Moto Motivo’s Ducati ST4S Boasts Some Serious Aftermarket Mutations

While Ducati’s 2005 model of the ST4S family may not exactly be the manufacturer’s most attractive two-wheeler, it remains a phenomenal machine, nonetheless. I mean, what did you expect? It is a bulky sports tourer, after all.

The MY ‘05 colossus is put in motion by a relentless four-stroke DOHC V-twin engine that prides itself with a compression ratio of 11.5:1, as well as a desmodromic valve control system and four valves per cylinder. It is nested inside a tubular steel trellis frame and fed by a Marelli electronic fuel injection, which features a 50 mm (just under two inches) throttle body. The Italian firm honored ST4S’ mill with a gargantuan displacement of 996cc.

At 9,500 rpm, this liquid-cooled piece of machinery is capable of generating up to 89 hp, joined by solid torque output of 77 pound-feet (105 Nm) at 7,250 revs. The leviathan’s brutal force is channeled to a chain final drive by means of a six-speed transmission. Ultimately, Ducati’s tourer will be more than happy to run the quarter mile in as little as 10.7 seconds. Its top speed is rated at a glorious 155 mph (250 kph).

In terms of its chassis, the whole structure rests on fully adjustable 43 mm Showa inverted forks at the front, along with a single Ohlins monoshock and an aluminum swingarm on the opposite end. This suspension setup allows 5.1 inches (130 mm) of front wheel travel and as much as 5.8 inches (148 mm) of travel at the rear.

Speaking of this untamed animal’s five-spoke alloy wheels, they are equipped with a full Brembo brake package on both ends, consisting of twin 320 mm (12.6 inches) discs and four-piston calipers up front, coupled with a single 245 mm (9.6 inches) brake rotor and a two-piston caliper on the rear wheel. Needless to say, these bad boys will handle stopping power without breaking a sweat.

Now, a motorcycle enthusiast by the name of Johann Keyser founded Moto Motivo several years ago. For his latest project, he decided to convert a 2005 Ducati ST4S into a magnificent naked bike with retro cafe racer vibes.

Keyser kicked things off by stripping away each and every last piece of chunky bodywork. With the chassis and powertrain now exposed, Moto Motive’s mastermind began modifying the subframe, aiming to accommodate a slimmer one-off tail section. Additionally, he disposed of the stock fuel tank to make room for a tweaked module from a Ducati 999.

At the front, you will find clip-on handlebars, an essential characteristic of just about any self-respecting cafe racer. They are joined by a Monster S4RS’ gauge kit, as well as a gorgeous custom LED headlight. For a more suitable riding stance, Keyser installed a set of rear-mounted foot pegs and crafted a new saddle for his creation in-house, completing the fresh overall aesthetic.

Furthermore, he transplanted S4RS’ wheel and single-sided swingarm onto the ST4S, which has since been nicknamed Calabrone (Italian for ‘hornet’). The wheels are enveloped in a pair of high-performance Conti Road Attack 2 EVO tires.

As to Calabrone’s four-stroke V-twin monstrosity, it received a K&N air filter package and a unique ceramic-coated two-into-one exhaust system. The latter was equipped with a majestic carbon fiber muffler from Akrapovic and the engine’s ECU has been remapped to match the upgraded components.

To wrap it all up, the reborn ST4S was honored with a bright yellow finish, accompanied by vintage Ducati decals and a black racing stripe that runs from the fuel tank, all the way down to the tail section.

Personally, I’ll have to admit that I’m rather fond of this new look. I was never a huge fan of tourers or their design language, but Johann Keyser managed to transform this motorcycle into an entirely different animal.