Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Sport Touring: ST4 / ST3 / ST2 > ST3sABS v WondaVFR v Trumpet Sprint ST

[phillc]

Great post Athelstan! Thanks for the info. I seem to remember a recent UK test that had the Triumph winning the Sports Tourer class by a long way. Interesting to see a different result in a different country.

As for the headlight, the one on my 900ss is pretty much rubbish too. I find riding at night, on unlit roads, takes immense concentration and in the wet probably isn't very safe. Perhaps it's a general Ducati fault. Wonder if it can be fixed with an aftermarket bulb or something.

I'm considering a Spors Tourer as my next bike. I really don't like the way ST2s and ST4s look. But the ST3 has potential. I was even considering buying British and getting the new Sprint ST (it's not 4 cylinders you know!), but the comments about the cramped pillion position has now put me off.

[jeff st4s]

It's interesting to see that even on the newer style lights, they say the are no good.
I've always thought my st4s were beyond no good, more dangerous!
On anything other than full beam, at night down a country lane you taking your life in your own hands if you want to hustle along, I've had a few wake up calls and have been made to slow, down even on roads I know as the lights are sh*te.
As of yet I have seen no aftermarket kits to improve the older style lights, please someone find one!

[Athelstan]

Originally Posted by jeff st4s

It's interesting to see that even on the newer style lights, they say the are no good.
I've always thought my st4s were beyond no good, more dangerous!
On anything other than full beam, at night down a country lane you taking your life in your own hands if you want to hustle along, I've had a few wake up calls and have been made to slow, down even on roads I know as the lights are sh*te.
As of yet I have seen no aftermarket kits to improve the older style lights, please someone find one!

There is a replacement unit available in the USA (they will ship to Europe) - I do not know anyone who has fitted this so cannot comment, BUT, the web site does have customer testimonies and pictures of before n after. If anyone gets one fitted I'd be interested to have their views, not only does it work, but, the overal quality of finish and fitting instructions - see:

http://ducatidesigns.com/

[Jools]

Originally Posted by jeff st4s

As of yet I have seen no aftermarket kits to improve the older style lights, please someone find one!

Very good, based on Hella lamps....but pricey!

http://www.ducatidesigns.com/home

[jeff st4s]

Thanks Athelstan and Jools, I'll look into getting some at the end of the year and have them fitted when it's due for it's service, fantastic results shame about the styling, only down side of old ST is ugly lights and these don't really improve the situation, but hopefully I won't be wearing a tree at night for personal decoration after fitting them.

[mc31@york.ac.uk]

Intersting stuff. To comment further about the lights, I'm glad it's not just me (I thought it was my ageing eyesight letting me down).

To my mind, the spread of light (from my 1998 St2) covers all the right areas except up in front. It just hasn't got the power and I agree it is bordering on damn dangerous. Therefore, it would seem that uprating the wattage of the bulb would be a cheap, simple and easy option.
But the reason I daren't do that is two fold:
The cheap and nasty Italian wiring can't be trusted to carry the extra current without melting a wire or a cheap connector block, and the extra strain on the charging system is another thing I wouldn't like to try.
But remember that my model (98) has a particularly bad charging system, and all models since have been better (allegedly).