Not sure about the ST3’s motor, but Ducati back the suspension off a lot.
No rear preload, neither stock or Penske’s have it. Ohlins only. Which is oem on the 4s and 3s’s
I’ve been on my 03 ST4s abs, since july05. I picked her up used, with 5k on it, now I’m at 13,6k. After doing both the 6k and 12 service, ckd the valves-didn’t have to adjust them. No big deal.
I’ve said this before, imo these are the closest thing to a Superbike w/hard bags available. Up until Triumph put the new 1050motor in they’re ST, the 4s had the strongest motor, I believe the lightest weight and “ most potential” according to most mags.as far as chassis goes. And with gearing just short of Jupiter.
Stock pipes, DP air filter. 14tooth frt sprocket, thats it. 5k rpm=90mph-indicated.
I have to say that I like loofin up the interstate at 5k rpm. She has plenty of berries, although w/that gearing a couple of back shifts to get her motivated! The ride ability and the mileage are very tough to beat. Anyways I have 520, 15-42. that will be going on.
She’ll already lefts the nose over rises, um-can’t wait!
When Ducati put the 996 motor in the ST and upgraded the chassis to match, they went about tuning for midrange with the exhaust only- no cams, when they where done
they found the midrange and didn’t hurt the top end, So the ST4s ended up with
more motor then the 996 Superbike. To back that up, one conversion I heard, the Monster4s folks are on the look out for the ST4s exhaust systems.
Coming off a 04R1, nothing runs like a open class Sportbike, they are amazing.
so refined and effortless. I’ve toured on R1’s, 3days 1200miles they’er good.
I just wanted a bit more leg room and less of the “head down” attitude, hard bags and under 500lbs. No else in the world manufactures such a piece of equipment, Except Ducati. Oh, and they look great, neo-classic sort a way. again imo.
My thought are, on any giving track day (I’m going out a limb here) the ST4s without bags, would “run with” or possible out run a stock 888.
Maybee not as good looking as the 888-Doug Polen Special- not bad either.
its not a gsxr1k, but it is endearing!
October 05, Superbike magazine (
www.superbike.co.uk) Sports vs Tourer
did a street ride comparo of 05ST3, vs a 05GSXR1k, 440something mile day,
1st on the st3, then gsxr1k
Sport vs Tourer
average speed, gsxr 54.68mph
st3 54.33mph.
knee down: gsxr1k, 18
st3, 7
wheelies: gsxr1k, 16
st3, 7
mpg: gsxr, 9.16 miles per ltr
st3 8.78 miles per ltr
missed grs gsxr 4
st3 5
And that wasn’t even the 3s or the 4s!
At the end, compromises were made the gsxr was reasonable comfortable and ducati handled and performed very well, giving the girth and being down on power. like 45%
After each ride, and each day he went to message therapist, aches and pains from both, just different.
just a thought.
Andrew