VFR1200 vs 2005 Ducati ST4s

I currently have a 2007 VFR800AT RWB with numerous add-ons. I have been thinking of upgrading to something a little bigger. Anyone have any experience with the Ducati ST4s? All reviews seem to be positive other than cost of valve adjustments. There is a dealer within an hour of me that has a leftover 2010 VFR1200, priced at $13,995 CDN. I like the shaft drive but not the reduced tank quantity. THis price does not include hard luggage, which I would want. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

The Duc will also need its timing belts replaced at regular intervals. Not a bad job really, but if you pay someone to do it you'll need to factor that in to maintenance costs.

I spent some time on a Duc ST. I loved it even though it is a tad ugly. Brakes are GREAT, bike handles like a 600.....BUT the Desmo belt set up has and will continue to steer me away from those bikes. Especially coming from Honda reliability.

As you know, this is the absolute best forum concerning the VFR. You should lurk on the Ducati.ms forum to learn more about the ST4s. Good luck with your decision.

I would recommend looking at the ST3. I have had a few Ducati's, some good, some bad, but the ST3 that I rode was one of the nicest Ducatis that I ahve ever ridden. I recently went though this same dilema but ended up picking up a VFR12 across the border for a 4 G's less than you are looking at paying. Mine is a demo with under 200 miles... I'll know shortly if I should have went for the ST3.

Never liked the Ducati ST series (although I only rode the ST2 and it was horrible so that's why). If I were to get a Ducati sport-tourer (and didn't want to spend a fortune), it'd be the previous generation Multistrada. The front fairing takes some getting used to but the rest of the bike is certainly pure Ducati and I think nicer-looking than any of the ST series. Just another opinion/choice for you.

i can change my belts on my 1000ds in about 20 minutes. as for the valve clearance check... different story. althought the vfr800 valve check is much more involving. don't know anything about the vfr12, so can't comment there.

and if you are considering one: records, records, records.

ducati's are different. if it isn't in your heart, you will think they are a hassle. the 2012 vfr1200 is exquisite.

Enjoyed an '01 ST4s for six years. On the short list of bikes missed most. The first few main service intervals can be pricey with the valve adjusts, but most owners don't bother anymore after, say, the 18K service. They tend to stay in spec. There are Duc ST owners with over 100K miles on the odom. Iron Butt winner Gary Eagan won all kinds of endurance events on an ST4. Can get 200+ miles or 320+ km's on a tank. The Duc ST bikes can have flaking rockers. A pricey fix. The ergos are VFR800ish. Not sure how the VFR1200 would compare. The ST4s bags are OK. Can probably pic up an ST4s for a good price. But despite all the preceding, there's something about a shiny new VFR1200 I would find very appealing. It just seems to ooze quality and reliability. Easy maintenance. A rockin V-4 engine. I think the VFR1200 is stunning to look at.

[image: Posted Image]

[image: View Post]sfarson, on 13 February 2012 - 02:07 AM, said:

Enjoyed an '01 ST4s for six years. On the short list of bikes missed most. The first few main service intervals can be pricey with the valve adjusts, but most owners don't bother anymore after, say, the 18K service. They tend to stay in spec. There are Duc ST owners with over 100K miles on the odom. Iron Butt winner Gary Eagan won all kinds of endurance events on an ST4. Can get 200+ miles or 320+ km's on a tank. The Duc ST bikes can have flaking rockers. A pricey fix. The ergos are VFR800ish. Not sure how the VFR1200 would compare. The ST4s bags are OK. Can probably pic up an ST4s for a good price. But despite all the preceding, there's something about a shiny new VFR1200 I would find very appealing. It just seems to ooze quality and reliability. Easy maintenance. A rockin V-4 engine. I think the VFR1200 is stunning to look at.

http://www.farson.co...ati/stkenso.jpg

That's a great picture too :)

I love the way the ST4 looks from the side, but have never liked the looks from the front....kind of boring I think, and the new vfr1200 looks great from all views!