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2003 Ducati Sport Bike reviews

4.8 (14 reviews)
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Reliability
4.6
Overall quality
4.7
Performance
4.8
Comfort
4.6

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14 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Kevin in KC

Olathe, Kansas

Reviewed on July 21, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati ST4s view listing

5.0
I purchased this bike used because the price was right and the condition was perfect. I was in the market for a bike to take short trips on and commute to work. I choose the Duck over BMW because I could stand flat-footed and it felt more sporty. After putting 4000 miles on it I can say this bike is rock soli... read more
I purchased this bike used because the price was right and the condition was perfect. I was in the market for a bike to take short trips on and commute to work. I choose the Duck over BMW because I could stand flat-footed and it felt more sporty. After putting 4000 miles on it I can say this bike is rock solid reliable, fast, handles great and is comfortable to ride for 100's of miles a day. It is a fantastic machine. Try one and you will be sold on Ducati forever.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

don hill

barnwell , South Carolina

Reviewed on July 31, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati ST4s ABS view listing

5.0
Owned an St2 before purchasing the st4sabs. Wonderful handling and sounding bike but weak electrical system and clutch. 6 and 12 thousand services can vary up to four hundred dollars difference in price between dealerships. Oh, the price we pay for Italian craftmanship, a Ferrari on two wheels... read more
Owned an St2 before purchasing the st4sabs. Wonderful handling and sounding bike but weak electrical system and clutch. 6 and 12 thousand services can vary up to four hundred dollars difference in price between dealerships. Oh, the price we pay for Italian craftmanship, a Ferrari on two wheels
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Ben Wood

Baltimore, Maryland

Reviewed on February 27, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati ST4s view listing

4.0
I've written several of these follow up e-mails to people contemplating the same thing. Let me tell you how I came to this bike. I previously rode a 2000 VFR800FI. Rode to work every day, rode to Daytona, rode about 2 dozen track days. Very reliable, hey it's a Honda afterall. Did it still break? Sure, but... read more
I've written several of these follow up e-mails to people contemplating the same thing. Let me tell you how I came to this bike. I previously rode a 2000 VFR800FI. Rode to work every day, rode to Daytona, rode about 2 dozen track days. Very reliable, hey it's a Honda afterall. Did it still break? Sure, but it never stranded me. Next bike had to do the same BUT I wanted character as well. See, the Honda did everything right and was smooth to a point of being "too smooth." It wasn't a looker and it wasn't scary fast. Next bike turned out to be a ST4S. I wouldn't have bought this a first bike or as a specialized bike but for what I use it for it's great. See, I do the same things as my last bike. First as an every day bike:<br /> I have a top matching case on mine. My laptop, jacket fit. I plug my heated jacket, gloves into the outlet on the side. The blinking light on the dash has prevented theft. I have enough bungee points with the pannier bag mounts to carry extra stuff behind me. Second as a tourer:<br /> The bags work. They detatch easily and mount back on. The passenger seat is big and my wife enjoys it better than the VFR. My 2003 didn't have the bigger fairing found on the 2004 and later but the wind deflection is adequate. You rarely use top gear unless you change the sprocket.(more on that later). You have to have a procedure for starting though. The battery on these bikes is barely enough amps to keep kicking it over. In other words, when you turn on the ignition you must preset the idle and begin. The lights are a big draw on the battery and you sometimes think you're going to run out of juice before the cold engine starts. But, you get used it. The bike stranded me once because I left the parking light on(key position) and ran it dead. I jumped it from a car but the battery was toasted. New battery $189. I've ridden this bike to Blue Ridge, Ocean City twice, Charleston SC, and Daytona last year with zero problems. Third as occasional track day bike:<br /> I rode NESBA and Superbike school this past summer. My last bike I put a Ohlins suspension on that is the prime reason I bought this bike. You can't surprise or max out this suspension. Dial it in the middle for regular riding. Dial one turn up for 2-up. Dial it all the way and back a half for the track and smile all day. The brakes are the best, period. The 996 motor. What a rush. The bike goes fast and doesn't get upset easily. It's a hoot. Problems with the bike were all covered under warranty include: <ol> <li> Battery replaced <li>Turn signal switch <li>Clutch (impossible to get into neutral from a stop) finally replaced by dealer <li>Loose fairing screws all over. The rubber well nuts and vibration cause them to work out. Conclusion. If you've never owned a Ducati you always fear what maintenance and reliability will cost you. After 600/3000/6000/10000 mile service I've had 2 shims replaced, belts. Service is about 600 average per service with the first two under warranty. I still don't think owning a Ducati is more expensive than others of equal performance. My Ducati gives me more smiles per mile and gets more looks than my buddies BMW, Honda 919, and Aprilia. If you're tossed between the ST3 and ST4s then I'd ask how hard you ride. The ST3 would do 95% of what I want in a bike but I'd add the Ohlins because to me the ride is worth it. The ST4s has that last 5% for me to plunk down the extra money for. You've had a Ducati so you already know what many people don't, that suspension and frame must work together to give you confidence. On top of that, you have a motor that stands out like a Ferrarri in an ocean of Harleys.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

peter

gisborne, Alabama, New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Reviewed on November 23, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati SS1000F DS view listing

5.0
This is a really good motorcycle, light, fast, nothing upsets the stability of this machine at any speed. The torque is amazing on this bike as is combined with light weight. Love the precision steering. This is the best bike I have ridden in 30 years of motorcycling. It is a little hard on wrists and bum... read more
This is a really good motorcycle, light, fast, nothing upsets the stability of this machine at any speed. The torque is amazing on this bike as is combined with light weight. Love the precision steering. This is the best bike I have ridden in 30 years of motorcycling. It is a little hard on wrists and bum after 2 or 3 hours. New Zealand is a land of corners and this bike is in its element and so am I.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

benw

Belair, Maryland

Reviewed on April 8, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati ST4s ABS view listing

5.0
I wasn't planning on buying another bike but my every day ride a 2000 VFR with 38,000 miles died (fire). I ride every day year 'round and also do a couple track days a year. I wanted something reliable with better suspension and brakes. I purchased a 2003 ST4S at Speeds Cycle. I knew the bike had lots of grun... read more
I wasn't planning on buying another bike but my every day ride a 2000 VFR with 38,000 miles died (fire). I ride every day year 'round and also do a couple track days a year. I wanted something reliable with better suspension and brakes. I purchased a 2003 ST4S at Speeds Cycle. I knew the bike had lots of grunt but fell in love with the suspension and brakes. Ride position is fine and it chugs along at any speed you wish. I drove straight to Daytona this year with no problems. Plug in power is great for heated clothing. Only maintenance issues were a dead battery (my fault) and it burned a quart of oil when new. Hard to get into neutral when stopped but you get used to it. Fully loaded with passenger and bags it rides the same as unloaded. It gets lots of looks and I love it. I'll drive it to the track, tape it up and ride this summer, can't wait.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Jerome

Norwood, Alabama, Australia

Reviewed on March 10, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati 800 Sport FF view listing

5.0
This is an awesome looking bike in fully faired in dark. Very sexy. Goes very nicely, but exhaust too quiet for a Ducati (It will make the neighbors happy). On taking the bike in for its first 1000km service some swarf from the airbox had screwed up throttle settings. Apparently it came that way from the fact... read more
This is an awesome looking bike in fully faired in dark. Very sexy. Goes very nicely, but exhaust too quiet for a Ducati (It will make the neighbors happy). On taking the bike in for its first 1000km service some swarf from the airbox had screwed up throttle settings. Apparently it came that way from the factory! Typical Italian quality. Other than that, no problems. Ride is uncompromising, so as usual wrists and neck can get sore if you are in stop/start city traffic, or on long straight roads! Eats up the windy stuff!
Reliability
4.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

Colin D

Baltimore, Maryland

Reviewed on November 3, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati ST4s ABS view listing

4.0
The 2003 ST4s-ABS in Senna Metallic Gray w/ bright red wheels, is an all day sport bike. The 996 motor stomps, it loafs along at 75 (mph)and eats up the blacktop. The abs brakes are phenomenal. The fit and finish is beautiful, typically Itailan.... read more
The 2003 ST4s-ABS in Senna Metallic Gray w/ bright red wheels, is an all day sport bike. The 996 motor stomps, it loafs along at 75 (mph)and eats up the blacktop. The abs brakes are phenomenal. The fit and finish is beautiful, typically Itailan.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Taylor Falk

Arcata, California

Reviewed on September 18, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati 620 Sport FF view listing

5.0
I recently purchased a 620 Sport and love it. I have had it for three months and have 3k miles already. Fun to ride because it is very responsive not only with the throttle but also the turning and steering. I do feel though in a year or so I am going to want more power. This is my first bike and I think it i... read more
I recently purchased a 620 Sport and love it. I have had it for three months and have 3k miles already. Fun to ride because it is very responsive not only with the throttle but also the turning and steering. I do feel though in a year or so I am going to want more power. This is my first bike and I think it is a great one to start on.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Duy Pham

Kailua, Hawaii

Reviewed on September 10, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati 620 Sport FF view listing

5.0
A great less-expensive bike that offers many ducati unique qualities handles well at both low and high speed engine delivers just enough power to have fun while being safe highly recommended.... read more
A great less-expensive bike that offers many ducati unique qualities handles well at both low and high speed engine delivers just enough power to have fun while being safe highly recommended.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Carl

Stockholm, Sweden

Reviewed on August 10, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2003 Ducati 620 Sport FF view listing

5.0
Having owned one for five months with 8.000 km on clock (5.000 mls), as a "born again biker" I am very satisfied. Straightline performance is not mind boggling, which in my opinion is just fine for riders like me. However, on narrow country lanes with a lot of corners this bike sings. The suspen... read more
Having owned one for five months with 8.000 km on clock (5.000 mls), as a "born again biker" I am very satisfied. Straightline performance is not mind boggling, which in my opinion is just fine for riders like me. However, on narrow country lanes with a lot of corners this bike sings. The suspension is stiff and the bike feels well planted. The v-twin drives well out of corners, and there is little need to shift gears while riding such roads. In addition, as the engine braking effect for v-twins is fairly strong, there is little or no reason to even touch the brake lever in such cornering sessions. The bike can be easily controlled with the throttle alone. Power delivery is very predictable without any hicups with injection or comparable issues. As can be seen from related technical data, 90% of maximum torque is available from just 3.500 rews up to something like 9.500 rews (The torque curve is actually almost a straight line beetween those rews) while the power curve is linear from bit ower 3.000 rews to something like 8.500 rews. All in all, the power is easy to control. Brakes, frame etc. are shared with 800 and 1000 version and may be a bit of "overkill" for this engine. However, having such reserve capacity can do no harm. Perhaps the brakes deserve a separate mention. As with all Ducatis, the brakelines are steel braided hoses - not rubber hoses like in most other bikes. This may be a double edged sword although I certainly like it. First of all, the precission of brakes (Brembo Gold-series with huge 320 double disks) is impeccable. The braking can be easily controlled with just one or two fingers. Two is actually enough lock the front from highway speeds (and probaply saved me from collision when somebody run through Stop-sign without stopping). However, one would do well to learn proper braking techniques to get full advantage from these brakes (and calibiberate his braking in parking lot). To one of my friends the power of the brakes was actually almost two much, when he grabbed a handful like he does with his Honda Deauville - although he is a total novice. Anyhow. don't make this mistake. On track (OK. I have a wast experience of three trackdays. Perhaps not an actual expert in this subject.) the brakes really shine. It is really surprising how late you can brake to corners and if need to be, how you can control the braking in the corners. For day to day use, the stiff suspension is not too comfortable on cobblestones as we have in some of our medieval towns (In Sweden). However, on corners, smooth pavement and track it's good. The clocks are very easy to read with white backgrounds and bright red needles. Ergonomis suit my 183 cm (6 ft) frame just fine, although there certainly is more suitable bikes for long distances than this (The Deauville, mentioned above, beats this 24/7 while touring). My longest daily trip has been some 800 kms (i.e. 500 mls) and that was really enough. But for what this bike is? In straightline performance it is certainly not a match for Japanese inline fours like R6 or something - not that it is meant to be. No. This is not a building block for World SuperSport racing series despite the name (for that try Ducati 748 or 749 as twins can be 750s while fours are limited to 600). However, I think that Ducati has intended this bike for aspiring sportsriders with enough consideration not to get straight to R6, 749, new ZX6R or something like those. For such riders this bike is an excellent compromise of sporty suspension, driving position, brakes and frame. As such, it can be used to learn proper sportsriding techniques without fear of things getting suddenly out of control due to excessive or surprising power delivery. Actually, I am quite sure that learning proper braking and cornering techniques for road and track are much easier with this bike than with sportsbikes with over 100 bhp. All in all: Good: - Predictable power delivery - Precise and effective brakes - Precise suspension Bad: - The suspension is too hard for cobblestones
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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