Ducati St4 Review - The Best Value Italian Tourer You Haven't Considered Yet!

Beautiful Ducati ST4 For Review picked up a couple of Months ago, really wanted to try One of these older Ducks again since owning a 2005 1000ss a few Years ago, Unfortunately I had to give up the sporty Ducati 100ss, as it was just too low down a riding position, and have lusted after another older Ducati ever since, but is it as good as I remember?
Let's find out!!
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[@Cailean_MacCoinnich]

I've shared my life with my ST4 in (dark metallic blue) for nearly 15 years, and I just love her. Had other bikes along the road, but always kept the ST4 as it's too good to sell on. I've put 35K+ on it over the years and never had an issue. Best bike I've ever owned.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Fantastic bikes for sure, and still holding their value quite well 😁

[@_Archambaud]

I'm watching this because I just bought a 2001 st4 yellow massive service history.suprisingly cheap and underrated machine.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

You can pick them up super cheap now! Not sure why though, I actually really rate them🤔

[@_Archambaud]

I also have an BMW r1200s.rare and underated also

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@_Archambaud I had the K1200R for a while too, great bikes. But lots of issues on the early K1200 series bikes 🙄

[@kirwanjohn101]

Probably one of the nicest motor bikes I've seen, well done and safe riding!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your comment John

[@mikegregory472]

Great vid, great bike! I've owned two ST4S's in Cape Town, did 40,000 kms on the first one and 15,000 kms on the 2nd. Good Sports Tourer! Not many bikes like that available on the market today, 😀

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Still One of my personal favourites too 🙂

[@alfredwilson3915]

The delay at start is not normal and can be solved by installing a HICAP starter upgrade cable kit. Did that on my ST4 after rebuilding the starter thinking that was the culprit which it wasn't. The HICAP cable kit solved the hesitation problem and now starts right up without hesitation. Eventually the bike won't start if allowing that problem to persist as the stock starter circuit cables further degrade which is a common problem with all Ducatis of this era. The cables from starter to solenoid, solenoid to battery and battery to ground are larger with very stout larger connectors. The kit overall is over designed which is great but cables are difficult to route because they're stiff and thicker than stock but completely fixed the problem.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Yes we covered this recently in a full video fitting guide on my Ducati Multistrada 1260s Although it IS normal for Ducati's to have slow cranking issues, and other big V-Twins.

[@alfredwilson3915]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes it's only normal after things degrade

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@alfredwilson3915 well that's not true, I've had a LOT of Italian bikes, old, and almost brand new, and they ALL had slow slow cranking. It's just they way they are.

[@alfredwilson3915]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Glad you have covered this because it's definitely a Ducati engineering oversight leaving many wanting to kick their otherwise great Ducatis to the curb. Several times thinking it was a bad battery and or starter went down that rabbit hole only to find out after many hours - even a day or so of discover to learn that the stock start circuit cabling was tired and resistant loaded and dying from degradation. Here's a good one tho, a few months worth of great powerful immediate starts, after the starter rebuild and installing the HICAP kit, my also well worn Sprag Clutch assembly suddenly 100% quit. I replaced all of that stuff which is an afternoon plus about $500 to refresh all and my ST4 starts cold on the second revolution.....explodes to life before first revolution when warm.

[@clarkkent3792]

Great review; just picked up a 20600km 1999 Ducati ST4 with panniers, 3000km on the belts and last valve check; similar AUD price in dark grey with gold frame and wheels, power commander and GBR Italian pipes, bargain: rides beautifuly, 2 owner. Nice contrast point to my gen 2 GTR1400 Kawasaki, very happy with both.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Great way tyo get into Italian bikes on a budget this ST range, just need to change the clutch slave cylinder to an Oberon One, makes it much easier to ride, and no more sore wrist from changing gears :)

[@anthonyreddington352]

I'm looking to buy my first Ducati and after an ST4/3. Loved your video and you have me sold on the idea!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Really great way to get into Italian bikes, you can get a nice examle under £2500 right now. For comfort I would suggest getting the Oberon slave cylinder mod done though, as the clutch can be a bit tough on these, and cramps your wrist after a couple of hours. And a nice set of pipes to release the sound! Apart from that just make sure the belt changes and valve checks are up to date, and have fun!

[@andrewhansen4179]

I love my 1999 ST4. I especially like the hard panniers . . . they make the bike. So great to have the extra space for goodies on any trip I make, short or long. I carry a stretchable cargo net and even have carried pizzas on the back seat. I think the bike looks better with the luggage. You can't see the luggage racks with the luggage mounted. I can affirm that the Ducati recommended 80mph max speed with the panniers is way low. 120 mph with panniers here, no problems.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for the comments Andrew, enjoy your ST4 and ride safe 😁

[@allthatglitterz4564]

Love these old Ducati's

[@paulcisowski551]

Great video, excellent representation of the St4s 👌

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for the kind comments Paul 😁

[@stabes70]

You always found some great Ducati bargains, lovely bike👍🏻

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Yes this really was a good find! I couldn't find another at this price I'm sure, used bike prices have gone a little crazy over the last 12 Months :/

[@NavySWO]

Excellent video! Was it difficult removing the pannier frame and re-attaching the turn signals? Any additional components needed? Thank you.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks, no it was actually an easy job, less than an hour and it's a more sporty looking machine 🙂

[@user-ie6sc1hd6r]

When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your kind words

[@karamelkaasya7668]

Timeless.......absolutely TIMELESS!!!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Agreed :)

[@lordemed1]

You can raise the handle bars higher, even if they contact the windscreem frame, which is pliable.

[@debenhamdave4314]

I have the modern day equivalent with panniers, but love my previous experience of older model Ducati's had a Yellow 748 with Termis and that dry clutch made a wonderful sound. Brake pedal position does seem odd but haven't ridden an ST4s? Enjoyed video thanks.

[@Daniel1920Minecraftdaniel]

A leopard cannot change its spots, you are the best

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

thanks

[@abramenkopavel4362]

Admirable work you have here, you are the best

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your kind words

[@233kosta]

I've got the opportunity to score an ST4 for the equivalent of about 1400 quid. I might just jump on it 😁

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Depending on mileage and service history, then yeah sounds like a bargain! 😀

[@233kosta]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I'm in Bulgaria atm, doubt I'll get a folder full of receipts (most people still do as much as they can on their own around here), but she looks well looked after in the pictures, not even a fart can on her. Plus, at ~30k miles, I don't think there's that much to go wrong.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@233kosta My advice at these miles would be to get the Desmo done as soon as you get it, unless there are some invoices, valve clearance checks are a must on Italian bikes, and there is no way to know about fork oil, spark plugs, filters etc etc, you can check the belts pretty easy, but they are only £100 a set now, and a couple of hours work 😁

[@233kosta]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes I found a well-reviewed Ducati specialist near the seller, I'll have the bike checked out and get an estimate for the work that needs doing. I don't expect it'll add up to more than £2000 total (bike + work). That's assuming the seller agrees to having it inspected by the specialist, and I can get said specialist to come in on a Saturday 🤣

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@233kosta Good Luck! let me know how it all goes 😁

[@rob2475]

Enjoyed your video. Been looking at one myself. Just one question, are you quite sure yours is a dry clutch as I thought they had a more open cover. I think they did make a wet clutch version too.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I know they changed to a wet clutch on later models, but this One had the exact same sound as my 1000ss (which was a dry clutch) if I am right they changed to wet cluch in 2005. But I cant be 100% certain without asking on the forum :)

[@austinisfullpleasedontmove653]

It is a wet clutch on his bike

[@kennethhancock2433]

My 2004 is dry clutch. The stock cover has been changed for an open cover. Your’s looks stock. 2005 going forward were wet clutch.

[@Cailean_MacCoinnich]

@@austinisfullpleasedontmove653 Erm... No it doesn't. It has a dry clutch.

[@Cailean_MacCoinnich]

It has a dry clutch. There's no mistaking that sweet sound. Just pull in the clutch lever and the "clattering" stops. People put open covers on their clutches to increase the sound, but standard they sound exactly like this.

[@lordemed1]

2000 friggin' quid? Holy B'Jeezux!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

One of the best bargain bikes I ever bought :)

[@lordemed1]

Easily worth 3x the price, if not more.

[@tonybirmingham2]

Good video ta. Checked uk gov mot checker... it shows 2008 mileage 17.5k...then later mots mileage below 5k.... and kept? low so no way to trust mileage... but great looking bike.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for the comment Tony, the Mileage discrepancy is due to a dash change at Ducati due to a failure, not in my ownership, but I did see the invoice and job sheet, and I even called the dealer to make sure it was legitimate. I NEVER trust Mileage, and make sure I always do the proper checks, even on a cheaper car or bike :)

[@233kosta]

Are they wet belts? If so, the oil will degrade them regardless of whether they're spinning or not.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

No not wet belts

[@233kosta]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Then they're fine to just sit for 5 years before oxidation gets them. The 2 year thing I think is more to do with how they expect you to ride the bike.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@233kosta The 2 Year belt change was introduced when belts were far more fragile than they are now, as you say..... with the reinforced belts made now, 5 Years should be no problem. But it will hurt the re-sale if you go that way I guess 🙃

[@shanegrimsley5067]

My headlights are different. Looks like yours are from newer bikes.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@shanegrimsley5067 Good to know Shane 😉

[@Edison73100]

The Hella aftermarket headlite assy looks so much better... If you can find one

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I think I remember seeing that modification on the forum, (Assuming you mean the Twin headlights) but as you say, if you can find One for sale! Thanks for your comment :)

[@babblingbrook81]

It is gorgeous not just admirable!

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your kind words

[@Nick-Emery]

Do you live in Cornwall? Can you recommend a good motorbike mechanic? I’m in Par but will happily travel for a decent mechanic

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Have you tried Jason at JP Motorworx in Par? He's very good with bikes, and reasonably priced too 😉

[@Nick-Emery]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes no, but I’ll head over there next time I need some work doing. Thankyou 👍

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@Nick-Emery no problem 😉

[@zetarcwarden]

Excellent. So admirable.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your kind words

[@Edison73100]

Your rear brake lever is much more pitched up and does not have the rubber on the end , but I have a 2003 non abs st4s

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I always felt it wasn't quite as it should be, it just looked and felt wrong? so it's good to know it's not just my imagination. Thanks for your comment :)

[@thomassmith4364]

I like the effects

[@JohnSmith-vp9xk]

Chillest ever

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your kind words

[@donater7189]

I am your biggest fan

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your kind words

[@squiddly-diddly]

Hi mate ..just picked up an '07 Bandit 1200 for nzd 4500 (stg 2100) with only 35,000 km....last of the 1200's ..just a question...what do you clean up the header pipes with ?... cheers from down here...28 deg today, bugger.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Here in the UK we tend to use Harpic see the link below, it's really good for these kind of things, just make sure to wear a mask and gloves, as it's VERY toxic, just brush it on (or wipe with a cloth) leave it for a few minutes and then rinse it off, the results are amazing! - eBay number is 353112406889 for an example :)

[@torevenheim9607]

You should write a roman about Ducati st4s 😂

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

OK Then ;)

[@clashroyle2357]

total relax)

[@husenlaturiya7728]

absolutely amazing videos! However, if you could do like a drive, it’d be even better🙂

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks for your input :)

[@user-on4sv2rd6i]

Much prefer this version

[@rickrides8352]

If you had to choose .... your former BMWK1200r, or this ducati ST4?

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

That's a tough question, both bikes can be troublesome, and both have issue's with known problems, but I do prefer a V-Twin to a 4 cylinder bike, so for me it would be the Ducati I think :)

[@rickrides8352]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Thanks. I'm in doubt: ST3 or K1200r sport .... I had a 750ssc and a Cagiva Gran Canyon with the 900ie engine, and after that an FJR. And I do like the twins more, too.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@rickrides8352 Maybe also consider if you have either a BMW or Ducati service centre near you? as it can be a pain to have to ride too many Miles just to get something fixed. I like the Boxster BMW engines, but just not sure about the 4 Cylinder engines, Although if power is a thing you like, the BMW K1200R has plenty of that, but the Ducati gets more looks, and has more character. If you decide on the K1200, just make sure the shaft drive has been serviced when it should be, and check the paint on engine and shaft drive, they almost always have issue's there. Make sure the fuel gauge works 100% another known fault and around 200 Euro to fix! :)

[@rickrides8352]

@@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes Yep, got 2 ducati dealers/centres AND a BMW dealer nearby, so that won't be a problem. The power is not so much a thing; I want to buy a 2nd bike to do more riding with a pillion (that's why I've been thinking about a GS as well, but half the world already rides a GS ...)

[@motomirek]

Mine has the rear brake lever mounted in the same manner, too far into the engine.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Thanks :)

[@user-dv8nq2ev9x]

Everything is just how it should be.

[@rsole65]

As requested I am interacting with the channel:)

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Great! :)

[@Vasilii-fw2fk]

Nam...memories...

[@shanegrimsley5067]

Racebike w/ luggage

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

@@shanegrimsley5067 Absolutely 😁

[@austinisfullpleasedontmove653]

Quite proud aren't you.

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

I have lots to be proud of 😁

[@aaronbitcoin3655]

where are you from?

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

UK

[@Edison73100]

L twin

[@Budget-Cars-And-Bikes]

Yes indeed :)