

I won't trade the R80 because it needs a tidy up and wouldn't be worth much to a dealer.

Yes Rogers know me and have serviced all my bikes. I find them very good to deal with.

[Beeza]

Get a big Moto Guzzi if you want V-twin + Italian + lots of torque at low revs. And you'll have a bike that will shrug off 100 000kms with no fiddling; only routine servicing.

[far queue]

My main hesitation is that I figured I could justify up to $10,000 for a thrill machine and scratch my Ducati itch. $12,000 is just a bit too far although I don't think the price is unfair.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=129532467

You still looking for an ST4s at a reasonable price? Here's one local to you in your price range.

[SB Eng]

You can get bar risers for these, just took an ST4 916 for a ride and bought it, 4 day's later and still have the funny grin and now a set of riser's, 10mins to fit!

[zeocen]

Hey guys, sorry for the thread bump.. been doing a lot of 'next bike' research and ST4 has pretty much come out on top.

That was, until the one I had my eye one was sold!! So I was offered two other options (from Kerry, same place Winston001 bought his from). An ST2 for around $9000 with panniers and an ST4s for $11,000 with panniers. I've had a good solid research on both bikes and it seems the ST2 are sort of an 'entry level' sport tour, of which I have no problem with. I'm just wondering if the extra 'bling' on the ST4s is well worth it? The Ohlins shocks, ABS and 996 motor really appeal to me.. but if I was to weigh in, touring would weigh slightly more than sports.

I have budgetted for the ST4 and I am going to check it out tomorrow, hopefully it all goes smooth.. I was just seeing what the Ducatians (....?) have to say about the ST2. Is it okay for serious touring or should I stick with the ST4? My previous sports tours were the 1992 ZZR1100 and 1990 ZZR600, I loved the ZZR1100's pick up, especially on long straights.. but prefered the 600 for corners (strangly enough my old mans 2002 ZZR1200 beats both in those areas).

And also,

Is it wrong for a 26 year old to be more into touring than into sports? I feel ....24 years too early :P

Thanks guys!

[miSTa]

I have budgetted for the ST4 and I am going to check it out tomorrow, hopefully it all goes smooth.. I was just seeing what the Ducatians (....?) have to say about the ST2. Is it okay for serious touring or should I stick with the ST4? My previous sports tours were the 1992 ZZR1100 and 1990 ZZR600, I loved the ZZR1100's pick up, especially on long straights.. but prefered the 600 for corners (strangly enough my old mans 2002 ZZR1200 beats both in those areas).

Nothing wrong with the ST2. Up to about 7000rpm both the ST2 and ST4 have basically the same power and torque. In touring mode you wont notice the top end difference. When I was looking at STs I would've been happy with either, now that I have a ST4 I'm pleased I chose that over a ST2.

Can't tell anything about the ST4s - never ridden one, but apparently they have more bottom end get and and go, and smoother suspension. Don't know if they are worth the extra dollars though.

Great bikes the ZZR1100s, I had D6 a couple of years ago. Fantastic pick up, comfortable but ultimately heavy in the tight and twisty stuff. Much prefer the ST.

Is it wrong for a 26 year old to be more into touring than into sports? I feel ....24 years too early :P

Seeing how you're talking Ducati STs then no, if you were talking BMWs then absolutely.