Thinking of a Ducati ST3...

[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.

[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

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

[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!!!)

Hmmmm, Paturoa thinks I should get a Goldwing.

[2wheeldrifter]

Have a read of this...http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.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!!!