I have an '02 VTEC and 04 ST4S.
Love the higher service intervals and less expensive,easily obtainable parts of the Honda.Pretty much a gas it and ride bike.Many owners don't even bother checking the valves with no known issues,...as in a couple guys going 100K.Not recommending that but it's a Honda.I preferred the non-VTEC gear drive motors (had 2 of them) but the VTEC really suffers from a stifled exhaust.A PC3,header,cans really helps it breathe.Ya,a V-4 motor is pretty sweet and the earlier models were direct descendants from the RC-30's.Comfort is similar to the Duc,weight is not.80lbs less make the ST feel like a Superbike compared to a stock VTEC.
If you do your own maintenance or don't mind waiting for parts or can pay a shop whatever they want to do a service ,don't mind an occasional mechanical failure,go right ahead go for the Duc,cuz you get a great bike with real Italian soul.
If you prefer less fuss,don't mind the extra weight,less worrisome maintenance and costs,save some bucks and go for the VFR.Both have their pluses and minuses.Why I have both......
