Ducati 04 ST3 or 03 ST4

Go read what he asked again, i replied with the most detailed reply of the
lot, thanks to doing that trip so many times a year it is called experience
and i know that route warts and all

CDIHL

 

I have been offered an 03 ST4 with panniers and full rego for $19500 (demo
with 100kms)
The 04 ST3 is due out next month and I think it's refined in the seat
design, and adjustable bars dept for touring two up, although lower in HP
and no free panniers which is not a problem.
What I can't seem to find out is the on road cost of the ST3 and don't want
to make the decision until then.
Anyone heard any whispers.
Cheers
Jarrett.

 

I can't find anything on ST3. You mean ST4 or ST2?

 

Nope, the ST3 is new - its running a new 3 valve motor (hence the model
designation)

<http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2004/ducatiModel.jhtml?modelName=ST3-04>

big

 

ah, looks like a replacement for the ST2. In that case, if you want a bike
now, get the demo ST4, if you don't want one now.........wait.

hows the basket mmmonster Iain?

 

From the reviews I've read, the ST3 is a nicer bike for it's intended
design compaired to the ST4, The ST3 having better bottom end, there for
better suited to touring. It's also watercooled like the ST4, The mags say
that the ST3 feels criusing at 100-110kmh than the ST4, Which will criuse
better at 140kmh+.
Just what i've read, I've not riden either of these bikes, So I can't
coment on personal experience.

 

What a dilemma! You poor bastard.

Dunno much about either of them, but I do know that ST4s with Staintune
pipes make a magical sound when they take off.

 

Do please try to keep up, smack

 

I've ridden both an ST2 and an ST4. Around town there isn't much difference,
but on the open road at speed.

And the ST2 is water cooled as well

 

Ive heard whispers, but couldnt understand them, they were in italian

 

Ive heard whispers, but couldnt understand them, they were in italian


Dont worry Hatz will tell you all about it..

 

You may find there's a fairly significant service cost differential between the
ST3 and ST4 (well there apparently is between the ST2 and ST4...)

JL

 

He's been quiet of late in here since giving car advice to someone
asking advice for a trip to adelaide on a bike

 

Hmmm... tough choice, but I'd personally be keen to look at the ST3. I've
read a few reports now and it looks pretty good. Just quietly - and don't
tell Lisa... the new ST series could be quite noooiiice methinks! (She'd
soooo kill me...).

As for buying an ST3...

For:
- model facelift = better resale,
- newer technology = (hopefully) better performance, longevity etc.
- better looking (IMHO) and probably bigger wow factor (if that's important
to you)

Against:
- probably more $$ to service (damn they're expensive bastards)
- costing could be interesting + panniers (no idea on cost here)

Can't think of anything more in the against column. However, after my ST2
was thoughtfully taken from me I did test ride an ST4s and have to say that
it was a flighty bastard and probably well suited to turning every 2-up tour
with the missus into a racing event. Super-sharp steering, very responsive
throttle and sporty suspension/balance could have probably seen us in a few
interesting situations, knowing my occasional propensity to lapsing into
racetrack mode when I should really be the responsible husband on a long
tour.

Having said that, I would have bought the 4s in a flash if I'd been allowed
to spend the cash back in Aug. For me, the new model is different enough to
warrant at least a testride, even if it does mean casting aside your
opportunity for the ST4. Either way you'll get a great handling bike, a ton
of admirers everywhere you go (if that's your bag baby) and a soundtrack
that will give you massive wood every time you fire it up (and the same for
your neighbours in the wee hours... honest)!

So either way you're looking good, but for my $$$, wait for the 3 and have a
crack at it.

Lucky bastard,
Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen - pricks!) => '03 XX (welll..... it is *really*
powerful...)

 

you really are a bike slut Dave

 

Mate, I cannot deny it. As much as the XX is doing the job - all the power
etc. etc., I still lust for a Duc. Perhaps I should buy a toy 749 or
something. Of course this would spell the end of my annual... but what a
substitute!



Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX

 

And you went & baught a Blackbird Dave! Your not making sense. lol.
--

Aido >
2000 Honda Hornet S
www.hondahornet.co.uk

in message:

 

Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX + 749R

 

Ooooh well, I have to say, I very much enjoy riding the XX and for a 2-up
tourer with 30kg of women's shoes (for a whole weekend), it is perfect. The
"X" factor that was so easy to rationalise away a few months ago, is
frankly, a very real thing however. I'm not referring to the admirers or
the kudos or anything like that, but the Ducati certainly did possess
something that made me smile under the helmet (this is not a metaphor) every
time I rode it. It was costly to run, had 1/2 the power of the XX etc. etc.
but was a living machine with a special something that really does connect
with the rider (IMHO).

Anyway, I will have the XX for some time and so no point getting silly about
it all. It is after all, a pretty damned capable beast and I do count
myself lucky to be the owner of one. Perhaps tomorrow I'll have to take a
quiet spin somewhere... you up for a Mt White run Cam???

Cheers,
Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX

 

Mate - tread carefully.... jokes like this could get this little black
duck... um... well... Lisa'ed (killed!!).

hehe

Nice to dream however.

Cheers,
Dave
P.S. I was always jealous of you and your 916 (+ eski)