Ducati

The ST4 is fine in slow traffic. In first gear it gets around okay with a decent exaust note. Even in second gear it's okay. I've never had it heat up too bad, but then again I've never had it that long in stop and go traffic. The ride position is much easier on the arms than the 748. That's probably why it's easier in slow traffic. I've even contemplated risers, though the more I ride it the more I get used to it the way it is.

What has to go is the seat. I've been looking long and hard at the Sargent. It has a storage tube underneath the seat that's useful. It also feels much better on the rear!

As far as civil, it may look more civil with the saddle bags, but that's about it. When you get on the ST4 it reminds you real quick just where its motor came from. With the saddle bags off the bike has more of a sporty look, even with the bag brackets still in place.

Okay, so here is how it happened. I'm minding my own business browsing the Ducati website when right before my eyes was the new Monster S4R. Now I've been lusting over a Monster for a while now. Not a full blown 800 or 1000 but a simple 620. Why? I don't know really. It's one of those quirks that I just shrug off when the thought crosses my mind. My ST4 does everything I could want in a bike, and it looks good doing it.

Then Ducati has to change the rules and come out with this new beast. The S4R comes with the 996 Desmoquattro engine, high position mufflers, single-sided aluminum rear swing arm, and a ton of other features that just scream out that it's one bad mo' fo'. Oh, and did I mention it pumps out 113 horsepower!

Hopefully sanity will sink in soon before I rush out to the Ducati dealership. :wink: