Thanks for the tip... I'll check it out...

So.. I've got myself a black (December 1997) ST2, with panniers and full service history. Immaculate and rides like a dream. 9200 on the clock for £2400. I think thats a good deal but please do correct me if I've been ripped off! The power and speed of delivery of the power is just incredible. The previous owner has looked after it really well and it has had the 14 tooth front sprocket amendment. On the test ride it went from 30 to 100 in the blink of an eye... somewhat overwhelming for a novice rider (I only passed my test in May). I shall take it easy though as it is heavier and bigger than my other bike.

It sounds gorgeous and is very comfortable to ride.. I did 250 miles coming home and my shoulders did ache a bit, but that could be also from the fact that about 200 of those miles was in the rain and it was very cold last night!

My first impressions of the bike are very good.. its looks fab, rides fab, sounds amazing and is exactly what I had hoped it would be. I haven't properly worked out the fuel consumption on the long ride home but I'm guessing it was about 60mpg.. would that be about right? I did a steady 70mph..

What I do need to do now is to spend a few hours riding around town, lots of roundabouts, junctions, hill-starts etc.. to get used to it.. it is a lovely bike but needs a different style of riding.

So guys.. mant thanks for the encouragement, enthusiasm and tips.. I have my ST2 and am going to enjoy her. I shall take her to Pro-Twins and hopefully join this DSC and meet up with on a ride-out soon. I'll make sure I can ride the thing confidently before I do that though! Wouldn't want to embarass myself.

Cheers!!

Dunks

Well done Dunks, enjoy!

John

Wonderful info on this this thread! Good read. I am thinking of trading my 750 SS in for a new ST4S which seems to have a lot of the mods recommended here. Also, I think I can live with the looks a little easier. Any comments on the 2005 specs or does anyone have one yet.
FInally, I feel Jools and Co. made a happy biker as you provided comprehensive rational replies. Hope that ST2 keeps you smiling for miles to come!

Amen to that. It's good to hear helpful and informed advice being given.
Makes a refreshing change from the derision and dumb jibes that you'd get on some web bike forums.

Conventional (ie, bike mag) wisdom is that the ST2 is "slow", and the ST4 is "fast. Equally the 900SSie is "slow", whereas the 748 is "fast".

In the real world this is rubbish, as I'm sure you're finding, Dunks.

Enjoy your bike. They sure are grunty beasts, aren't they?

[Edited on 9-11-2004 by moto748]

One more thing I would like to know is are the panniers worth the extra money. Are they usable, water tight, roomy and somewhat secure.

Yes they're worth it, they are watertight, they don't move about like throwovers do, they stay locked to the bike when you park up, they will take a full faced crash helmet and unlike after market hard luggage, they are reasonably narrow, leaving the mirrors still the widest point on the bike. I regularly go abroad for up to 10 days at a time and do not need any other luggage ( still have space for the duty free on the way back! )
I don't think I could live without mine.Andy

Oh, and they don't make your bike weave at 140+, eh Monty? :devil:

I must have a big head Andy, cant get my hat in mine....:sniff:

I seem to remember comments ages ago that some lids won't fit or were difficult to get in.
My Arai has no problems, but I only take a size small :P - my mates AGV in XL fitted in fine.

for good servicing and sounds like near you?????i recommend ducati-proteam (alec short/matt) 59 weir rd london sw19 8ug - near wimbledon dog track phone 0208 947 7555(tube - wimbledon park)
they have looked after my 900ss ie and 748 from 1999 until present day with the sort of care "as if they owned it themselves"

Rushjob, cheers for the info. Exactly what I needed, particularly the 140+ data! Looks like you do some track days on yours, but I can't tell if it is a ST4 or 2. I have heard above and elsewhere that they do well on the track. Very few track days here, but I found new respect for my SS after a couple of runs (especially after pulling past folks out of a 90 degree right hander onto the main straight.) No one believed it was a 750.

Mines a 4S :D

Looks to be full stock. OEM tires as well? Great photo! Looks like fun on the track, but how does it do in traffic. We have some wonderful traffic in Tokyo that helps to breed amazing riders! My 750SS is sharp off the mark, with no off-idle stumble. I have heard the ST4 suffers from that.

I think perhaps it depends how well set up the bike is. Mine certainly doesnt have any flat spots and revs cleanly right round to the limiter.

Stock......err no.
Tyres are Pirelli Diablos.
Silmoto carbon fibre exhausts, it has a TFI techlusion fuel injection gizmo, Braking Wave fully floating front discs with Brembo 4 pad monobloc calipers, rear Braking Wave disc & a lightened flywheel.
It's ok in heavy traffic but it's great as soon as you get out of town.
Certainly no stumbling to be found...as Paul says, smooth power all the way to the limiter...:D

but be careful trying to follow RJ's example without a 'get out of jail free card' :frog::lol:

So.. I've done about 600 miles on the ST2 in the few days that I've had her.. that includes a blast up the 'mad mile' near Croydon where I hit 100 with a friend on the back too! It is an amazing bike..! I'm still a bit nervous at slow speed around town but am getting more used to balancing the revs and clutch.. but.. my god, when you open her up she just takes takes off... and what a sound!! I bet people can hear me in Belgium..!!

Anyway.. enough ramblings... mine has had the 14 tooth sprocket amendment.. just wondered whether this requires any adjustment/recalibration of the speedo? There have been occasions, mostly at higher speeds, when I've wondered whether the speedo is reading correctly...

Thanks guys, again, for the support and encouragement about getting this bike.. it is fantastic! Is the ST4 really worth twice the price? Surely not.............??

Oh.. some f*ckwit pinched my tax disc!!

Nope, the speedo runs off the front wheel so gearing changes dont affect it.

They often read funny at the upper end of the speed range though.

I dont think the ST4 is that much more, the ST4S is becasue they are generally newer bikes. My 1999 ST4 was about £3200 when i got it two years ago.

Glad you like the bike though!

[Edited on 11-11-2004 by rockhopper]

I f*cking LOVE my ST2!!

Just wanted to share this with you like-minded people who gave me the encouragement to buy her in the first place. It is an awesome bike and is every bit as good and practical as I thought it would be.

Very easy to ride, comfortable, surprisingly economical, great fun with instant power delivery and what a sound!! It attracts a lot of attention in the staff car park and I now feel like a 'real biker'.

Thank you everyone for your much needed and welcomed advice.. I can't wait for the Spring to arrive and the many ride-outs that I shall join. Especially looking forward to doing the May Day ride from Locksbottom to Hastings....

One question.. why doesn't everyone have one?? Surely everyone should have a Ducati?!?!

cheers,

Dunks

:D

I'm glad you're enjoying it mate. I love mine too!

;)

Picked up my new ST3 a few weeks ago. Fabulous bike! Lots of power low down and handles really well, and got the dealer to throw in the panniers as well.

I looked at a VFR at the same time and test rode both on the same day. The Honda was good but a little bland, and the Ducati dealer seemed more willing to do a deal.

Only done 400 miles so far and had no problems at all. Have booked a week in France next year and this will give me a chance to put it through its paces on Gatso free roads.

The wife also loves the nice comfy seat which is a big bonus.

Ah, i think your the first one on here with an ST3!

Any one else have an ST3 ?? If so let me know what you think. have you done anything to it yet ie performance cans etc.

Dunks:-

One thing it may be worth looking to see if the Clutch Slave cylinder has been uprated - it sure helps the old wrist action if you know what I mean?;)

There are plenty of aftermarket ones (about £100), Nelly at cornerspeed on this board did them (not sure if he still does) as well - and they are quite easy to fit etc... (It's just in front of the Chain Sproket housing - a guide is if the housing has the Ducati circle symbol embossed on it - this is the older one)

Having fun - sounds like you are!!!!:D

So RED Steve,
How is your ST3. Just wondering now that you have had it for over a month. I was impressed with the tractability of the engine, but it would be nice to hear how you are doing with your new beast.