| ST4s
JOHN - sorry about coming into the discussion a bit late, but just taken delivery of new daughter and she's consuming a lot of my time - brilliant though!
Back to your dilemma: I live in Switzerland and have a Yr 2002 ST4s. My riding style is quick and long distance - 400 to 600 miles per day. High altitude (alps) or high temperatures (Portugal/Spain) have not knocked the bike out of its stride. It has never dumped me at the roadside.
Handles wonderfully well fully tanked and panniered. Braking is confidence building. Comfort is not an issue for me, even after 600mls. Headlamp is rubbish (model yr 2004 is a vast improvement).
Access is rubbish - the bodypanels are a pain to take on and off, with the oil filler cap in an awkward position as is the battery. I've had no battery problems though, but it is on an Optimate throughout the winter snow layup.
Tank range is 180 then we go on reserve - at 220miles I need a garage urgently. I've read of the "faults" that some owners have experienced but can only report that I once had a strange affair starting which appeared to be the result of water on the relay contacts. Dried off and away we go - only happened once and I've ridden through many a monsoon!
Cost of ownership - that's a personal issue as we all have different levels of finanacial pain, but I am happy with the ST4s. Tyre wear - front 7k rear 3.5k on the standard MPSports. Cam belts done after 12k each time and no disc warps.
Would I have another - YES  |