2002 Ducati ST4S 1.0L Petrol · LT02 TYB

The MOT history for this 2002 Ducati ST4S presents an uninterrupted run of clean passes, with no advisories, defects, or failures recorded across four consecutive tests from June 2022 through October 2025. This unbroken clean record indicates consistent roadworthiness at each annual inspection, with no mechanical deterioration flagged by the tester. While such a spotless record is reassuring, it is worth noting that motorcycles over a certain age were historically exempt from MOT testing prior to legislation changes, and the absence of any advisory entries means there are no documented weak points from the DVSA file to guide a targeted inspection. For a machine approaching a quarter century old, the lack of flagged corrosion, suspension wear, or brake component issues is a strong positive signal, though it places greater emphasis on a hands-on evaluation given the age of the components themselves. With 25,022 miles recorded over approximately 24 years, this Ducati has averaged around 1,043 miles annually, a notably low figure that suggests either sporadic leisure use or extended periods of storage. Such low mileage over a long ownership period means the engine, drivetrain, and braking components have experienced minimal mechanical wear from distance accumulation, which is generally protective of internal components. However, prolonged standing periods introduce their own concerns: seals, gaskets, and flexible components can deteriorate through lack of use rather than wear, and fluids lose their protective properties over time. The most recent test in October 2025 confirms the machine was presented for inspection in a roadworthy condition, but the gap between tests and the modest mileage accumulation suggest this has primarily been a weekend or fair-weather machine rather than a daily rider. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any advisories means a pre-purchase inspection must rely on close physical examination rather than referencing known flagged defects. Particular attention should be paid to the suspension linkages, swingarm bearings, and steering head bearings, as these are common wear points on Ducatis of this era and can develop play without necessarily triggering an MOT failure on a lightly used machine. On a test ride, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or notching through the steering as the wheel moves from lock to lock, both indicators of worn head bearings which are a known issue on high-mileage or age-affected Ducatis. The braking system warrants close scrutiny despite the clean MOT record, given the low annual mileage and the age of the original components. Check the front and rear brake discs for corrosion pitting around the outer edge and measure their thickness against the service limits, as discs fitted to this machine in 2002 will have exceeded their intended service life by calendar years alone. Inspect the brake calipers for any signs of binding or seized pistons, particularly after the machine has been stood, and verify that the braided lines are free from cracking or deterioration. The drive chain and sprockets should also be examined for rust and stiffness, as a chain that has stiffened through lack of use can skip on the rear sprocket under load. Finally, examine the frame, subframe, and swingarm pivot area for corrosion, paying particular attention to the mounting points, as Ducati's of this era are known to suffer from surface oxidation in areas exposed to road salt, and any structural corrosion should be evaluated against DVSA rejection criteria before purchase.