First "real" ride today on the ST2 - Ducati.ms

erikrichard · Mar 3rd, 2011, 8:58 pm

I've put about 2k miles since the early Dec purchase just puttering around the Denver area, today I took it up into the canyons for a 120 mile ride. This is the best handling bike I've ever owned. The only thing close was my VFR800 with Penske shock, but even that didn't compare to how stable this bike felt in a curve. For those familiar with Colorado, I took 67 from Sedalia to Deckers, then 126 to Pine and 285 back to 470. 126 is an absolutely lovely run that is 50 mph zone with sweeper after sweeper, didn't see another car much less a cop today. I pretty much ran 80-85 all the way through that 20 miles or so.
The thing that really struck me was when in a corner and leaned over, you can shut the throttle off, downshift, or even brake - and the chassy doesn't move - at all. You can't upset it even if hamfisted. The other thing that struck me was the engine braking. I knew it was strong, but I barely touched the brakes my whole ride, makes it so much more enjoyable and easy to ride fast.
It took some tinkering, but I finally got that these early ST2's with adj susp and ST4's need the rebound dialed in and the compression dialed out. I'm really feeling good about my decision on this one, can't wait for the summer.

DuckMan · Mar 3rd, 2011, 9:12 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikrichard

I've put about 2k miles since the early Dec purchase just puttering around the Denver area, today I took it up into the canyons for a 120 mile ride. This is the best handling bike I've ever owned. The only thing close was my VFR800 with Penske shock, but even that didn't compare to how stable this bike felt in a curve. For those familiar with Colorado, I took 67 from Sedalia to Deckers, then 126 to Pine and 285 back to 470. 126 is an absolutely lovely run that is 50 mph zone with sweeper after sweeper, didn't see another car much less a cop today. I pretty much ran 80-85 all the way through that 20 miles or so.
The thing that really struck me was when in a corner and leaned over, you can shut the throttle off, downshift, or even brake - and the chassy doesn't move - at all. You can't upset it even if hamfisted. The other thing that struck me was the engine braking. I knew it was strong, but I barely touched the brakes my whole ride, makes it so much more enjoyable and easy to ride fast.
It took some tinkering, but I finally got that these early ST2's with adj susp and ST4's need the rebound dialed in and the compression dialed out. I'm really feeling good about my decision on this one, can't wait for the summer.

We understand.

shelcon · Mar 3rd, 2011, 9:29 pm

Just north of ya in Castle Pines....hope to do the same this weekend. Just picked up a 2005 ST3 last weekend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikrichard

I've put about 2k miles since the early Dec purchase just puttering around the Denver area, today I took it up into the canyons for a 120 mile ride. This is the best handling bike I've ever owned. The only thing close was my VFR800 with Penske shock, but even that didn't compare to how stable this bike felt in a curve. For those familiar with Colorado, I took 67 from Sedalia to Deckers, then 126 to Pine and 285 back to 470. 126 is an absolutely lovely run that is 50 mph zone with sweeper after sweeper, didn't see another car much less a cop today. I pretty much ran 80-85 all the way through that 20 miles or so.
The thing that really struck me was when in a corner and leaned over, you can shut the throttle off, downshift, or even brake - and the chassy doesn't move - at all. You can't upset it even if hamfisted. The other thing that struck me was the engine braking. I knew it was strong, but I barely touched the brakes my whole ride, makes it so much more enjoyable and easy to ride fast.
It took some tinkering, but I finally got that these early ST2's with adj susp and ST4's need the rebound dialed in and the compression dialed out. I'm really feeling good about my decision on this one, can't wait for the summer.

mrturbozxj · Mar 3rd, 2011, 10:35 pm

126 to deckers then down to woodland park is a fave of mine. Not a fan of the dirt between deckers and sedalia.

96900CR · Mar 3rd, 2011, 11:06 pm

Must be ducks migrating to the mountains, got a yellow ST2 in the fall just south of you in the Springs. I do 67 a lot myself but not usually in March. Nice job getting up there! Let's get together when it gets warmer and some of the dirt gets off the roads.

shelcon · Mar 3rd, 2011, 11:20 pm

I'm always looking for guys to ride with. Did a nice ride couple weekends ago thru Morrison, Nederland, golden gate hwy on my FZ1.
Yeah, I don't care to run my Duc down pine creek to get to deckers....unless I'm on my dual sport. 126 is nice....close by....up thru Bailey/conifer. Hope saturday is warm enuff to get a few hours in.

erikrichard · Mar 3rd, 2011, 11:26 pm

I love Golden Gate. I'm also up for meeting up with other riders, pm me anytime. I'm self-employed, so I ride whenever - I much prefer weekdays when everyone else is at work, or weekend mornings early, before all the cars and Harley caravans.

SlidinDBH · Mar 4th, 2011, 8:35 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikrichard

I took 67 from Sedalia to Deckers

Gotta agree with mrturbozxj, that dirt section of 67 is not my idea of fun. My first long-distance cruiser group ride wound up on that road, we were very surprised by the dirt! Steep enough that we made the passengers walk for a bit.

I have gone the other direction with a passenger on my ST4S, not nearly as sketchy for me going uphill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikrichard

126 is an absolutely lovely run that is 50 mph zone with sweeper after sweeper, didn't see another car much less a cop today.

Agreed, great stretch of road. Use caution on the weekends, sport bikes like it too and you will see Jefferson County sheriffs as the weather turns nicer. If I recall correctly, the 50 MPH two-lane uphill sweeper that goes on for 4-5 miles had a fatality last year. Doesn't stop me from enjoying myself, but I do temper myself more now.

I can also recommend 67 northbound between Woodland Park and Deckers. Watch for the 2-3 "Motorcycles Use Extreme Caution" curves and RV/camper/tourist traffic just north of Woodland Park.

erikrichard · Mar 4th, 2011, 9:33 pm

I remember hearing about that, several bikes were involved because of one rider's mistake. One of them flew over the edge, plunging to her death. That's another reason I prefer to avoid weekends, there are just way too many riders, cars, trucks, cops, etc. I do like to get out on the weekends about 7:00am though...ride 100 miles, breakfast, repeat - this time slower.

shelcon · Mar 4th, 2011, 10:23 pm

Late notice, but myself and a bud are gonna meet at Grand Prix motorsports tomorrow at 10:30 fueled and ready to roll....I will be on my silver ST3 and he has a sweet red Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport. Likely head up thru Deer Creek Canyon or Morrison or Nederland..who knows. I need to be back to Castle Pines by 3:30 ro 4:00pm. Casual ride - nothing extreme. My first on the ST3; havent set up suspension yet.

Show if ya can go.