Ducati ST 4 S 2002 — Specifications

They call it the S, but unless you scrutinize its calipers or read the small Öhlins plate at the rear, nothing gives it away. This is the essence of this 2002 Ducati ST 4 S: a wise touring appearance that conceals a pure sport temperament. Under its touring fairing lies the fiery heart of the 996, that 996 cm3 Desmo V2 delivering 117 roaring horsepower. A daring, almost subversive graft for a category often synonymous with placidity.

The difference is felt on the first tight turn. With nearly 100 Nm of torque available from 4000 rpm, the twin-cylinder pushes with an ardor that few competitors of the time, such as the more refined Honda VFR800, can match. You find yourself forgetting about the gears, as the engine's flexibility and spirit allow you to pull in three gears. That's where its magic lies: it offers the sensations of a sportbike while sparing you the constant gymnastics of the gearbox.

But Ducati didn't just insert this ferocious block. The chassis, already solid with its tubular trellis frame, receives a master card: a single Öhlins shock absorber adjustable with a simple wheel click. The difference in curves is palpable. For its 239 kg fully fueled, the machine displays a disconcerting agility, sticking to the tarmac with a track-like rigor. The braking, biting and progressive, confirms this high-performance vocation, even if ABS will not arrive until 2003.

So, who is this sport-GT for? Certainly not for the beginner, intimidated by its power and size. It is the ideal mount of the demanding globetrotter, the one who travels hundreds of kilometers without giving up the thrill of chained passes. At 14,200 euros at the time, it was clearly positioned in the high-end segment, justifying its price with a unique character. A compromise? No, an affirmation: you can combine the comfort of travel with the soul of a true Ducati. It doesn't hold back, but it electrifies every ride.