In 1997, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer created the ST family, a series of sport-touring motorcycles produced from 1997 to 2007. The range comprised five models, the ST2, ST3, ST3S, ST4, and ST4S.
The bikes were intended to compete in the market with other sport-touring machines like the Honda VFR. The ST motorcycle featured a full fairing, a large dual seat with a relaxed riding position for both rider and passenger, a center stand, and optional matching luggage.
In 2001, the Italian motorcycle maker launched the Ducati ST4, a machine produced from 1999 to 2005, powered by a retuned engine version that also powered the Ducati 916 motorcycle.
The machine was fitted with standard features, like a full fairing, integrated front signals, a windscreen, a single-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, three-spoke aluminum wheels, and a dual exhaust system that could be adjusted upwards when the side panniers are off, for a better lean angle.
The 2001 Ducati ST4 had its heartbeat set by a 916cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine with an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system delivering fuel to the pistons, boasting 105 hp at 9,000 rpm and 89 Nm (66 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.
To benefit from the power released by the engine, the bike was fitted with a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulically controlled multi-plate wet clutch and a final chain drive, pushing the bike to 249 kph (155 mph).