Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Sport Touring: ST4 / ST3 / ST2 > ST4s

[smudgedms]

Hi all,just found your website!.Most impressed whith the info on it re st's.
I am have decided to go for a second hand st4s ,I sold my Falco last year ,and now have the itch again!
There seems to be a number of possible problem areas according to the forums.

1) Rocker arms chrome lifting off

2) Ecu's

3) Disk warping

4) Some starting probs

I am aware of the cost of servicing the 4 valvers.

I am aware of the need for a full service history

I there any easy way of checking for impending probs in the above ?

Not sure if I shall buy from a dealer or private.

Any other things I should look out for ?

cheers david

PS was thinking of a VFR but fancy something a bit more fun !

[rockhopper]

Hi and welcome onboard!

1. The only way to tell is to take the cam shafts out. This isnt included in Ducati's normal service schedules. Most bikes suffer to a great or lesser extent. I'd love to tell you that its rare but to be honest it isnt.

2. Very rare problems to do with the imobiliser i think?

3. Again quite rare although i know of a 2002 bike this has happened to. About £100 a side to fix (ebay prices!!)

4.. Starting problems (if you have them) can be down to poor setup, poor quality battery cables, low battery due to alarm etc. All easily fixed. Rushjob did the battery/starter cable mod so he'll be along soon to tell you how much it costs. Not much though.


Buy through a dealer and get a warranty which you pay for (only worth having if its from a real Ducati dealer. Most dealers havent got a clue about them . Buy privately, get it cheaper but take your chances.

[Rushjob]

With the current exchange rate you'll have change from £25!
As for the problems......
1 rocker
2 front discs ( but I was very heavy on them in Spain )
No ECU probs
No starting probsafter the cable upgrade.
More power than a 996 bip
More fun than it has any right to be

[Rushjob]

PS for more ST info, have you been Here.......

[chrisw]

Ref your points

1. 13,000 miles no rocker problems
2. ECU - mine was delivered new with a faulty ECU and was discovered at PDI. The unit was replaced and no problems since.
3. No warping problems.
4. Starting problems. As said above a simple and cheap wiring mod to the starter motor helps. Starting technique also helps. The immobiliser trips in if you don't thumb the starter in time. Starting the bike only with the cold start lever on full and no twist of the throttle prevents flooding.

In 13,000 miles I've had the clutch paltes/ basket replaced, a faulty battery and new bearings in both wheels.

A 14 tooth cog on the front is a must have. Also consider a sidestand bypass wiring kit.

[rockhopper]

Ditto the 14 tooth front sprocket mod, well worth doing.

Oh and get one with the panniers included. They dont appear to add much to the price of the bike but they cost nearly £500 to buy afterwards.

Oh and if you get a blue one then i've got a nice baglux harness you could buy...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...e=STRK:MESE:IT

[chrisw]

This article sums up what most ST4S owners think about their bike.

http://www.motorbikestoday.com/revie...ucati_st4s.htm

[smudgedms]

Thanks for the info guys, i'll have a look at the web sites mentioned.
It would appear better to buy from a dealer with a warranty than take a chance(unless its a good price !).
I'ts only the major items that concern me,like rocker arms or ecu's !
Anyone know of a good low mileage st4s going ?
thanks again
david

[smudgedms]

Just had a look at the FAQ's -brilliant many thanks
cheers david

[BDG]

I did just about 19,000 miles on myST4S before selling it.
It got a good thrashing around Europe plus the odd track day.

Overall verdict, ferkin brilliant. Comfy, fast, handles and its got soul.

I had a set of warped disc's, definately go for 14 tooth sprocket as its overgeared as standard but v cheap to replace.

Set the suspension up, i can post my settings as supplied by John Hackett. Bike definately needed more ride height to speed the steering up, but its only an hours work.

I also replaced the seat with a Sargeant seat which made 600 mile days miles easier.

I've had 3 VFR's and thrown loads of money at Ohlins shocks/revalved forks and covered about 50,000 miles on the lot of them, good bike but not a patch on the Ducati.

Ducati will be more expensive to service but worth every penny IMHO.

Enjoy, they're great.