ST2 Duc any opinions?

Hi, whilst on my way home from PI the other week, whilst staying over
night
at a country pub, I was told about a 2001 ST2 Duc, stored 18 months, but
started weekly
with 8000 km. For $12,000.
Having ckecked around I have found that the price about what it is
worth. Originaly I had
thought that this was a bargin.
I'm interested because I have found that my beloved TRX, through no
fault of the bike, but rather
a sign of my advancing years is to uncomfortable on long rides.
I want to stay with the big twin with great handling and resonably light
weight but some more comfort.
Hence the interest in the duc.
Any "constructive" comments from the learned rabble. I am aware of the
service freq and costs, but still
interested.
Any ST2 owners out there.

schroda

 

Hatz will have erections and continue masturbating over your choice of
steed if you go with the ducati.
Biggus will hate you and the world if you go with the ducati.
hope that helps in making up your mind

 

I've an ST4s I am in love with I've done 8000 in 12 months. My only
concern would be the 750 in the ST2 would be a bit lacking. Mine is a
rocket, but the ST2 specs are a fair bit lower, and I know I would miss
that extra...

But ****, I love the bike though. Very solid on the road, but it can be
a little disconcerting when you first ride it - you have to physically
steer far more than a Jap bike. It goes exactly where you want it to
without complaint though. I'll be keeping mine for a while!

What does a 2001 ST4s go for?

Mark.

 

750? Its a 944 2 valve (I think)
If you find the steering sluggish, up the rear ride height 10mm - this is a
must on ST's
Also compulsary is a 14 tooth front sprocket for better up and go.
Another good one is to ditch the crappy champion plugs and put in Denso
iridium's (ngk's wont fit), to stop fouling..

Will
ST4s

 

Erm
the ST2 is a 2 valve 944? cc jobbie
What made you think it was a 750?

 

Erm - I must be on drugs (I think I am, but can't remember). For some
reason I had it in my head that the ST4 had a 944 while the ST2 the 748.
I admit I lost interest once I decided the one I wanted It appears
the ST4 has the 916cc motor at at claimed 77kW, while the 944 ST2 has a
claimed 61. I think the 61 also helped my belief it must have the 750
Who would think 2 little valves (well, 4 I guess) would make all
that difference

But given the ST4s claims 86kW, I still maintain I would miss the extra

Mark.

 

<chomp>

Hi Schroda,

I had an ST2 for 8 months before it was stolen. It was a 2001 model as well
and we bought it for 2-up touring with panniers. Plenty of torque for those
overtaking manoeuvres or blasting up hills, tons of comfort and super
handling.

We put about 15k onto it in the 8 months and it didn't skip a beat. The 20k
service cost about $900 but that's a small price to pay for the joys it gave
us. Every time I ride the XX I miss the beautiful sound of the Ducati and
its delightful handling. It will cause people to stop and ask questions
wherever you park it - so be warned.

A few things (reiterating from another poster):

- up the rear preload for sharper steering, esp. if you're carrying a few
extra kgs (lord forbid) or travelling 2-up

- put a 916 front sproket on. This truly transformed the bike, giving
super-smooth riding in slow traffic and much better drive out of slower
corners. Shouldn't cost more than about $60. Will knock back your top end
speed but this is no problem unless you are an idiot (doesn't sound like
it...) or racing it (!!).

In my experience, I'd have another one any day. While the XX is certainly a
more powerful bike, the ST2 always put a smile on the face despite higher
running costs.

I did do a track day at Eastern Creek, and despite only getting 225 down the
main straight (smaller front gear), it really shone around the twisty bits,
reeling in all those bigger buggers that flashed by on the straights.
Beautiful.

Buy it and enjoy!

Cheers,
Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX
P.S. Send me an email if you want more details or are interested in a set of
ST2 panniers (red).

 

But you said it *was* missing...


Postman Pat

 

Postman Pat delivers again. (this is the 2003 edition of this post, Pat)

 

Thanks Mark, I know the hp is not high, about the same as my TRX,
but should be a lot torquier, so shouldn't be a prob there.
schroda

 

Thanks Dave, I've been reading up a lot on the net about the st2, mostly all
good.
Thanks for ur comments, if I buy it I still have a bike with a nice note, good
torque
and handling, but can carry a pillion and in comfort.

One point that is a contensous issue is the cost once I have brought it from the
vic border,
and rego 'd it (has 10 mths vic rego) in nsw and two duc shops have said it
should have a
full service, meaning a new belt. They recon it should have the belt replaced
every 2 years
regardless of kms. Are the belts a bit iffy. Seems odd if only low kms and
started regulary.
Any thoughts on that.

That aside I'm pretty keen on the duc
schroda

 

This is quality Pat.

Cheese,
Dave ZZR600 => ST2 (stolen) => '03 XX (not missing, but touching wood as we
speak....)

 

you need to talk to Geoff at Reds in Penrith about that.

smack
(formallly from Wilberforce-now in Hobart)
duc 600

 

Hi Smack, I went over to Reds the day after I got back to ask about the st2
I assume it was Geoff I spoke to, he was very helpful if a bit one-eyed regarding the
ducs.

I think we rode together on the Gardner ride a couple of years ago. I was on the green
TRX.
remember the rain on the second day. At least the gloves I bought that day were warm.
schroda

 

just in Hobart casuallly ?

Nev..
'03 ZX12R
'02 CBR1100XX

 

yep, that was me.

 

completely nakid

 

Mark they have a 944 cc motor, gee

 

Yeah, we went through that and I was wrong - it just *performs* like a
750 <wink>

Mark.