| I have an 2001 ST4s - YELLOW
Okay now that's out of the way I will say that if you want a Ducati Sportstourer get an ST4s - forget the others as 4s has all the good bits on it, oh and importantly, do not get a recent one as Ducati have cheapened the spec on later models (no Ohlins up front - less carbon etc) the only good thing to say about the later model is it has a better standard headlight. The earlier models have a headlight that you'd be better offusing candles. You can improve it a little for a few pence.
All the previous posts have covered most of the other ground opn this subject - except for the seat. The newer models have a "more sculptured" seat that prevents the pillion from sliding forward and it is more rounded at the sides for added comfort. Having said that I have had no comfort problems with the original early seat but I'm a slim Jim of 73kgs.
As for the Triumph ST - the model year 2006 is very very highly rated over here - the Germans love it and say it is the best in its class. That it may be, but, I would not trade in my ST4s for one as I do not like the styling. Simple as that.
I have a friend in Vienna and she has a model year 2003 red'un and loves it and does many big mileage tours on it. Loves it, except for the times she has to do the chain tensioning. When she was round at my place once she showed me exactly what she was ranting about and I have to admit it was tough (needed to eat loads of Yorkie bars) n tricky to do. It scratched her porcelain hands so much that she wrote to Triumph about it - She also rode from Austrian to Hinckley to make her point and was invited in to talk through the issue (how's that for customer relationship building) - they have since changed the mechanisim. So the Triumph is worth a look if you don't mind its looks.
But - do ya self a big favour first - ride a ST4s and do the Duc.
[Edited on 26-1-2006 by Athelstan]  | 
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