L-Plate Rider
I have an ST4s with the 996 motor. A great bike and handles really well as others have pointed out. I changed the front sprocket (to 14 I think)to gear the bike down a bit and it made a major difference. At least now I can get it into top gear at about 110 km.
What I enjoy most is the strong torque and not needing to constantly shift gears.
Is it progress if a cannibal uses a knife and fork?
x
I think changing the gearing (shorter) is pretty much a standard thing for most Ducati owners. I changed mine by +2 teeth on the rear sprocket, which brought my 1st gear idle down from 50 kph to 30 - but top speed stayed about the same (just revs a bit harder), and gear changes are better, as the gap between gears closed up a bit, and revs and change speed now match better.
IMO that Ducati gear the hell out of their bikes so that they can pass the Euro noise testing (ride past at 100kph in top), without having to go to too many other extremes...
UKMC #64
Scotsman on a German
Funny thing about Ducatis eh? My ickle little 6 hundy doesn't get out of 4th until about 125kph.
Even 2nd is lugging it around town.
In space, no one can smell your fart.
boike sssssssssslut
Why would you lug it down below 4000........the noise the noise let there be noise.
Sure fire way to stuff chains and cush drives
Hey It's Mr Nice Guy
Scotsman on a German
Well that's the point innit? I don't lug it HOWEVER if I wanted to keep it in 2nd AND legal in a 50 zone I would be lugging it.Originally Posted by Richard Mc F
Why would you lug it down below 4000........the noise the noise let there be noise.
Sure fire way to stuff chains and cush drives
Therefore I do 56 or keep it in 1st. Most of the time I just try to get out of town and stretch my legs. this is why Invercargill is so great. 20 seconds and I'm in the countryside!
In space, no one can smell your fart.
Weekday cruiser
Ducati's don't like traffic. I can't get below 30kph without slipping the clutch.
Taking it back to the top, I had 2 other bikes lined up before I thought I would scratch the itch and take a Ducati for a test run.
Then the only choice to make was between red or yellow!
Self lubricating tool.....
Nothing wrong with yellow aye Mike748!
Most are duc owners who have replyed, yes the ST2 944 2 valve,ST4 916 4 valve and the ST4s 996 4 valve.
Both run a 14 tooth front and is now more usable around town. Both bikes 4000-5000rpms is the sweet spot, pull hard and smooth... like a good woman!
Stock mufflers sound yuk! far far to quite and rob you of a true Duc thump, I got Sean of trade me who rebaffled my muffler with good results, he has done both sets and sound bloody great with out paying up to $1200-1500 plus I would need the ECU rechiped, if like the S you need a whole ECU as you cannot replace just the chip.
Like Richard Mc F said.... let there be noise, and damn thumping noise at that!!
You love it!
DUCATI ------- A real bike in a sea of shit!
Hardcore Biker
Monster 916 S4 : I did the 14T front sprocket thing first and it was ok and did the trick . Its the cheaper option.
I then had the "Gearing Guru"do me a proper analysis (extensive report from a computer - USD$29) and eventually chose to go back to 15t front and two MORE on the rear. That really sorted it out. I was after a bit of round town manageability and a 100-120kph cruising speed in top gear (6th) with at least a little roll on capability. Perfect now.
Note: Rear sprocket change involves a new chain.
Last edited by Duc; 12th December 2007 at 07:57. Reason: Correction - "less to more"
parting of the sensory
Two more on the rear?
... and that's what I think.
Or summat.
Or maybe not...
Dunno really....
Hardcore Biker
Corrected now. Thanx.
Weekday cruiser
You guys have got me thinking about getn the spockets changed now, I've read a lot about it but wasn't sure if it was a real world improvement or just another internet theory that's talked up but rarely ever done.
Anyone know of it done on a 748R?
parting of the sensory
It's no big deal, Mike.
It's all to do with what suits your riding style. I've lowered the gearing on my last four bikes (one tooth down on the front sprocket, in each case), because most of my riding is commuting. Unless you're doing oooodles of highway/motorway droning, or your bike is already low geared, lowering the gearing a tad is one of the cheapest mods you can do to your bike.
It was a must on the VTR1000 - 2600rpm at 100km/h was just ridiculous. Plus it made wheelies easier.
Allegedly.
Hardcore Biker
Its real world. Th options the Gearing Guru gave me were precise and detailed. I chose an option to suit NZ laws and my riding style. Also was based on my body size and weight etc.
Ive got a spare 14T front sprocket if you want to try it.
Not sure what your front currently is though (on the 748)
Im in Auckland.
I'ma get medieval on your ass!
Thanks for the input guys, putting on a smaller front sprocket sounds like a very good idea.
My main hesitation is that I figured I could justify up to $10,000 for a thrill machine and scratch my Ducati itch. $12,000 is just a bit too far although I don't think the price is unfair.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=129532467
Bevelhead Dinosaur
A friend of mine traded his Blackbird for an ST4S with ABS
He was a bit hesitant at the time, given the difference is power between them.
But he sure doesn't regret it now :)
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