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Henners
31-Jul-2004, 14:39
Took W Snells (Alton) ST3 out for a good long test ride this morning, on the suggestion of Roger and Robert there as I’m looking for a stable mate for the 998. I have to say I was very impressed.

After climbing off a 998 the riding position is very sit-up-and-beg except the foot pegs are quite high as befits a ‘sport tourer’ - they shouldn’t touch down too easily. The engine is liquid cooled (like the ST2 it replaces) and is a 3 valver. Together with the dry clutch it sound just like any of the supersports engines. And it goes like one too! Good low down torque and a strong top end right round to 9,500rpm, puts out 95bhp and feels like a fit 748. The ride is quite soft but well damped and together with the high clip-on style bars it tips on its ear in a trice, very easy to ride from the word go. Soon we were overtaking sportsbikes on the A31’s numerous roundabouts which was great fun, sat there all comfy without a care in the world – an absolute hoot. If I were to compare it with a non-Ducati I’d say it feels as easy to ride as my old VRF750FT but with a much more powerful and characterful engine.

The screen has a flip-up edge and I didn’t realise at one stage that I was doing 135 until I glanced at the speedo because you’re protected so well from the windblast. Then I changed into top gear. This is a seriously quick machine, it just feels so easy to ride.

There are a couple of slight grumbles however. The bars vibrate a bit over 90 and the brakes are a little wooded although respond well when you give them a good two fingered squeeze. Taken as a whole I loved its easy and capable nature, finding myself going far quicker than I thought because you are cosseted so well by the fairing and the engine is so willing.

Snells also have a Multistrada on their test fleet and is a great family run business to deal with.

Red-leader
31-Jul-2004, 17:49
So WHEN IS IT COMING !

Henners
13-Jan-2005, 21:00
Lets say we're in negotiations ...... ;):roll:

bolds
13-Jan-2005, 21:09
If you buy a 2005 model its got a wet clutch!!

rockhopper
13-Jan-2005, 21:30
I was just going to post that i thought they had a wet clutch!!

Red-leader
13-Jan-2005, 23:26
Good to see you are not rushing into things Henners.
When was the test ride !
At your time of life I feel you should perhaps hurry things along some what !
You will be selling the new bike to pay for the nursing home !
OLD BOY.
Young Kev

Dementor
14-Jan-2005, 00:06
Originally posted by Henners
The screen has a flip-up edge and I didn’t realise at one stage that I was doing 135 until I glanced at the speedo because you’re protected so well from the windblast. Then I changed into top gear.

Should be well run in now then:lol:

Henners
14-Jan-2005, 18:49
Big up to W Snell in Alton, Robert, Roger Carl and Tom, who did me a great deal on an ST3 today. Next weekend will be mega ... fly to Bologna on Friday, pick the ST3 up on Saturday :sing::roll::burn: ... and before you ask young Kev - yes I will ride this one in the rain :frog:

Thanks to Ian for the advice on the Multistrada, in the end I preferred the feel on the 3 valve engine and of course the protection given by the fairing as I want to ride long distance on it. Roll on France in the Spring :D



[Edited on 14-1-2005 by Henners]

Monty
15-Jan-2005, 14:10
Well done Henners-so you've decided to join us 'old boys' on our comfy bikes eh..............???:lol:

John

Henners
15-Jan-2005, 23:33
Too bl**dy right John :saint: I'll keep the MV for when the Sanatogen works :roll:

Red Steve
21-Jan-2005, 01:19
Bought mine new a few months back, top bike when I'm not in the mood for my 748...pushing the big 4-0 and lower back giving me a bit of jip!

The wife loves it too, which helps .... and have a week touring in France planned in May as well as taking in the Moto GP at Le Mans.

The riding position is spot on for me and the engine/driveability is spot on...even got he dealer to throw in the colour matched panniers as well as needed to shift the bike to hit his quarterly target.

Henners
21-Jan-2005, 06:16
and have a week touring in France planned in May as well as taking in the Moto GP at Le Mans.


... see you there - hoping to stop for the GP on the way home :roll:

webbyc
21-Jan-2005, 08:17
Henry does the Saga Rep uniform come with the bike?:lol: I'll look out for the coaches at Box Hill so I'll know when you're going to be there:lol: Have to be a dry day though:P