Ducati ST4

DUCATI ST4

Production       2002-2005
Class                Sport touring
Engine              996cc L-twin, Fuel-Injected,
                         4 desmodromic valves per
                         cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power               86 kW (115 hp) @ 8,750 rpm
Torque              98 N·m (72 lb·ft) @ 7,000 rpm
Transmission    6-speed
Wheelbase       1430 mm (56.3 in)
Seat height      820 mm (32.3 in)
Weight              212 kg (467 lb) (2002-2003),
                          201 kg (443 lb) (2004-2005)
Fuel capacity 21 l (4.6 imp gal; 5.5 US gal)

The ST series were Italian sport touring motorcycles made by Ducati between 1998 and 2007. The models included (in order of release) the ST2, ST4, ST4s, ST3, ST3s.

This series began in 1998 with the ST2 and later in 1999 added the ST4. The ST was partially a replacement for the Paso, but also represented a more serious entry by Ducati into the burgeoning Sport Touring market. The difference between the ST2 and the ST4 was primarily their engines, with the ST2 having a 944cc Desmodue 2-valve motor, and the ST4 using the Super-Bike derived (from the previous series) Desmoquattro 916 4-valve motor. Other differences were in the construction of the frame and electrical systems, and also the choice of suspension component manufacturers.

The ST4s were the pinnacle of performance for this line of Ducati motorcycles, and possibly the most sport-oriented touring motorcycle ever produced. Since the demise of the ST series, many people on internet bulletin boards have speculated about a replacement model. Most theories state: since the original chassis design of the ST series was borrowed from the Monster, a new ST based on the just-released Monster 696 chassis, but with the current 1098 Super-Bike engine might be in development. Ducati has previously stated that there will be numerous new models prior to 2010 (3 in 2008, 3 in 2009 and 4 in 2010), so it is possible that a new ST is in the works.