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/s...200+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

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 .. 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

[xgnr]

Here is the bike we talked about this arvo http://www.mtedenmotorcycles.co.nz/s...200+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 )

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

[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

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 .. 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 and can overlook all that. and yes she's red


Cheers and good luck in the hunt for the ideal bike