Anything better than the ST4s? - Ducati.ms

dryclutchrattle · Feb 4th, 2012, 9:50 pm

Hi guys,
Long time rider/reader here posting nearly irrelevant threads to get my count up. I was reminded yesterday that I haven't ever found a better all around bike than the ST4s. I live in San Diego and had to get to Santa Barbara and home in the same day yesterday. This means running through the depth of Los Angeles twice so i decided to take the bike so I could use the HOV High Occupancy Vehicle lanes rather than get logjammed in traffic. Anyway, 225 miles, 450 miles round trip and I got off without needing traction or painkillers to straighten out. are there really any other bikes that want to do 500 mile days (that don't tow a trailer?) that can also do track days? Call me biased, my dependable mount turned 50,000 miles at the Harbor in Santa Barbara and I want to keep on going.
I feel very fortunate to have had such a reliable dance partner since new. I cant bring myself to test ride a new Multi.

Ducatak · Feb 4th, 2012, 10:04 pm

Only an ST4S with ABS!

. Naw. Just icing on the cake. Great perspective and insight from your ride. Good to hear and I agree.

w0mb2t · Feb 4th, 2012, 10:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by dryclutchrattle

I cant bring myself to test ride a new Multi.

i think you had the answer in your question

chitownson · Feb 4th, 2012, 10:59 pm

I also live in the San Diego area and ride an ST4s. The only thing better than a ST4s is an ST4s on our great back roads! I see Ducati doing some cool things like the new Panigali & Diavel to grow their markets - hope they realize a wicked new updated reincarnation of the ST would probably sell like crazy.

cb4265 · Feb 5th, 2012, 1:13 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by chitownson

I also live in the San Diego area and ride an ST4s. The only thing better than a ST4s is an ST4s on our great back roads! I see Ducati doing some cool things like the new Panigali & Diavel to grow their markets - hope they realize a wicked new updated reincarnation of the ST would probably sell like crazy.

They could call it 'Panniergale'

It would be awesome !

Craig

**Gearbox** · Feb 5th, 2012, 5:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb4265

They could call it 'Panniergale'

It would be awesome !

Craig

Sadly , Ducati have repeatedly stated that the MS1200 is their 'Tourer'
Only hope , in my mind , is that by growing their overall market share (and hence income) they have the inclination to put some of those funds into a new ST.

Until then I will be sticking with my 4s for as long as she , or I , are capable of riding..............

latte committee · Feb 5th, 2012, 6:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearbox

Sadly , Ducati have repeatedly stated that the MS1200 is their 'Tourer'
Only hope , in my mind , is that by growing their overall market share (and hence income) they have the inclination to put some of those funds into a new ST.

Until then I will be sticking with my 4s for as long as she , or I , are capable of riding..............

Given that the new Multi is a pretty good platform to start from, with its switchable mapping / electronic suspension and 150HP ,,,,,,,,

How long before some enterprising soul puts out a range of "Body kits" for the Multi, to transform it into an ST ?

Ditch the "bird beak" front, incorporate the dashboard into a decent full fairing, with headlights to suit, top triple clamp & bars, add a decent seat, some re-arranged footpegs, then plumb a set of slung termi's ,,,,, MAGNIFICA

DD should be up for doing something like that.

Many moons ago I had a Honda CB 750 ,,,,, with the Dunstall 810 Kit, 5 gallon tank, single seat, rear sets, clip-ons, 4 into 1.
I wasn't the only one, there were plenty of them around.
I reckon there'd be a market for it if somebody made a kit to "ST" a 1200 Multi

**Gearbox** · Feb 5th, 2012, 9:54 am

You would need to modify the suspension as well.............But at least the basics are there............Why not the factory ?

Johnny · Feb 5th, 2012, 11:33 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by latte committee

Given that the new Multi is a pretty good platform to start from, with its switchable mapping / electronic suspension and 150HP ,,,,,,,,

How long before some enterprising soul puts out a range of "Body kits" for the Multi, to transform it into an ST ?

Ditch the "bird beak" front, incorporate the dashboard into a decent full fairing, with headlights to suit, top triple clamp & bars, add a decent seat, some re-arranged footpegs, then plumb a set of slung termi's ,,,,, MAGNIFICA

DD should be up for doing something like that.

Yes I think that could be a route to take but it would still not address the Multi's most problematical feature................it's price. To have to spend on top of that would just add to my pain.

BTW the Multi dose not have switchable mapping which was another straw on the camel's back for me; it has switchable throttle responce

Corse1 · Feb 6th, 2012, 12:42 am

I picked up an archive copy of a 2006 Kiwirider magazine at a classic bike race meet on Saturday just gone. It had the best bikes of 2005 summary as tested by the mag. The sports tourer section was one by the BMW R1200RT.
Commended was the ST4s

"The St4s is not a bike for everyone, especially every 'tourer' but if you want a bike which won't embarrass itself in the fast group at a track day yet take you and your partner round the South Island in the summer then the ST4s is it."

Pretty well sums it up for me apart from the mention that it had a detuned 916 motor...Doh! And yes there have been other bikes come out since the mag was published, and yes we are on an ST forum but mine certainly will not be for sale anytime soon.