Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Sport Touring: ST4 / ST3 / ST2 > ST or VFR

[sbwells]

Originally Posted by Athelstan

If you like junk food, loose women, and fast cars then get the other wonda, but if you like your entertainment in it's purest form - get the Duc.

What the hell are you on about mate?

[sbwells]

Originally Posted by YMFB

I parked next to a guy at Oulton Park last year who got off his 99* and looked at me and said ah, the thinking mans Ducati !

Nar mate he was thinking of the 74* series....

[Mad Dog Bianchi]

Had a chance to ride a VFR in the mountains of Virginia, doing over 300 miles on mainly back country roads with some highway up and back. Nice competent machine, exemplary Honda quality (though it stopped on me pulling into a service station and refused to start for awhile). However, I found it cramped (only 5'10" or so) and pretty bland. My ST4 makes me smile everytime I crank it over as it has real personality everywhere. You will pay in upkeep, but perhaps the ST3 is better in that area and almost as competent. Rode one for half a day before buying the 4, but the new ones seem to be pretty nice and tractable.

[jeff st4s]

Just come back from riding round Mugello area on some of the most amazing roads ever on my ST, did not know life could be that good.
I have a St4s and a BMW 1100RT, the BM is for crap weather/winter riding (that was my reasoning for keeping it after I bought the ST).
Slight sideline to your original question, Took the BM for a MOT yesterday found myself pushing it harder than ever before to get any pleasure, will end up selling it as I'm sure it would be safer to go in the car than risk it on the BMW Barge.
I bought the ST for the sound and the pure thrill it gave me, even doing 30/40 through town puts a smile on my face, cannot imagine a VFR doing that.

[Paul James]

Originally Posted by jeff st4s

Just come back from riding round Mugello area on some of the most amazing roads ever on my ST, did not know life could be that good.
I have a St4s and a BMW 1100RT, the BM is for crap weather/winter riding (that was my reasoning for keeping it after I bought the ST).
Slight sideline to your original question, Took the BM for a MOT yesterday found myself pushing it harder than ever before to get any pleasure, will end up selling it as I'm sure it would be safer to go in the car than risk it on the BMW Barge.
I bought the ST for the sound and the pure thrill it gave me, even doing 30/40 through town puts a smile on my face, cannot imagine a VFR doing that.

Just about sums it up. Keep on enjoying the ST Jeff !!!!

[Athelstan]

Originally Posted by sbwells

What the hell are you on about mate?

sbwells
Not "on" anything - but I am "about" the purity of life's thrills. You can get your kicks in life from any source, but, if there is really no essence to them then they are transient and falter by the wayside rapidly. If there is substance intrinscally within them then they provide a pleasure far beyond their basic form and function.

The ST4s does this - the VFR does not.

All in my humble opinion.

[Paul James]

Originally Posted by Athelstan

sbwells
Not "on" anything - but I am "about" the purity of life's thrills. You can get your kicks in life from any source, but, if there is really no essence to them then they are transient and falter by the wayside rapidly. If there is substance intrinscally within them then they provide a pleasure far beyond their basic form and function.

The ST4s does this - the VFR does not.

All in my humble opinion.

Maybe one has to live with the ST for a while to fully appreciate it's character ? They have always been a vastly underated bike IMHO. Maybe worth asking Kushy how the ST3 performs :-)

[Athelstan]

Paul
When I picked up my new ST4s from the dealer it was raining cats n dogs and the next day it was lovely n sunny. I spent those two days doing the 500mile run-in and then back to the dealer for the post purchase inspection.

That's all the mileage in differing road conditions it took me to appreciate that this bike was something very special.

And now 5yrs later I am still being rewarded every time I go out for a ride - it is just so rewarding when in motion in so many ways too numerous to list. Then comes the bonus - when parked it looks wonderful.

Horses for courses - and this horse ain't no donkey, more of a throughbred that is not at all temperamental.

[BDG]

I've had 3 different models of VFR and ST4, ST4s and Multistrada and covered a few miles on each of them.

If you want a great day to day bike with top class build quality, but rather lacking in soul and excitement pick the VFR (sorry don't agree with Henners, don't like the current VTEC VFR, last 750 mwas the best followed by the first 800)

If you want a bike that can tour, and track day, with soul, fun and enough power to make you really smile then the best choice is undoubtedly the ST4s. Its got character and if i could only have one bike it would be close to the top of my list (not gonna tell you what would be top!!!!!) ST4s is streets ahead of any VFR.

I also make this statement with no axe to grind as a no longer have any of the bikes mentioned so just an unbiased answer.

[888heaven]

Have to admit new RT1200 is a bit of a barge but before you stick the blinkers on test the GS1200 and a second hand 1100s both a lot lot cheaper to maintain once out of warranty and with the added benefit touring without lubing.
My 1100 BCR has been great fun is comfortable and returns over 50mpg two-up 12 monthly service was £221.00.
never tried a VFR but to me there like white goods their very reliable and everyones got one,the mondeo on 2 wheels.
ian