I want a ST4S. - Ducati.ms

Todd00000 · Dec 31st, 2011, 11:31 am

I want a ST4S for a daily bike, I have a '09 M1100S now and will keep it, what do I need to know and look for in a ST4S? Also, can the stock side cases hold a helmet? Thank you.

ninja · Dec 31st, 2011, 11:51 am

Yes, the side pannier would hold a full size helmet.

What to look for? Get one with ABS and is well maintained. Other than replacing a battery, mine has been flawless. I replaced the stock cans, 14-tooth front sprocket, open clutch cover, tinted windshield, gel grips and that's about it. It is a great all-around bike. Have fun and good luck with the search.

Todd00000 · Dec 31st, 2011, 1:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja

Yes, the side pannier would hold a full size helmet.

What to look for? Get one with ABS and is well maintained. Other than replacing a battery, mine has been flawless. I replaced the stock cans, 14-tooth front sprocket, open clutch cover, tinted windshield, gel grips and that's about it. It is a great all-around bike. Have fun and good luck with the search.

Thanks is this a good price for the mileage?
2005 Ducati St4s, Andover NJ - 98853020 - Cycletrader.com

jet057 · Dec 31st, 2011, 1:40 pm

I would not use the ST as a daily driver.I wear a xl size helmet and it does 'NOT' fit.Part's are getting a little scarce and pricey and using it every day well you should know this,wear and tear,just saying.I use my bike for rec. and enjoyment on my weekends and long rides.

my opinion only.

Todd00000 · Dec 31st, 2011, 1:58 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jet057

I would not use the ST as a daily driver.I wear a xl size helmet and it does 'NOT' fit.Part's are getting a little scarce and pricey and using it every day well you should know this,wear and tear,just saying.I use my bike for rec. and enjoyment on my weekends and long rides.

my opinion only.

That's a good point.

SS904 · Dec 31st, 2011, 3:21 pm

What specific ST parts are getting hard to find that might fall in to the wear and tear category?

Maintenance items are common to a lot of other Ducatis and are plentiful. In fact, the most expensive item, next to tires, were replacement belts. Thanks to the efforts of CA Cycleworks, you now have a less expensive alternative.

Even mundane things like foot peg rubbers are still available at the dealer. I walked into a dealer this summer and walked out with two new rubbers in hand for around $23.00!

After market support is getting harder, but it was never that great for the ST line anyway. Finding exhaust systems isn’t easy. You can still find them, but they are expensive. Many used bikes you will see will have something already, so the battle often becomes picking up a stock set of pipes should you want them. Those are all over eBay if you take the time to look.

I used my ST for a daily driver for a long time. 100 mile a day commute. It was perfect for that task. Over 36K on mine and running perfect. Highly recommend the ST for whatever you want to do with it!

What to look for? A clean and well maintaned copy not overly blinged out. You'll know when you see it.

I wear a large helmet and it fits in the bags with room to spare. You have to position it so the bottom on the helmet is facing toward the bike on its side. Sitting up right, mine will not fit.

Todd00000 · Dec 31st, 2011, 3:44 pm

Thanks Dan.

MarkST · Dec 31st, 2011, 3:54 pm

Good choice Todd, the Ducati ST4s is the most splendid invention yet devised by the human brain.

volleykinginnc · Dec 31st, 2011, 3:58 pm

I wouldn't suggest it. The bikes are expensive to maintain and extremely fickle. I've had mine about 4 years now and it has never had a single day where there wasn't at least 2 things wrong with it. Maybe not enough to keep it off the road but certainly not flawless. Just had the belts/valves changed/adjusted for nice $1,000 dollars.

I would also mention that the riding position is hell at anything less than 45 mph so if you will be sitting in traffic a lot consider something else.

My opinion if you want a daily grocery getter then get something more reliable and cheaper. Do you want a honda civic for a daily commuter or a ferrari....you can do it with either.

C-simian · Dec 31st, 2011, 4:00 pm

The only problems I had in getting parts for my ST were nuts-n-bolts items, which I realized in retrospect that I could obtain easier, cheaper, and faster at McMaster-Carr - McMaster-Carr - or some other supplier.

There is a wealth of information on this website about replacement/substitute parts, and a community willing to help find an item. Oh, and my ST4S is really, really reliable.

Ron