Ducati St4s
The Ducati St4s has a top speed of 255 km/h, produces 117 hp and weighs 229 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Ducati ST4S was introduced in 2001 as the flagship of Ducati's Sport Touring lineup, featuring the more powerful 996cc Superbike-derived engine with Öhlins suspension upgrades over the standard ST4. It was produced through 2005 and is notable for blending genuine superbike performance with long-distance touring capability, making it one of the most capable sport-tourers of its era.
117 hp
Power
98 Nm
Torque
229 kg
Weight
255 km/h
Top Speed
7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Desmodue Valve Service
The ST4S requires Ducati's desmodromic valve adjustments every 7,500 miles — a labor-intensive service that can cost $600–$1,200 at a dealer. Always verify service history before buying, as skipped intervals can cause serious engine damage.
Heat & Electrical Gremlins
The ST4S runs notoriously hot at low speeds, and older models are prone to electrical issues including failing rectifier/regulators that can fry the battery. Budget for a regulator upgrade if the bike hasn't already had one.
Stable Resale Value
The ST4S holds its value reasonably well among sport-touring Ducatis due to its rare 996 Superbike-derived engine and limited production numbers. A well-maintained example remains desirable to enthusiasts, making it a smarter long-term buy than most competitors.
Generations & Specs by Year
996cc Desmoquattro engine, 117hp, tubular steel trellis frame, Showa suspension, Brembo brakes, sport touring focus.
"The sport-tourer Italy forgot to make practical."
That 996 Desmoquattro pulls hard from 4,000 rpm and absolutely howls past 7,000 — it's the engine that makes you forgive everything else, and there's plenty to forgive. The ergonomics are a genuine compromise: better than a 916 on a long run, but after 300 km your wrists start a quiet protest you can't ignore. Desmo service intervals will clock in around €600–€900 every 15,000 km, and the cooling system needs watching because these bikes run hot in slow traffic — not dangerously, but uncomfortably. When the road opens up though, the trellis frame and Showa suspension find a sweet, planted confidence that makes you feel like you've borrowed something from a much more serious machine.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"Buy with full history or walk away immediately."
$5,000-$9,500 usedThe ST4S is the Sport Touring Ducati that actually makes sense — a 996-derived Testastretta motor stuffed into a practical fairing with proper luggage. It pulls hard from 4,000rpm and absolutely screams past seven grand. On a good B-road this thing is intoxicating, planted and precise without the aggression of a pure sportbike. It genuinely does the miles too, comfortable enough for four-hour stints if you've set the suspension properly. Here's the reality check though: these bikes are maintenance-intensive and unforgiving of neglect. Desmo valve services every 7,500 miles aren't optional, they're survival. Budget $600-900 per service minimum. Check the service history obsessively — a skipped service could mean bent valves. Coolant hoses, timing belts, and the notorious dry clutch chatter all need attention. Electrical gremlins love these things. Buy a well-documented example from someone who clearly cared, and you'll own one of the most characterful sport-tourers ever built. Buy a cheap one with mystery history and you're funding someone else's expensive problems.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Ducati St4s — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALAsk for service history, interval every 7500 miles
Inspect hoses and weep hole for coolant residue
Check dash lights, fuel pump prime, all electrics
Inspect welds around rear subframe visually
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Rewarding but maintenance-intensive, budget accordingly
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Ducati St4s
Triumph Sprint St
Honda Vfr800
Triumph Sprint Rs
Ducati St2
Honda Vtr1000 Firestorm
Compare Ducati St4s Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Ducati St4s vs Triumph Sprint St
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ducati St4s vs Honda Vfr800
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ducati St4s vs Triumph Sprint Rs
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ducati St4s vs Ducati St2
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ducati St4s vs Honda Vtr1000 Firestorm
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Ducati St4s Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Ducati St4s? +
Desmodromic valve service overdue: Ask for service history, interval every 7500 miles (serious) | Coolant hose leaks and water pump failure: Inspect hoses and weep hole for coolant residue (moderate) | Electrical gremlins, corroded connectors: Check dash lights, fuel pump prime, all electrics (minor)
Is the Ducati St4s a good motorcycle? +
Buy with full history or walk away immediately. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Experienced riders who prioritize character over convenience. Avoid if: You hate maintenance bills or unexpected garage time.
What is the horsepower of the Ducati St4s? +
The Ducati St4s produces 117 hp @ 9,500 rpm, with 98 Nm @ 8,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 255 km/h.
Is the Ducati St4s good for beginners? +
Not really — the Ducati St4s is better for experienced riders (117 hp can be intimidating). Experienced riders who prioritize character over convenience Avoid if: You hate maintenance bills or unexpected garage time
Is the Ducati St4s reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Ducati St4s, notably: Desmodromic valve service overdue (Ask for service history, interval every 7500 miles). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Ducati St4s good for daily use? +
Experienced riders who prioritize character over convenience Fuel: 7.5 L/100km (approx. 13.3 km/L).
How fast is the Ducati St4s? +
The Ducati St4s reaches a top speed of 255 km/h, producing 117 hp at 229 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Ducati St4s? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Ducati St4s, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/ducati/st4s/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
