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Ducati ST4

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Make Model

Ducat ST4

Year

1997 - 98

Engine

Four stroke, 90° “L” twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder

Capacity

916 cc / 55.9 cu in
Bore x Stroke 94 x 66 mm
Cooling System Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio 11.0:1
Lubrication Wet sump
Engine Oil Synthetic, 20W/50
Exhaust 2 aluminum mufflers with catalytic converter (non-catalytic on USA version)

Induction

Fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body, Marelli 1.6M

Ignition 

Marelli electronic 
Spark Plug Champion, RA59GC
Starting Electric
Battery 12V 16Ah

Max Power

78.7 kW / 107 hp @ 9000 rpm

Max Torque

89 Nm / 9 kgf-m / 65.6 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Clutch Hydraulically actuated dry multiplate clutch

Transmission

6 Speed 
Primary Drive Ratio 1.84:1 (32/59)
Gear Ratios 1st 2.466 / 2nd 1.765 / 3rd 1.350 / 4th 1.091 / 5th 0.958 / 6th 0.857:1
Final Drive Ratio 2.53:1 (15/38)
Final Drive Chain
Frame Steel, Trellis frame

Front Suspension

Showa GD081 43mm upside-down fully adjustable fork.
Front Wheel Travel 130 mm / 5.1 in

Rear Suspension

Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa GD082 monoshock with piggy back aluminum swing arm.
Rear Wheel Travel 148 mm / 5.8 in

Front Brakes

2x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers

Rear Brakes

Single 245 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Front Tyre

120/70 - ZR17

Rear Tyre

180/55 - ZR17
Dimensions Length: 2070 mm / 81.5 in
Width:     910 mm / 35.8 in
Height:  1180 mm / 46.5 in
Wheelbase 1430 mm / 56.3 in
Seat Height 820 mm / 32.3 in

Dry Weight

214.5 kg / 474 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

21 Litres / 5.5 US gal / 4.6 Imp gal

Consumption Average

5.1 L/100 km / 19.8 km/l / 46.6 US mpg / 55.9 Imp mpg

Standing ¼ Mile  

11.3 sec / 200 km/h / 124 mph

Top Speed

251 km/h / 156 mph

 

 

Ducati had launched its first sports touring machine, the ST2, in 1996, and although it was a success in many markets, it was also criticized for its lack of top-end power. So for 1998, Ducati expanded its sports touring range with a new ST4, while keeping the ST2 in production as a cheaper option.

 

The ST4 was basically an ST2 chassis and bodywork with a 916cc eight-valve desmodromic engine fitted. That engine installation was straightforward, although the front cylinder head was modified from the standard 916 Biposto design in order to fit the motor into the ST2 frame. The exhaust camshaft was moved down in the head by 10mm (0.3in), allowing the larger engine to fit.

The same steel-tube trellis frame, Showa upside-down front forks and Showa rear shock as the ST2 give the ST4 firm handling, although the more powerful engine places heavier stresses upon it.

For 2000, the ST4 was modified with several uprated parts. A wider rear wheel took a larger 180-section tyre, and the brakes and dash were uprated over the ST2 parts. A new sidestand design replaced the previous flip-up design and there were some detail engine changes, mostly to improve reliability.

 

On the road, the ST4 makes a capable sports tourer, although it is not as effective as Honda's VFR800. The engine is very strong, allowing all-day high-speed cruising,

and the 21-litre (4.6 gal) fuel tank gives a decent 320km (200 mile) range. Sporty handling makes short work of twisty back roads, while the strong Brembo brakes and sharp steering are even useful on the track.

 

Living with a Ducati ST4 is very easy - the dash has a comprehensive set of instruments, including an LCD screen with a clock and fuel gauge. The fairing provides decent weather protection, and the optional factory hard luggage fit well. The exhausts can also be moved up when the panniers are removed, increasing Ground Clearance.