ST4.... good for touring?

[DoWorkSon]

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!

[monstermick58]

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

[orangelion03]

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.

[Markus]

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.
 

[DW]

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)

[DrDesmo]

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

[VisceralReaction]

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