Thinking of ST as my alter ego bike

[Gilly]

Greetings All,

First off I have been admiring Ducati's for a few years and while I have a cruiser now, I am very much taken by the look, the history, the thought of getting something of a ST class bike. Being new to the forum, I think you guys have great info here and like other forums, it's a pleasure reading what real riders think and go through with real product.

Here's my quandry... I'm in the southeastern part of Georgia, USA and all the dealers are about 2+ hours away. Being an able bodied wrench, can I look after the bike with confidence as I've done with all my other toys; or is it sort of good insurance to always have the dealer perform some/all the required/recommended services?

Thanks in advance!

Bill G

2006 roadliner midnight 1900
2005 v-star classic 1100
2003 honda ace 750
1998 kx250
1992 cr250
1990 xr250
198? dt175
1972 rd350

[fixcinater]

If you can keep an RD350 in good running shape, you'll be fine for the ST.


ST2 is the cheapest and simplest to maintain when the miles get piled on, the ST3 and ST4 (and ST4s) continue pulling after 7-8K, where the 2-valve 944 starts signing off. That's fine for me as I am not a fan of getting tickets, nor touring over 100mph (Tickets in CA for 100mph+ are $700 minimum, plus whatever your insurance decides to bump up your premiums to).

I went with an ST2 for the cheaper buy-in, ease of maintenance (comparative), and slightly lower weight. I'm never left wanting for power, unless I want to go over 135 (which never happens). I really only want to change out the wheels for something lighter, and re-spring it for my weight (185 w/ street clothes). Lighter flywheel and an aftermarket clutch assembly will round it out.


EDIT: As an aside, I noticed your screen-name after posting. I had a cherry '75 C10, 2wd shortbed with a .060-over 454, 3.73 12-bolt, all shaved up with a custom stereo setup. Loved that truck, until gas jumped and that Holley Street Avenger was killing my wallet. Ah, to live at home with almost limitless fluid income...

[mcd]

I have come to find that maintaining these bikes is no where near as complicated as some might lead you to believe. Nonetheless, if you want to leave the more advanced servicing to a good mechanic... heck... you've got one of the best Ducati wrenches in the nation right in Marietta. That would be Mark Sutton at the DucShop. www.ducshop.com

Might be a bit of a ride for you but you won't go wrong.

[SSTwin]

Originally Posted by billg69gmc

Here's my quandry... I'm in the southeastern part of Georgia, USA and all the dealers are about 2+ hours away.

As already mentioned, DucShop in Marietta is top notch and NPR the new Ducati dealer in Watkinsville, GA (Athens area) are 2 good choices. Nathan at NPR just treated me very well on a rental Duc for some riding in the Helen, Suches area. Great guy, great service. Give them both a call and see how they sound to you!

BTW, get the ST; you'll love it!

[milznmilz]

+1 on getting the ST...you're closer than most to some of the greatest roads in the country in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. I just got back from a week spent in and around Asheville, NC, where Rick at Cogent Dynamics did a full suspension upgrade on my ST3. I'll post up with lots of pics by tomorrow, but suffice to say that it's the most fun I've ever had with my pants on

[macduck]

I have had a couple of St's and BMW's and find these Ducati's have a personality to make you want to play every day.
I am in Alabama, putting together a ST4s any day now and will have a ST2 for sale w/10k on it soon.
Mark