Wot's the Ducati difference?

[laRIKin]

This will help explain of the ST range.

Ducati had launched its first sports touring machine, the ST2, in 1996, and although it was a success in many markets, it was also criticized for its lack of top-end power. So for 1998, Ducati expanded its sports touring range with a new ST4, while keeping the ST2 in production as a cheaper option.



The ST4 was basically an ST2 chassis and bodywork with a 916cc eight-valve desmodromic engine fitted. That engine installation was straightforward, although the front cylinder head was modified from the standard 916 Biposto design in order to fit the motor into the ST2 frame. The exhaust camshaft was moved down in the head by 10mm (0.3in), allowing the larger engine to fit.

The same steel-tube trellis frame, Showa upside-down front forks and Showa rear shock as the ST2 give the ST4 firm handling, although the more powerful engine places heavier stresses upon it.

For 2000, the ST4 was modified with several uprated parts. A wider rear wheel took a larger 180-section tyre, and the brakes and dash were uprated over the ST2 parts. A new sidestand design replaced the previous flip-up design and there were some detail engine changes, mostly to improve reliability.

The ST3 sports a powerful, 3-valve, Desmo L-twin engine. Matched with its Superbike-derived trellis frame, adjustable suspension, comfortable two-up riding position and optional colour-matched luggage, the ST3 is at ease on both twisty mountain roads and cross-country motorways.

Improved reliability and low emissions make the ST3 a confident choice to tackle wild mountain passes and endless stretches of highway. Producing 107 hp at 8750 rpm, the ST3 has more than enough power for the long haul and inspires confidence, even when two-up and under the full weight of luggage.

Introduced in 2001, this sporting version of the ST4 has uprated suspension, chassis and engine components, and offers a much more dynamic package. The 916 engine of the ST4 is replaced with a larger-capacity 996 engine, a variant of the 996 superbike engine. Different valve timing and lift and revised fuel-injection give the ST4S engine a broad spread of power - peak torque of 72ft lb occurs at 7000rpm, and there is 60ft lb available at just 4000rpm. This strong bottom-end performance allows fast, easy progress, even with a pillion and loaded hard luggage. The enhanced chassis features uprated suspension and lighter wheels to improve dynamic performance. Stickier tyres supply extra grip to match the engine's power.

The ST4S bristles with our best race-derived components combined with all-day riding comfort. The awesome Superbike 996 cc Desmoquattro engine ensures maximum power.

Of course, a great engine can only reach its potential when matched with an equally advanced chassis and suspension.

[Dean]

ledgend tells of a ledgend so ledgendary it was named ducati from its awsomeness

[Dean]

ledgend tells of a ledgend so ledgendary it was named ducati from its awsomeness

fuck that was lame wooops ducatis rule and i dont even own one

[imdying]

they are hott!!!!!!!

Any idea what happened there? Blocked catalytic converter burst into flames?

[I'm motarded]

Not quite the answer one would expect given your question, I just couldn't resist

So wot's the Ducati difference?
Well, aside from it's italian background, it's racing heritage, and it's looks....it's because it's exclusive. I'll tell you how.

People who choose to ride Italian choose them for PASSION.
These are the most uneconomical, overly engineered, at times horrible electronics, and worst "bang for the buck" in motorcycles.

You ride it because you have a passion for riding it. You don't care about "I reached 280 yesterday..." or "my bike is the most comfy out of everybodies..." or "I get more HP for the dollar...".

You ride it because of it's history, it's uniqueness, and it's soul.

Jap bikes don't have a soul or character. It's the little things, the details, and the timeless design.

The 851/888/748/916/996/998 is reveled as a timeless design. You can still ride a 90 Ducati 851 into a group of motorcycles, and everybody will look in awe, if not in awe, for the simple fact you don't see them all over the place. Ride up to the group with a 90 Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kwak and nobody will pay any attention to you cause it's "dated". There is are exceptions, granted... such as the classics, Katana 1100 and so on.

Ducati is not for everyone (I'm not reffering to the price) but to the feeling a rider gets out of it. The torque curve is flatter, It handles nicely but it feels different. the engine sound is unique.
After riding a ducati you still dont get it or dont like it, then a ducati is not for you.

So Wot's the Ducati difference?
Take one for a ride and find out!


Ducati's

I could'nt agree with you more.... I love my 748 and ducati in general....

[Taz]

I like mine a lot but then sometimes I don't like mine at all...... That's the ducati difference, They evoke strong passionate emotions.... Bloody Italians!!

[hayd3n]

its italian and they started making mopeds
yamaha started with keyboards how harmonic is that??

[McJim]

its italian and they started making mopeds
yamaha started with keyboards how harmonic is that??

They actually started out making electrics and radios until the Brits bombed the shit outta their factory in WWII.

There's irony for you - they started off as an electrics manufacturer and when they made their bikes they made 'em with crap electrics

I rewired mine so it works now....

[bsasuper]

The ducati experience is being stranded in the middle of nowhere on a 916, twice,once when the charging circuit packed in, and once when the valves decided to see what was under the pistons when the cam belt snapped.But they are nice bikes.

[Winston001]

Ok - this c&p is just to confirm other posts, to answer the differences:

"ST2 = 944 cc, 2 valves/cylinder.

ST4 = 916 cc, 4 valves/cylinder (916 Superbike engine redone for sport touring)

ST4s = 996 cc, 4 valves/cylinder (996 Superbike engine redone for sport touring), upgraded suspension from the ST2 and ST4. Also available with ABS beginning with 2003.

ST3 = 992 cc, 3 valves/cylinder. New engine developed specifically for the ST3.

ST3sABS = same as ST3 w/the suspension of the ST4s and ABS.

All the ST models are liquid cooled.

The upper fairing, dash, handle bars, and seat of the ST2 were carried over to the ST4 and ST4s through 2003.

The ST3 was introduced in 2004. It came with a new style upper fairing, electronic dash, adjustible handlebars, and (in the opinion of many) an upgraded seat. This was carried over to the ST4s in 2004.

The ST2, ST4, and ST4s are no longer in production, leaving the ST3 and ST3sABS as Ducati's sole sport tourers for 2007. ST3 is no longer produced as of 2009."

Much more info here http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=15290

[Winston001]

Now - statistics are all very well but they don't really answer the original question - what's the difference?

So - the ST2 is considered to be underpowered with its 944 engine - but owners are also happy people and don't rush to change bikes. Two valves is easier to service and less performance orientated. It's a fine sport tourer in real-world use.

The ST4 with its 916 4 valve motor is a superbike, as is the ST4s with the 996 engine. Both bikes are more complex to service and perform accordingly.

The ST3 is the most recent development and is a refinement on the ST4. Less valves but same performance, better fairing, just slightly better overall.

Despite the engine displacement difference between the ST4, ST4s, and ST3, they all run through a quarter mile at around 11.1 seconds passing through 197kph. 0 to 100kph is similar also although I have a sense the ST4s is quicker.

The ST4s is the sexy one with added bits such as Ohlins rear shock. Plus its a bit rarer and the top-end model.

There are a lot of Ducatis (and other exotic bikes) being brought in from Japan which is great if, like me you get the Ducati itch. Prices have dropped. Rather tough on past NZ buyers.

Some of these imports have barely been used - I looked at one in Invercargill with 526km on it. They are purchased by Japanese owners who go for a few spins with mates to show off their Italian stallions, then park them in their living rooms. Sort of high-end sculpture chick magnet.

So what was once unaffordable is now within reach for us.

As an earlier poster said, the ST series are sports-tourers (more sports than touring) but the ergonomics are not designed for the racetrack or tight stuff. Which doesn't mean the bikes can't do that, you just have to change the ride height and lower the bars. In which case you may as well buy a sports Duke.

My yellow ST4 gives me a frisson of thrill every time I look at it. Sex on a stick.

[hayd3n]

Any idea what happened there? Blocked catalytic converter burst into flames?

i cant remember it is a repost tho

[tri boy]

Had the dis pleasure to look after a mates MHR for a couple of months. Overated pieces of shite.
Biggest pile of parts bin special crap I have lived with.
I wouldn't compare it with the modern gear, or even a lovely old GT750, just pointing out that all brands have rotten apples.

[laRIKin]

So - the ST2 is considered to be underpowered with its 944 engine - but owners are also happy people and don't rush to change bikes. Two valves is easier to service and less performance orientated. It's a fine sport tourer in real-world use.

The lack of power is mainly noticed at the top end of the rev range.
I have had the luck to ride some well sorted ST2's that were more fun to ride than some ST4 bikes.
And then again I did really like the ST4S I rode.

And as you said, people with a ST2 are happy campers.
And the one I rode the other day I would buy as it went real well.

[Winston001]

I took an ST4 for a spin - compared to my wee bike its more powerful engine felt effortless - I was suddenly doing much higher speeds than I thought. Handles well too for a fairly big beastie - of course my wee six hundie is a lightweight short wheelbase hooligan so the wee duc is a bit nippier in the tight stuff.

If anything though it all felt a bit too clinical...but Winston001 will be changing his pipes soon so that should change eh?

Here is another point of difference. The air cooled Ducatis feel more raw, more "original", more like a motorcycle should feel in the traditional sense. I'd guess that is one of the keys to Harley Davidson's success - retaining the feel of a throbbing vibrating machine, but with modern electrics and reliability.

The water-cooled high performance Ducati motors are smoother and free revving with a nice bowel-clenching zone when they come on song. That's 6000 - 9000 revs on my ST4. Unfortunately it also translates to 140k minimum.......

The ST series are perhaps closer to the clinical responsiveness of the Japanese bikes but are still distinctive enough that you'll always know you are on a V-twin Ducati. Nothing quite like it although I'd image the Aprilias and the SuperDuke must be similar.