Ducati choices?

[Winston001]

Thought I'd start a new thread. I'm enthralled by the ST4 and I guess an ST4S would be even better........

However these bikes presume I'd tidy up and sell my BMW R80RT eventually, and use a Ducati for local and long-distance trips. Instead two bikes might make sense - at least to fellow bikers. One for fun and one for touring.

So what can you guys and gals recommend for a sport bike? SS750 - 900? I know nothing about their reliability,servicing, or performance. I think the nearest Ducati agents are Colemans in Christchurch. A long way away although local shops can surely do most stuff.

This is a more affordable option but I'm just looking for opinions. If an older Duke is a money pit or unreliable then I'm not interested. I'd boost the R80 up to 1000cc as well just to give better oomph on hills and passing.

[Eddieb]

I could sell you a '92 888, but that may be a bit more sporty than what you are looking for.

Buy one on condition and service history, ignore the mileage. If mine is representative of more modern bikes it starts first time every time, as long as I haven't left the lights on or something. D'oh!, even after 3 days in the rain.

Apart from usual maintenance items I've not found them to be particularly fragile or needy. Servicing can cost a bit (although it sounds like late model GSXR's may be giving some competition in that area) especially if you are used to doing your own work on your airheads with screw valve adjustment etc, however it's not complete rocket science and a competant & concientous(sp) home mechanic with good tools could do most if not all tasks including belts/clearances etc. Like a lot of european or other exotica they can take a little to get set up right for you but once done, wow.

They are designed to be used and I suspect a lot of problems you hear about are due to the owners wrapping them in cotton wool and not using them for extended periods or as per their design spec.

Define older , I class my '92 as a modern Duke, it's 4 valve, injected, water cooled etc. Some in the BMW fraternity would class your '85RT and my '82G/S as modern BMWs.

[jim.cox]

Thought I'd start a new thread. I'm enthralled by the ST4 and I guess an ST4S would be even better........

However these bikes presume I'd tidy up and sell my BMW R80RT eventually, and use a Ducati for local and long-distance trips. Instead two bikes might make sense - at least to fellow bikers. One for fun and one for touring.

Yes the S would be better - much nicer suspension - its always worth getting the top model of any particular Ducati

You will find you will only want one bike

Everytime you are out having fun on the BiteMyWallet you will be thinking just how much better it would be on the Ducati

At least thats how it worked for me...

[Crisis management]

If you liked the ST4 but want to save some, then look at the ST2. Same running gear but 2 valve motor, about $9 -10.
By all means look at the SS900 (750's too under powered) but be aware it's a more sportsbike riding position and harder syspension.
Test ride first!

[JimO]

check out MCR in Dunedin they have a heap of Ducs

[Winston001]

Yes the S would be better - much nicer suspension - its always worth getting the top model of any particular Ducati

You will find you will only want one bike

Everytime you are out having fun on the BiteMyWallet you will be thinking just how much better it would be on the Ducati

At least thats how it worked for me...

Yeah, good advice. I did have two bikes once but only rode one of them so that's reality.

To be honest, I'm wanting to enjoy a sports bike for a while (never had one) and the ST4 would be ideal. However I notice my friends are moving to adventure bikes or tourers so after a year or two I'm thinking an R1100RS will be on the cards. Or maybe a Triumph Trophy 1200 - quite like the look of those.

Never mind that - right now I want NOISE and Italian flair.

[far queue]

... I notice my friends are moving to adventure bikes or tourers ...

Never mind that - right now I want NOISE and Italian flair.

What you need is an ST4s and a DR650

[jim.cox]

What you need is an ST4s and a DR650 :whistle:

Or

get a HyperMotard

and put knoblies on it

:) :) :)

[Mike748]

To be honest, I'm wanting to enjoy a sports bike for a while (never had one)
.......................
Never mind that - right now I want NOISE and Italian flair.

If you really want sport go a little more extreme and you should get it cheaper than a more sensible bike like the ST4.

My 748R was at the time somewhat cheaper than an ST4, has lots of noise and flair, plenty of go ........... but of course no comfort.

Can't have it all I suppose.

[idb]

Sounds like an SS is you.
The seating position feels like a trail bike compared to an 888.
As Eddie said, go for service history.

[miSTa]

Thought I'd start a new thread. I'm enthralled by the ST4 and I guess an ST4S would be even better........

Not necessarily, like I said in your other thread I'm more than happy with my ST4.

I think the nearest Ducati agents are Colemans in Christchurch. A long way away although local shops can surely do most stuff.

You must mean Casbolts? The guy to take it to is Duane and Duanes Bikes and Skis - brilliant. I've heard of guys in the North Island coming down to Chch for servicing by this guy, Invers to Chch is nothing...

If you liked the ST4 but want to save some, then look at the ST2. Same running gear but 2 valve motor, about $9 -10.

Good advice. Up to about 7000rpm the ST2 and ST4 deliver deliver the same hp and torque. In "normal" riding you want notice the difference.

[far queue]

Not necessarily, like I said in your other thread I'm more than happy with my ST4.

Be afraid ... be very afraid