st2 vs st4

External Since: Mar 30, 2005 Posts: 5

Hey people, I hope I can get some feedback on this. I have an opportunity
to buy either a ST2 with 700miles stock, or a ST4 with 6500 miles and a few
upgrades like a fancy carbon exhaust/carbon fiber rear fender and carbon
fiber chain cover.

both bikes are 2002 and the st4 is asking $500 more then the st2 , so the
money is not really the issue. Im not dying for the additional ponies
because I consider myself a docile rider, I almost prefer a bike totally
stock (refering the the extras on the st4).

The St2 is at a Kawasaki shop, so they know nothing about these bikes except
they say that it was owned by a guy who really didnt use it and has the
money to buy and sell these toys. It looks very clean. I partly wonder if
it could be a lemon and they are just dumping it and telling me he just
doesnt want it anymore.

The st4 is at a ducati dealer who seems very into these bikes. The story is
that the st4 was owned by a 55 year old airline pilot, and he traded it for
somehting else. They claim it has the 6000mile maintenence done already.

Thats the delemma. I cant think of any other distinguishing issues here,
maby the tires on the st4 will need to be replace soon, but thats not a big
deal really. I guess im wondering if a st2 2002 with 700 miles is an
unbeleavable find or if the st4 is that much better a bike.

Ps. I know the specs of both and I know the performance of the st4 is
superior, but perfomance aside ( after all, I ride a harley electra glide
now) can u guys give me some good advice here , im stumped.

Steve in NY

External Since: Jan 10, 2005 Posts: 244

On Wed, 30 Mar 2005 21:37:41 -0500, "Steven Baker"
<steveb.RemoveThis@lyndabaker.com> wrote:

>Hey people, I hope I can get some feedback on this. I have an opportunity
>to buy either a ST2 with 700miles stock, or a ST4 with 6500 miles and a few
>upgrades like a fancy carbon exhaust/carbon fiber rear fender and carbon
>fiber chain cover.
>
>both bikes are 2002 and the st4 is asking $500 more then the st2 , so the
>money is not really the issue. Im not dying for the additional ponies
>because I consider myself a docile rider, I almost prefer a bike totally
>stock (refering the the extras on the st4).
>
>The St2 is at a Kawasaki shop, so they know nothing about these bikes except
>they say that it was owned by a guy who really didnt use it and has the
>money to buy and sell these toys. It looks very clean. I partly wonder if
>it could be a lemon and they are just dumping it and telling me he just
>doesnt want it anymore.
>
>The st4 is at a ducati dealer who seems very into these bikes. The story is
>that the st4 was owned by a 55 year old airline pilot, and he traded it for
>somehting else. They claim it has the 6000mile maintenence done already.
>
>Thats the delemma. I cant think of any other distinguishing issues here,
>maby the tires on the st4 will need to be replace soon, but thats not a big
>deal really. I guess im wondering if a st2 2002 with 700 miles is an
>unbeleavable find or if the st4 is that much better a bike.
>
>Ps. I know the specs of both and I know the performance of the st4 is
>superior, but perfomance aside ( after all, I ride a harley electra glide
>now) can u guys give me some good advice here , im stumped.
>
>Steve in NY
>

Steve,

I've got a 1998 ST2, and love it. You'll never want for power,
regardless of which bike you choose. If the prices are the same, and
you prefer the stock bits to the aftermarket bits, I'd go with the
ST2. Get a test ride if you can to see if there's anything obviously
wrong with it.

The ST2 engine puts off less heat than the ST4 engine, which might
make it more comfortable to ride, and the maintenance will be
significantly cheaper, since there are only half as many valves to
check/adjust, and the valves are easier to get to on the 2-valve
models compared to the 4-valvers.

Hope this helps,

--
Scott Gardner

"It's easy to get a Friday off when you're unemployed."