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

[Steve M]

As an aside, has anyone got or ridden an ST3?

What is in the engine in these like?

[rockhopper]

ST4 assuming you can afford the servicing costs.

[Dunks]

Is there much difference for servicing costs then? I mean.. is it significant?

Only reason for asking is that this conversation and the enthusiasm for the ST2 has made me look for one.. I am going to see two bikes within my price range... then, I got word of a guy selling a decent ST4 for a quick deal which I could afford too... just wondering whether I should even consider it. Is the insurance likely to be significantly more too?

Many thanks for the support guys.. much appreciated!

[rockhopper]

The ST4S has four valve heads, the ST2 has two valve heads. More expensive cam belts, twice as many valve clearances to check and they also suffer from the flaking rocker syndrome ( dont get me started on that one again) which doesnt affect the ST2.

So give Nelly a bell (www.cornerspeed.co.uk) and he will tell you what his fixed price servicing costs are for each bike to which you can add about £85.00 per rocker that needs replacing ( there are 16 of them!!) if you go for an ST4 or ST4S. On average its about three or four rockers a time.....

[TP]

Originally posted by rockhopper
So give Nelly a bell (www.cornerspeed.co.uk) and he will tell you what his fixed price servicing costs are for each bike to which you can add about £85.00 per rocker that needs replacing ( there are 16 of them!!) if you go for an ST4 or ST4S. On average its about three or four rockers a time.....

Well, it's £85 for one of them and about £110 for the other (opening versus closing rocker) ...

[rockhopper]

Yep Tony, closers only tend to go when the wrecked opener has mullered the cam shaft so much that its damages the closer as well.

[fatduke11111]

Dunks:

Pro-twins are about the best IMHO, the service guys are really friendly and very experienced, it's about mile or so from J6 of the M25 (Godstone turnoff). Well worth a visit for all your ST needs.

Jools is right they be not the prettiest but you can mess about with them...

ST4 piccy!

[Edited on 27-10-2004 by fatduke11111]

[Dunks]

ok... ok.. you got me convinced.. its the ST2 then.. I know nothing about the mechanicals of bikes and it sounds like I would reply on the boys at Pro-Twins to look after it for me... I'm going to look at two over the next week or so.. will let you know if I get one.. then I'll want to join in with you guys on a ride-out and have some fun on it!

Thanks for the really great advice and chat.. much appreciated guys!

[Dunks]

So.. I've done all my homework.. I've spoken to the guys at Pro-Twins, done the HPI check on the bike and everything looks good. Chances are that I shall buy it...

What next...? Any of you guys from round the south side of the M25 area and get together occasionally?

[lizzie]

Yes indeedy. The DSC meet nearest is probably Surrey at Box Hill on the fourth Sunday of the month. Webby is the organiser. Can't say many ST's turn up on a regular basis but there'll be loads of other Dukes most months.

Wanna join the club? I'm ya gal!