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Title: ST4.... good for touring? Post by: DoWorkSon on July 01, 2010, 10:03:24 PM Ive been looking for a touring/long distance bike to go along with my monster... Ive been looking at everything from honda, yahama, suzuki, but mainly at BMW's.... I found an '01 ST4 with 7k miles....for $5500 with panniers and some other goodies....
Are these good for distance rides?? As in distance, I am talking across US and back? I am not familiar with the ST4 and how well they are handling long distance.... Is this a good bike at decent price? Thanks! Title: Re: ST4.... good for touring? Post by: monstermick58 on July 02, 2010, 12:28:37 AM In a word; Excellent.
I too have a Monster and a '02 ST4, my wife and I did a trip from Sydney down to Tasmania and back (yep, from Australia) the only 'complaint' that I could find was that the panniers are not that big, a tank bag helped. Mmick Title: Re: ST4.... good for touring? Post by: orangelion03 on July 02, 2010, 08:35:10 AM Yeah, they're good for touring. Touring FAST! [moto]
Was considering one myself, but decided I wanted an ST2 as I didnt want to deal with an 8 valve adjustment, and was willing to live with lower power. Title: Re: ST4.... good for touring? Post by: Markus on July 02, 2010, 09:38:25 AM The ST series are great all-rounders. They're less "touring" than some of the BMW lineup with their more sporty ergos and light weight, but that ST4 can be made a ton more comfortable with a set of HeliBars and some Desmotimes lowering pegs. Add a tank bag and - if you're in dire need of more storage - a top box, and they're remarkably versatile.
The only ST4 specific things which may be issues for you are: 1) valve adjustments which can be costly and frequent if you're piling on the miles; and 2) chain vs the BMW shaft drive, as the chain requires more frequent upkeep while the shaft drive is basically trouble and maintenance free. :) Title: Re: ST4.... good for touring? Post by: DW on July 02, 2010, 12:06:47 PM You may also want to consider my VFR which is for sale in the Other Bikes section. Lower maintenance, similar performance, more accessories available!
(Shameless sales plug over) Title: Re: ST4.... good for touring? Post by: DrDesmo on July 02, 2010, 03:22:42 PM Ive been looking for a touring/long distance bike to go along with my monster... Ive been looking at everything from honda, yahama, suzuki, but mainly at BMW's.... I found an '01 ST4 with 7k miles....for $5500 with panniers and some other goodies.... Are these good for distance rides?? As in distance, I am talking across US and back? I am not familiar with the ST4 and how well they are handling long distance.... Is this a good bike at decent price? Thanks! Good bike, 916 engine which means there may/may not be flaking rocker issues. Services are quite expensive on the 4V's. For a strictly long distance touring bike I'd ( personally ) get something else, and I've had an ST2, ST4S, A couple of VFR's, a K1200S, etc. For reference, I just picked up an '06 Sprint ST 1050ABS for $5k flat, with 10k miles on it ( ! ) Cheers, Adam Title: Re: ST4.... good for touring? Post by: VisceralReaction on July 06, 2010, 09:41:03 AM Personally you should look at splitting the difference.
Look at an ST3 2005 or newer. They fixed a number of issues like the seat and headlights in 05 and I can't complain a bit about mine. Fun, sporty fast. I love it. It's comfortable two up. The valves are a PITA to get at but ah well |