907 vs. ST2 - Ducati.ms

time907ST2 · Nov 3rd, 2011, 11:03 am

My wife and I put in 165 miles this weekend, which gave me and my butt a good feel for the ST. Having ridden a 907 for 7 years, I really got a good data point to compare the two. Here's a couple things that differentiate the two:
Handling - The ST2 is marvelous on cornering. The 907 was always a push to get into and out of the corner, even on a new tire. The 907 also 'hunted' a lot on straitaways. I never seemed to have a line, but was always adjusting. The ST keeps it's heading all the way to the horizon
Chassis - Some of the above applies, but the frame of the ST is like a rock. I now think the 907 was flexing a lot in cornering, making mid-corner adjustments sometimes frightening.
Stopping - for whatever reason, it seems to me the ST is harder to stop, which actually makes little sense. I appreciate the non-abs design, and the geometry of the braking systems seem comparable, but I recall less force being needed on the 907. The ST being 40Lb. lighter, and steel lines to boot, again, I haven't figured this one out.
Power - I was actaully surpised that the ST seems to want more revs than the 907. While the extra 40cc is felt, and again appreciated throughout the band, I used to cruise on the 907 at 3.2-3.5kprms. The ST likes say 3.7-4.2 to stay smooth and ready for the punch. It definitely has more hit when called upon. I guess I expected the inertia of those larger pistons to want slower speeds, but it ain't so!
Vibration - From the previous comment, that 'hit' comes with a lot more vibration throughout. Maybe the Chassis is reflecting that to less rigid parts, and maybe I just don't have the FI completely dialed in, or maybe it's just the extra hp, I don't know. The 916 and 996 I rode way back didn't leave me with the impression of having excessive vibes though.
Comfort - I loved my 907. It was the first road bike I was ever truly comfortable on. The ST actually feels more aggressive in the saddle than the old Paso, and higher up at the same time. I felt more 'in' the bike than 'on' it with the 907. While there's a lot more competence with the ST overall, maybe that slightly lower saddle height worked better for me.
All that said, I still wouldn't go back. I love the ST too. And soon it too will be RED!! (-it's black now, and I never advocate a bike be the same color as the road!!)

greenmonster · Nov 3rd, 2011, 7:04 pm

Ridden a suspension & enginewise well modded ST2 and I agree, it is a better bike. 907 suspension is rubbish.
Problem f me ST is too plain looking, bet you will miss the looks of the 907....

time907ST2 · Nov 4th, 2011, 6:46 am

Styling, Huh - I hadn't given that much thought. I saw my first 907ie in 2005, and I was mezmerized. It was definitely unique, and more contemporary in the day than the ST is now. The ST styling does leave a lot to be desired, especially since it owes a lot of its heritage to the 916. It could have been a lot better looking!
It may be sacriledge, but I always liked the styling of the VFR's to the ST's. SS swingarm, racy looks, up until the newest version; that thing is U-Ugly!! The ST still has the unmistakable engine note of a Ducati 2V, so I can surely live with it. I'm old now, racy doesn't mean as much anymore!

stryder · Nov 4th, 2011, 9:29 am

Thanks for the write-up. I've never had a ride on a Paso, but I think they are cool bikes if only for their pedigree. The ST chassis comes from the 851 WSBK bikes so it's no surprise you feel it handles better. As I don't know better, does the Paso have 16" wheels? If so, that would help explain some of the differences in handling. That you find the ST brakes less powerful may be a function of the pads currently on the bike. You may want to try keeping your revs a bit higher, 4-5000 cruising range rpms on the ST for better throttle reponse, and better soundtrack. A TB sync may provide immediate help with excessive vibes without tweaking the EFI.

time907ST2 · Nov 4th, 2011, 9:35 am

I've done everything including a TB synch, except for a CO measurement, and a TBS reset. The "Paso's" did have 16" wheels, but when they changed from the 906 to the 907ie in 1991, they stepped up to the weber-marrelli fuel injection system, and 17" wheels. Older Paso's are a lot of trouble, particularly with the electronics, and the carburation. The 907ie was quite competent for the day by comparisson, but we're talking 20- years ago now!

edder b · Nov 5th, 2011, 9:40 am

I'm lucky enough to have both, a 93 907ie and a 01 ST4. I love both bikes but would take the 907 over the ST for the long tour just because of the comfort. My 907 has a custom Ducati yellow paintjob so it looks great too. My ST4 is my daily rider and always put a smile on my face.

time907ST2 · Nov 8th, 2011, 11:41 am

Ed, Which one gets more looks I wonder? The 907 series was always rather unique to me; definitely Ducati, but not too many around. In the day, mine was often taken for an SS until further examined.

edder b · Nov 8th, 2011, 4:56 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by time907ST2

Ed, Which one gets more looks I wonder? The 907 series was always rather unique to me; definitely Ducati, but not too many around. In the day, mine was often taken for an SS until further examined.

The 907 definitely gets more looks. Surprising how many people come up to me and say that they had one. Also surprised how many people know that yellow was not a stock color.