Back From OK. So, 3000+ miles thoughts. - Ducati.ms

Nikon800 · Oct 5th, 2011, 12:11 pm

Hi Guys. First off, after seeing some of the comments on my last post I just want to remind you that we are all Ducatistas on here and there are as many viewpoints as there are riders, you may or may not agree with everything someone else comments on but no need to get all pissy.
OK, First to Puffin 64. About split links, I prefer splits to rivets, been riding 50 years and never had a split go on me. Also try to rivet a chain at the side of the road! Until a few years ago you could only get a chain with a master link. Also all our race bikes use a master link, you can't take twenty chains with you to the event and we change front and rear sprockets dozens of times in a weekend making the chain longer or shorter as gearing requires. Sometimes using two or three master links. Just make sure the circlip points in direction of travel. However, that all said, you must do what YOU feel comfortable with.

Now, thoughts on my trip...I'm getting old, 60 next year. This trip unlike the last one made me feel that I want to trade the Duc for a Goldwing. My tank goes 200 miles but my butt goes 100! My wrists were killing me, My seat felt hard, my legs were too bent and the wind was hitting me hard for some reason. The bike ran like a dream, got hot in traffic in Alberquerqui and popped out as they do when they are too lean and too high in altitude, chain got dry, Continental Road Attack tires stuck and handled great in wet and dry, maybe just a little slow on turn in but good feel on the road. I covered one leg of about 1000 miles, last time I will ever do that. Also decided not to ride at night any more as a truck tire laying in my lane almost finished me off. Eyes are not what they used to be. So, here are my options for the future: Sell the Duc and get a Goldwing or similar. or do some serious upgrading of the ST. Must get some decent music system, GPS, seat upgrade, another bar upgrade (Heli not doing it anymore) Laminar lip upgrade from standard to barndoor!, dropped footrests. and I'm sure more stuff will occur to me.
Sorry if this has been long..but 6 days riding and 4 days visit was long too haha.
Cheers guys.
Derek
PS..play nice now.

stryder · Oct 5th, 2011, 12:31 pm

Yes, well, an ST is an ST with all its pros and cons, and certainly there are better bikes to do long distance touring on than a Ducati ST. I bought mine with the intended use of all day rides of between 300- 500 miles, and weekend tours of maybe 1500-2000 miles. I can fully appreciate what you are saying, and am also considering what my next bike will be. I'm leaning towards an HD bagger at present.

Thanks for you report. I hope I wasn't pissy.

Nikon800 · Oct 5th, 2011, 12:55 pm

Hi Stryder, No you weren't pissy at all!
Yeah I love my Duc but long interstate runs are not its thing. It loves to mix it up in twisty, hilly Cote D.Azure / Italian Alp type roads. Ohh a Bagger! We had one at the shop in Oklahoma for sale..radio/ cb, moveable screen, Gyno foot rest etc etc..hmmm....naghhh

kdehkordi · Oct 5th, 2011, 2:48 pm

Ok here are my thoughts: I just finished up a 8k mile trip (glacier, yellowstone, zion national parks) a week ago w/my 2002 St4s. I have concluded that I need 3 bikes. One for track days, the St4s for weekend trips (here in Cal) and another one for the really long trips, covering many thousands of miles, taking me far from home for weeks at a time. I think the Multi1200 is the best option out there. I'm not sure how much more comfortable the goldwing/HD would be, but i'm sure they don't have the 150hp and desmo soundtrack etc... Now if they made a Multi w/cruise control and shaft drive that would entice me to pay $25k. I like to ride agressively and touring the Cal backroads where i don't have to do much interstate runs... well the st4s is perfect for that, hell its a 1000cc supersport w/bags and suspension. However when i'm in yellowstone... what i want is a bike that i can see the sights better, is more comfortable and i don't have to dread that interstated run back home. Also it sucks to have to buy new chain, sprokets etc in fear of breaking something a long way from home. Yes you can make the St4 more comfortable but not comparable to a goldwing. The st's are a cult bike. I absolutely love mine and I feel there is still nothing better out there for how I like to ride. The FJR, honda st, coni..., cant compete w/the st's, maybe the aprilia, but... Now the decision to buy the S or not, but that has been discussed elsewhere. That is where i'm at, any thoughts would be appreciated.

red&gray · Oct 5th, 2011, 10:14 pm

I don't see myself ever getting rid of my St, but I am actively looking for a Goldwing. My back will no longer handle a rider.

Wislon · Oct 5th, 2011, 10:30 pm

Me too, 65 yrs old. Went on a two-up five day trip to Maine etc with the wife. She likes a less aggressive pace, so conservative choice of roads, meaning some major highways.
First four days, a little tired but feeling good. Last day afternoon serious hot needle pain at shoulder/neck just beside the spine. I try to be a good boy and keep the weight off the arms, but it just built up and I found myself stopping every 90 miles. I think it just marks my limit.
The Sargent seat, better than stock, is still too narrow. My butt bones take the brunt and complain, again every 90 miles.
On curvy roads like the Catskills and Adirondacks, no problem whatsoever. Corners keep me loose. Can go all day.
Rented a BMW R1200RT in California last year. Big comfy seat, upright position, terrific windshield. On a ridiculously long day the last part was slab across the Pacheco Pass to Monterey. Cold, gusty winds, already been riding for 8 hours. Adjusted windshield, heated seat, moved on... and on... got to Monterey tired but not aching much.
Hated the BMW! Wanted my ST4S anyway, aches and all!
Be careful about trying to change a tourable superbike into a tourer.
Better to find a different bike for the slab.
Wislon

KarlFitt · Oct 6th, 2011, 9:30 am

I just did a 5200 mile ride on my 2002 ST4s, even completeing a SS 1000 on the first day (still awaiting verification).
My bike has the Heli bars and a corbin seat. The Corbin is not perfect, but better than stock (which reminds me, I need to take pictures and put the DP seat I have up for sale).
This was a solo ride and the bike was pefect for me.
I did some freeway stints, the first 1000 miles most notable, but a lot od two lane too.
As long as i am solo this bike is still perfect for me (at 51).
But when I have a passenger, not so much. I also took my son with me to Utah for World Superbike. we survived, it is a relativly short run.
Also just did a ride in the local moutains here to look at the fall colors with the girlfriend. Not really enough room to move around when two up.

But I can see the want for a more comfortable bike. I want one for the two up stuff. Looking REAL hard at a BMW R 1200 RT.

tbtapper · Oct 6th, 2011, 11:03 am

I too think perhaps multiple bikes would be the ticket. I really can't imagine droning along on my 4s for hours. Fortunately, I live at the base of the smokies and virtually never ride anything but "sport" oriented roads. The S is perfect for that.

Had a Gold Wing a few years ago. It was "interesting" with all the gadgets and such but I kept trying to go fast on it in the corners and it became clear that the inevitable was going to happen and with 900# to deal with the result was not appealing.

I traded a beautiful BMW R1100RS for my Duc and am very happy with the decision. Yeah the chain is a pain but it is efficient and light. Pretty hard to beat the Desmo tunes that constantly accompany me.

BY the way, what chain with a master link are you using?? I too have NEVER had an issue with one and it makes cleaning/maintenence soooo much easier. I just safety wire mine for added comfort. The PO changed my drive set up to a 520 size.

I would still like to get a chain w/master link. I'm also "mature" 60+ but I think I'll stick with the ST for awhile yet!

Thanks

tbtapper
2002 ST4s

**Gearbox** · Oct 6th, 2011, 11:22 am

BY the way, what chain with a master link are you using?? I too have NEVER had an issue with one and it makes cleaning/maintenence soooo much easier.

Not sure why a link makes life easier ?
You can just lift the whole chain off without breaking.

Nikon800 · Oct 6th, 2011, 12:31 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearbox

BY the way, what chain with a master link are you using?? I too have NEVER had an issue with one and it makes cleaning/maintenence soooo much easier.

Not sure why a link makes life easier ?
You can just lift the whole chain off without breaking.

Yeah, but you would have to take the axle/wheel out!
It's a DID 525, . My shop fitted it and gave me a spare link or two. Gotta say I didn't take much notice.

Seems to me that by the replies here that when we hit 60ish something happens to our bodies that requires a Goldwing fix! I too would not get rid of the ST, just add a comfy interstate cruiser to the stable.

At 55 I had absolutely none of these issues , also I consider myself to be in pretty good health, no issues that you would think would slow one down...just getting old.
Cheers
Derek