Head to head – 2006 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 and 2004 Ducati ST4S

Why these two?

These two hyper-tourers would bring a smile to even the most discerning Euro bike fan’s face!

2004 Ducati ST4S

Ducati’s Sports-Tourismo range, also known as Bologna’s ‘Gentlemen’s Express’, was produced with high-end sports touring in mind. The numeric suffix of 2, 3 or 4 following the ST refers to the number of valves per cylinder. From 1997-2002 the ST2 ran with a 944cc engine that was derived from the marque’s first fuel-injected street bike, the highly-regarded 907ie. In 1999 Ducati released the ST4 with a 916cc powerplant but it was the S model that stole the show with its 996cc engine. Suspension components were lifted straight off the sportsbikes, albeit with more relaxed chassis geometry and a longer wheelbase for touring. The ST3 came into production in 2006.

What it’s got

The Ducati ST4S is powered by a liquid-cooled, 996cc, DOHC, 90° V-twin, fuel-injected four-stroke engine with four desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder. Power runs through a six-speed constant-mesh gearbox. The front suspension is a 43mm Showa USD fork with 130mm of travel. The rear swingarm has a fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock with remote preload control and 148mm of travel. Braking is handled by two 320mm discs on the front wheel, clamped by four-piston calipers with ABS. The 245mm disc at the rear is clamped by a two-piston caliper with ABS. The fuel tank holds 21 litres.

Geometry

Frame: Tubular steel. Rake: 24°.

Trail: 102mm. Wheelbase: 1430mm. Seat height: 820mm. Weight: 206kg (dry). Wheels: five-spoke cast (17-inch front and rear).

Performance

Power: 85.3 kW @ 8750rpm

Torque: 98Nm @ 7000rpm

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Bore and stroke: 98mm x 66mm

Top speed: 249km/h

Fuel consumption: 4.8l/100km

Standing ¼ mile: 10.7s

Price

$ 21,995 (+ ORC)

2006 Triumph Sprint ST 1050

Triumph’s throaty and powerful triple cylinder engine has been the lifeblood of its Sprint series since the first model was released in 1993.

Since then, the original 885cc donk has been bored out to 955cc in 1999, and then stroked for the 1050cc version introduced in 2006 that continues to this day. The Sprint ST 1050 has built its reputation on being a very capable bike that can scratch with sportier bikes, and handle the manifold challenges of touring in comfort. In addition to its addictive engine, Triumph has incorporated a unique looking triple headlight and a cool tri-barrel muffler to further differentiate this popular bike from its able competition.

What it’s got

The Triumph Sprint ST 1050 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 1050cc, DOHC transverse in-line three-cylinder, fuel-injected four-stroke engine with four valves per cylinder. Power runs through a six-speed constant-mesh gearbox. The front suspension is a 43mm conventional fork with dual-rate springs, adjustable preload and 127mm of travel. The rear swingarm has a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock with 119mm of travel. Braking is handled by two 320mm discs on the front wheel, clamped by four-piston calipers with ABS. The 255mm disc at the rear is clamped by a two-piston caliper with ABS. The fuel tank holds 20 litres.

Geometry

Frame: Aluminum twin spar. Rake: 24°.

Trail: 90mm. Wheelbase: 1470mm. Seat height: 805mm. Weight: 213kg (dry). Wheels: five-spoke cast (17-inch front and rear).

Performance

Power: 90kW @ 9250rpm

Torque: 104Nm @ 5000rpm

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Bore and stroke: 79mm x 71.4mm

Top speed: 258km/h

Fuel consumption: 5.7l/100km

Standing ¼ mile: 11.3s

Price

$ 16,990 (+ ORC)

Did you know?

In this modern era of manufacturing Ducati stays true to its roots and still assembles every motorcycle by hand in Italy.

Got something you’d like us to compare?

Let us know by emailing paul.mccann@amcn.com.au and we’ll do the rest!