DUCATI ST4

Look like the else on the ST4 is the same as on the ST2. The suspension and chassis are identical while providing for a ride that is plush and comfortable. The ST4 handles like a Ducati: solid. This bike isn't upset easily. The ST4 also has a slightly larger rear tire than the ST2, 180 Metzler MEZ4s compared to the 170 MEZ4s on the ST2. But the colors are different and a $2000.00 USD price difference, there isn't much difference between the ST4 and the ST2. One staffer who rode both motorcycles, although not back-to-back, thought the brakes felt softer on the ST4. However, both motorcycles are equipped with the same 320mm floating rotors with Brembo, 4-piston calipers up front and a 245 mm disc out back, although the ST4 front rotors are also equipped with an aluminum flange. The only explanation we could surmise is that the more powerful ST4 engine requires more input into the progressive brakes in order to slow the bike down because of the ST4's stronger acceleration. That said, another evaluator who rode both bikes, again not back-to-back, didn't notice a difference.

Exactly, there might not be that much of a difference between the ST4 and the ST2 other than the engine. If money really isn't that much of an object, then why not equip your sport tourer with a kick-ass engine? However, a 1998 ST2 we dynoed measured 57.3 ft-lbs at 6500 rpm and the 2000 ST4 produced 58.9 ft-lbs at 8750 rpm. The main difference is at the top-end where the ST4 made 99.5 peak horsepower compared to the ST2's 76 ponies. So, is 20 more horsepower at the top-end enough to justify a $2000.00 price difference? Maybe, but since neither the ST4 nor the ST2 will see much time on a race track other than the occasional track school, it's hard to say whether the $2000.00 price difference is worth it. Even so, buy what feels right and ride the hell out of it.