ST3 or ST4s?

[TZ250]

While my current ride is still for sale and the proceeds are needed for the Duc purchase, I'm still undecided on a 2005 ST3 or 2004 ST4s. I've test ridden both bikes extensively and came up with the following pro's & con's for each. Let me know if I'm off base on any of these and what your opinions are.

ST3 Pro's:

- Felt more refined than the ST4s, maybe because of the wet clutch (05).
- Good grunt throughout
- Modern looking front
- from what I've read, lower overall maintenance (how can 2 valves make that much of a difference?)

ST3 Con's:

- less mpg that the ST4s, 38mpg average is what I'm hearing
- less top end power
- good handling but is softly sprung for my weight

ST4s Pro's
- Motor! Better engine performance translated even better with sproket change.
- Better gas mileage, 50mpg is what I'm hearing
- good handling although is still softly sprung for my weight

ST4s Con's

- higher maintenance cost; same question as above
- older looking front; still looks appealing to me.


My heart is leading me towards the ST4s but my brain is getting in the way. Is the overall cost for owning an ST3 that much less than the ST4?

[kentamcolin]

The '04 ST4s & '05 ST3 have identical fronts. Are you sure you're not looking at an '03 ST4s?

[sv1150rs]

Originally Posted by TZ250

While my current ride is still for sale and the proceeds are needed for the Duc purchase, I'm still undecided on a 2005 ST3 or 2004 ST4s. I've test ridden both bikes extensively and came up with the following pro's & con's for each. Let me know if I'm off base on any of these and what your opinions are.

ST3 Pro's:

- Felt more refined than the ST4s, maybe because of the wet clutch (05).
- Good grunt throughout
- Modern looking front
- from what I've read, lower overall maintenance (how can 2 valves make that much of a difference?)

ST3 Con's:

- less mpg that the ST4s, 38mpg average is what I'm hearing
- less top end power
- good handling but is softly sprung for my weight

ST4s Pro's
- Motor! Better engine performance translated even better with sproket change.
- Better gas mileage, 50mpg is what I'm hearing
- good handling although is still softly sprung for my weight

ST4s Con's

- higher maintenance cost; same question as above
- older looking front; still looks appealing to me.


My heart is leading me towards the ST4s but my brain is getting in the way. Is the overall cost for owning an ST3 that much less than the ST4?

I just got 44.9 mpg's on my last trip '06 ST3s

[BAZ_777]

You should consider the ST3s in your mix.

It has the same suspension components (forks, swingarm, rear shock, frame etc.) as the ST4s, but the engine of the ST3.

The ST3 / ST3s is a three valve engine , but has a single camshaft per cylinder, (ST4S has 4 valves and double camshaft per cylinder). This arrangement apparently is a lot quicker when adjusting valve clearances, etc. so its cheaper to service.

I've ridden all three, owned both the ST3 and ST3s (my present bike).

ST4s has more top end power (121 hp v 107 hp), but is lumpyer (?) at lower revs, not as smooth around town as the ST3 / ST3s. Torque figures are about the same.

The ST3s definitely has a better ride than the ST3, not as soft but soaks the bumps well.

ST3 & ST3s do 109 kph (68 mph) at 4000 rpm in 6th gear, max torque is at 7250 rpm, so top speed is plenty.

[ducsbill]

The gas mileage difference might be because the ST4 and ST3 use different rear sprocket. I think the ST4 came with 15f/38r; the 2005 ST3 came with 15f/42r. Don't know what the '04 ST3 came with. Some ST4 owners have changed to 15f/42r to make around town riding better. My ST3 has always seemed reasonably rideable around town. It still doesn't really like being below 3K rpms, but....

Bill W.

[TZ250]

Thanks for the input everyone.

It makes sense that a sprocket change on the ST4s would have an effect on gas mileage. The more I think about it, the more I like the ST3/ST3s and would replace the springs.

The ST4s I test drove was in fact an 03 and had a different front from the ST3. It's hard to find a street bike that stirs your soul like the Ducs do. Never owned one and the test rides got me hooked.

[IdahoDuc]

I'd take fuel economy numbers with a grain of salt. For example, the MPG reported by the instrument pod is way off. Also, I've seen ST3 MPG numbers in the low 30's from a tank of gas used for commuting and I've seen over 50 on road trips (bags packed, twisty highways).

The 4V motor may well have better fuel economy, but I thought one of the reasons for going with 3 valves on the ST3 was to balance power and efficiency (between 4 valves and 2).

[BAZ_777]

Originally Posted by TZ250

Thanks for the input everyone.

It makes sense that a sprocket change on the ST4s would have an effect on gas mileage. The more I think about it, the more I like the ST3/ST3s and would replace the springs.

ST3s has adjustable preload front and rear, rear by hand, front by spanner at top of forks (but I have nifty little hand adjusters on mine).

[sfarson]

Biased, but would get the ST4s again and again.

55mpg on the last ride. Ohlins. First 6K maintenance was $280 -- valves in spec. Like the front-end for its uniqueness versus VFR like. And there's something about a 4v Superbike engine between the knees.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by sfarson

Biased, but would get the ST4s again and again.

I must be biased too. I just found (with a much appreciated heads up from Stick on this forum) a new 2002 ST4s w/ 2 year warranty. Took it out for a spin after it arrived and everything about it is very impressive. It looks just like Sfarson's bike in the above photo. Nice pic by the way, looks like another perfect mountain road for demonstrating the amazing abilities of these bikes. It's hard to believe I bought a bike this sweet for only $10,500!