Thinking of a Ducati ST3...

[xgnr]

Ok Ok

The mighty K Bike is un-beatable in the touring stakes. Smooth, sleek... reliable.

BUT my dearest said that I NEED a flasher, faster (red) bike... ('tis true... maybe she has insured me for more... 'busa anyone?)

Back to reality. Wondered if anyone had thoughts on the Ducati ST3 ?

Obviously I need to get some comfort and I hate vibration (spoilt by the Beemer). Seriously, I want a bike that I can do the GC on (maybe with raised bars yes).

Took an R 1150RS for a spin the other day and didn't like it.

Don't mind doing my own maintenance at all... rather prefer it actually.

Like a bit of a fang on the weekends but most of my K's are touring (1 up) TBH (approx 20-30k PA).

Thoughts anyone?

[jim.cox]

Back to reality. Wondered if anyone had thoughts on the Ducati ST3 ?
Thoughts anyone?

If it were me...

I'd avoid the ST3 - the heads and cams are specific to that one model - which is an ugly duckling, didn't sell well and did not last long.

Much, much better off with an ST2 or ST4

Just my $0.02

[Hitcher]

Buy an FJR1300. Paint it red.

Hang on a minute, Mr Yamaha now does red version. Lovely it is too.

[Drew]

If it were me...

I'd avoid the ST3 - the heads and cams are specific to that one model - which is an ugly duckling, didn't sell well and did not last long.

Much, much better off with an ST2 or ST4

Just my $0.02

Dunno about the ST4, but the ST2 has the most uncomfortable seat I've ever ridden on. On it for athree hours and I was actually in pain, lots of it.

[megageoff76]

I'd have thought your arse would be used to a pounding mate!

[paturoa]

Here is the bike we talked about this arvo http://www.mtedenmotorcycles.co.nz/shop/MOTO+GUZZI/Moto+Guzzi+Road/Moto+Guzzi+1200+Sport.html

AND you can tell Mrs xgnr how you saved $3000!!!!

Edit: Actually now I look closely I was thinking about the Breva

[Solo]

Well of course I'm biased.. but.... the ST3 is one of the best handling bikes I've had. Leans itself into the corners and stays easily on track over bumps.. probably more sport than touring.

So far fingers crossed no problems except I needed to upgrade to the performace ECU to fix low speed surging. To be honest she was a pig around town until the upgrade, but now :2thumbsup

Seat is comfy enough for me for a couple of hundered k, but more wrist support would be better. Like I said more sport than touring.

Yep they have stopped production of these so they even may become collectable :woohoo: .. or maybe not:( but for me shes a keeper.

[Hitcher]

If the Ducati ST range was any good as a sports tourer, then they'd probably rank in some sort of "Big Four" sports tourer comparisons. Interestingly most motorcycle magazines and websites who do sports tourer shoot-outs generally use models manufactured by BMW, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Draw your own conclusions...

[Solo]

If the Ducati ST range was any good as a sports tourer, then they'd probably rank in some sort of "Big Four" sports tourer comparisons. Interestingly most motorcycle magazines and websites who do sports tourer shoot-outs generally use models manufactured by BMW, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Draw your own conclusions...

no taste :innocent:

[xgnr]

Here is the bike we talked about this arvo http://www.mtedenmotorcycles.co.nz/shop/MOTO+GUZZI/Moto+Guzzi+Road/Moto+Guzzi+1200+Sport.html

AND you can tell Mrs xgnr how you saved $3000!!!!

Edit: Actually now I look closely I was thinking about the Breva

Thanks B

Sigh... its hard to find the perfect bike...

[paturoa]

and off topic - the funny golf utube thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXxIGbzrklU

[xgnr]

If the Ducati ST range was any good as a sports tourer, then they'd probably rank in some sort of "Big Four" sports tourer comparisons. Interestingly most motorcycle magazines and websites who do sports tourer shoot-outs generally use models manufactured by BMW, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Draw your own conclusions...

Yeah good point there.

Must admit that I don't really want another Jappo... no real sense in this comment apart from the usual vanity, wanna be different, have always liked the thought and frankly prefer the euro styling.

Common sense don't come into it. (this is a bike eh :lol: )

Maybe do as Paturoa suggested today... keep the K' and buy a DR650 :beer:

[xgnr]

Well of course I'm biased.. but.... the ST3 is one of the best handling bikes I've had. Leans itself into the corners and stays easily on track over bumps.. probably more sport than touring.

So far fingers crossed no problems except I needed to upgrade to the performace ECU to fix low speed surging. To be honest she was a pig around town until the upgrade, but now :2thumbsup

Seat is comfy enough for me for a couple of hundered k, but more wrist support would be better. Like I said more sport than touring.

Yep they have stopped production of these so they even may become collectable :woohoo: .. or maybe not:( but for me shes a keeper.

Great thanks for the info.

Any ideas about the ST2 with the Comfort kit? I know of one in ChCh for a reasonable price... its red lol

Higher bars and diff screen.

Cheers

Stu

[xgnr]

and off topic - the funny golf utube thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXxIGbzrklU

Its my topic so GO FOR IT

Very good mate... bikes or golf ....hmmmmm let me think.

Stu

[Solo]

Great thanks for the info.

Any ideas about the ST2 with the Comfort kit? I know of one in ChCh for a reasonable price... its red lol

Higher bars and diff screen.

Cheers

Stu

Hi Stu,

I've never tried an ST2 but from what I've read; the ST2 = 2 valve head is a bit of a plodder, ST4 = 4 valve head has a peaky power delivery and the ST3 = 3 valve head (newest motor) is somewhere in the middle.

To add to the confusion all can also come as "S" models which means even better quality and more adjustable suspension.

Higher bars would be good, I think theres an extension kit.

One thing I fergot to mention was the throttle is a bit sensitive which isn't to everyones taste, and they are very high geared so I'm usually in 3rd or 4th in town.

Despite all the above I have fallen for her :love: and can overlook all that. and yes she's red
:2thumbsup

Cheers and good luck in the hunt for the ideal bike

[Golgrin]

I do like a bargain.
And I reckon an ST4S is one helluva bargain for what you get.
I tried ST2s before buying the 4S and if you're looking for a bike that will keep you involved on many layers... any of the STs are good.
I chose the 4S as at the time it seemed a bit of a no brainer for not that many more dollars..........main differences from the other Duc STs are:
Engine 996, about 40 more hp than the ST2
Forks - Titanium-Nitride Showa
Shock - Ohlins
Wheels - Marchesini Forged 5-spoke
Brakes - Brembo "Gold Series" brakes

But really, I reckon you have no idea what a bike's really like until you've owned it/ridden it for however long to find out if it fits...for me thats usually a few months.
I've owned Jap bikes and English bikes but this one has provided the most fun, the most visceral satisfaction of any bike in years.Its a hugely competent tourer 2 up and after 3 years I still find it great fun to take out.
It's still way faster than my abilities...and thats enough for me.
The Duc online community is very technically competent, so all the things that cause anxiety and negative comments from those that haven't made the connection are actually not that difficult to sort IF you're into your own servicing.
But it's true that its not a Honda.
My previous ride was a Honda ST.....a beautifully engineered bike with reliability and build quality....... as you'd expect. I rode it for 2 years before trying a Ducati ST.
Chalk and cheese.
The Japanese know how to make bikes with the precision and edge of a scalpel....they're fantastic.
The Ducati is a carefully crafted hand made knife with a handle that won't suit some people....but IF it fits, everything else feels.........well it just feels much less.

Outright performance is not the only factor in loving your bike.......and believe me, if an ST4S doesn't give you enough performance, its time to be looking at the next generation tourers anyway.

All the Ducati STs are great bikes..............but I do urge you to try a 4S....its another animal again.
But keep in mind.......they're not just another perfect Japanese DVD player.......if they fall off tune for whatever reason they can be ugly.

Bit like a relationship really....and I quite like that.

[AllanB]

Ducati have rightly bowed out of the touring market.

They will be sticking to things they do well - sports, Monsters and the occasional public interest show bike.........

And shoes....... bloody Italians

[mbazza]

We almost bought a ST4 four years ago. Lined it up in CHCH, took the co-pilot up with the $'s all sorted. Test ride on Banks Pen. All systems go until another rider came in to discuss his 6000 or 10000k bill. Basic maintenance costs of over $2000 !!! Too much for us! Best of luck with the purchase.
Cheers.:wari:

[McJim]

Pah, My 2003 250cc Honda cost more in service costs and parts than my 1998 Ducati. What is this "Expensive servicing" of which everyone speaks?

Bah!

Get an ST2 - 2 valve, air cooled, bulletproof.

I couldn't cope with something that upright though. I can ride the SS for hours but it only takes 1/2 an hour on a tourer and my tailbone hurts something awful.

[madandy]

Go the SuperSports!!! I rode 980km in a day and only had a stiff knee due to stopping only twice over the last 550+km.
McJim is right though, belts and shims are cheap and clearances are pretty simple.
I think Ducati's are best loved by those who like to get intimate with their motas :D

If you hate vibrations a Duc ight not be for you though...they're good vibrations though :yes:

[Kennif]

In the end you'll buy the bike you like the most. I do around 32,000k a year - mostly on the Honda ST1300. At this point in time the ST1300 is fantastic value for money. (IMO) It's one hell of a tourer for $22-23K. Especially when you look at the opposition. But in the end - buy what gets you smiling ... whatever it may be.
Kennif

[xgnr]

Thanks everyone.

For clarification, as far as I am aware the ST models are the watercooled engines eh.

Some say they are very smooth. Any comments on that? I have options on the ST2, ST3 and ST4. Seems that one of the later model ST2's would be an option in terms of ease of servicing, price and has enough grunt to get me more tickets.

One of the problems is that a number of the the models (with the ABS) don't seem to come with Panniers ($2,500 to buy!!!) :pinch:

Hmmmm, Paturoa thinks I should get a Goldwing.

[2wheeldrifter]

Have a read of this...http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=73139. That may help you out alittle.

I have never riden a ST3, but have riden ST2,ST4 and ST4s. The ST4 did nothing for me, found the ST2 more fun and smoother, better sound too!maybe it was just "the bikes" that I rode. I have the 2003 ST2 with a aftermarket pipes and air box mod and a new TFI unit, plug in inline with the stock ECU (same as efi) this has really kicked some life into the bike with throttle response, very close to the ST4s feel. Also have had a 2001 ST4s which does demand more control with the throttle. Is a harsher ride but that's mainly to the suspension setup more for performance riding, it is a superbike in a touring frame!! If you like more seat of the pants riding go for the ST4s, it is a blast. The ECU on the ST4s was a complete unit that you could not change, you had to replace the whole unit if you upgraded. They do make an aftermarket TFI unit that plugs inline also now. Abit more sedate riding with more control and fun the ST2 is very good. It is FUN, powe come's on smoother the the "S'' The kit I put on has made it a whole new bike. All Ducati's 1st gear is high and change the front sprockets to a 14 tooth from the stock 15. Did that to both bikes and was alot more friendly at slow town speeds. As for seats... well there are aftermarket seat's, http://www.sargentcycle.com/ducati.htm and http://www.corbin.com/ducati/st4smug.shtml. Something to think on... or sit on lol.
If you do get one, get the pipes recored or aftermarket one's... because you will love the sound, stock pipes kill that awesome sound!!!:headbang: