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What Would You Ride If It Wasn't a ST

4256 Views 27 Replies 22 Participants Last post by sfarson, Mar 15, 2006

extrapilot

Discussion Starter · Mar 11, 2006

I'm not interested in another bike, but if I get the word that the bike is a total loss, I'm not to sure I want to put up with the up-keep. I do my own work on my bikes, since it's my profession in the automotive field, but it can get old real fast. I ride allot of miles in a year, and I sometimes lust for a lower maintenance ride. I do love the ST4S.
Just looking for other's thoughts.

Ride Safe

1 - 20 of 28 Posts

butch

· #2 · Mar 12, 2006

If I can ony have one bike its hard to beat the ST.
Maybe a Multi or Sprint ST could fill the 1 bike need.
If there could be more than 1 bike I would ditch the ST and get something bigger better distance bike, and something smaller (quicker handleing), and somthing for the dirt and a Moto Guzzi (just cause I love'em). Maybe a sport bike from the mid 80's (GPZ 550) when I was a teen. Did I miss any?

bluepipes

· #3 · Mar 12, 2006

BMW K 1200 S. Haven't ridden it, but find it interesting.

extrapilot

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 12, 2006

bluepipes said:
BMW K 1200 S. Haven't ridden it, but find it interesting.

:yeah:

Me to.
It was on my short list when I decided to go with the Duc.

Duc4Doc

· #5 · Mar 12, 2006

If you find the K1200S interesting, but want more long distance attributes, keep your eyes out for the soon to be released K1200GT. A complete remake with the K1200S engine in a narrow lightwight full faired super-sport tourer. Designed to compete with the FJR 1300, but lighter and faster.

Bill_Anderson

· #6 · Mar 12, 2006

new BMW sport touring bike

bluepipes said:
BMW K 1200 S. Haven't ridden it, but find it interesting.

Here is BMW's latest contribution to the sport touring field.
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=25245

Bill_Anderson

· #7 · Mar 12, 2006

When Peking Duc was totaled, I looked at the Honda VFR 800. It can be an affordable sport tourer when the available (but not standard equipped) hard bags are added. Paul Geller likes his as does another guy I ride with. I like the location of the tail pipes, which give it a superbike look.

bigmac

· #8 · Mar 12, 2006

K1200S: the bike bestowed with an AWESOME motor but a crap chassis and brakes. And this from a rider who does not care for 4 cylinder bikes. It doesn't have the sound or engine braking of the big bore Duc twin but much better power down low than most 4's, no FI snatchiness and a very quick revving response with decent tranny...actually a superb tranny by typical BMW standards, just not as fast and short as a Duc or Honda tranny. Unfortunately this powerplant is mounted or encumbered as it were, with typical modern BMW engineering stupidity. Telelever, ESA, ABS, linked brakes, paralever shaft drive....The end result is a chassis that is slow to respond, offers zero feedback and brakes that are wooden in feel and offer zero ability to modulate. I prefer to enjoy the riding experience myself and make my own decisions on how to brake and manuever based on my own skills, not have some German engineer a way the bike he thinks it should respond and perform.

Alternatives to your ST4s? ST3 is certainly lower maintainence and easier maintainence. Not good enough? You don't mention your intended usage other than commuting. If that is your sole usage, I'd look at a MTS 620 dark or MTS 1000s. Both offer a comfortable position for low speed city riding while still offering some room and protection for higher speeds. The 620D is just a phenominally light and flickable ride with the preferred single front disc brake for lighter, more responsive handling and feel yet still plenty of brake for that bike and its purpose. The MTS 1000s ups the ante in power but most importantly you get a phenominal fork that really performs offering spectacular feedback and feel that you'll appreciate navigating city roads as well as blasting through the twisties during weekend play. The air-cooled motors combined with far less bodywork makes servicing an easy and cost efficient task.

Other possibilities:
* SS1000S/SS800s: same easy service 2V air-cooled motors in a more sportbike riding position.
* Monster S2R1000/800 or M620/695: all terrific lightweight naked Ducs with easy service 2V air-cooled motors
* Triumph Sprint ST: great motor, available bags, good suspension though lagging in feelcompared to your Duc, not to mention it is noticably heavier bike.
* Triumph Bonneville: They come is several flavors, even saw the new GREAT looking Scrambler today. All make wonderful, cheap, efficient commuter bikes
* KTM 950SM: Maybe not the most practical and certainly not the most easily maintained but that beast does look ALOT of fun. Hey, you gotta have fun, no?
* Triumph Speed Triple: Only barely lagging behind the KTM in grin factor, but much better maintainence and similar practicality/versatility.
* Honda 919, Yammy FZ1/FZ6, Zuki SV1000/600: ah...well...BORING forget it, pick any of the previous...you only live once and life's too damn short for a boring bike.

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mkrouse

· #9 · Mar 12, 2006

There is such a difference...

extrapilot said:
I'm not interested in another bike, but if I get the word that the bike is a total loss, I'm not to sure I want to put up with the up-keep. I do my own work on my bikes, since it's my profession in the automotive field, but it can get old real fast. I ride allot of miles in a year, and I sometimes lust for a lower maintenance ride. I do love the ST4S.
Just looking for other's thoughts.Ride Safe

I just bought the bike pictured. '02 model. Only have 100 miles so far...but very nice.

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BlueST2

· #10 · Mar 12, 2006

nrsanders said:
If you find the K1200S interesting, but want more long distance attributes, keep your eyes out for the soon to be released K1200GT. A complete remake with the K1200S engine in a narrow lightwight full faired super-sport tourer. Designed to compete with the FJR 1300, but lighter and faster.

+1 on that K1200GT!

I've read so many posts on different sites trashing BMW's as being boring and having no sole but I like BMW's and really like the styling on this one.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/images/article/P00212401142086348.JPG

There are too many other types of bikes I like for too many different reasons which is main reason I chose the Ducati ST. The Duc ST incorporates so much of the things I admired in other motorcycles into one well rounded package, plus it has SOLE! If I had to get rid of my ST for another Duc however, the Multistada would certainly put a big grin on my face

kentamcolin

· #11 · Mar 13, 2006

The Triumph ST is nice, but quite sterile really. The bags are total crap and are due to be replaced soon if not already according to my dealer. I nearly bought this bike because I was concerned about the high maintenance of the 996 motor, but after riding the Sprint a good deal it just didn't put the grin on my face that the Ducati did. Having said that, maintenance is much less (I did own a Triumph twin before the Duc). The ST3s is a bit less to maintain than the 4 though.

Desmo_Demon

· #12 · Mar 13, 2006

I dunno what I'd replace my ST2 with.....I really like the older style VFRs. I like the new FJ1300R, but reportably doesn't handle as well. I'd probably get a used Aprilia Falco. I like my buddy's Falco, and they are around $3500-$5500 in mint condition with low miles on eBay. I like the Daytona 855, too.....Hmmm....I dunno. I don't think I'd replace it with another Ducati, though. I do my own work, but sometime find myself worrying too much about valve adjustments and belt changes, and timing my riding and free time around when I will be able to check the valves and change the belts. My 748 hasn't even been started since November because it needs new belts and a valve adjustment....and needs to be inspected for flakey rockers, but I've been too busy with other projects to even start on it. The ST2 is coming up on belts and a valve adjustment in 2000 miles, so I have to be prepared to do that, too. Just not enough time in the week to do these sort of things, sometimes, but definitely not worth paying $600+ for a service I can do for less than $150. (The 12k service on my ST2 cost me $125.....local dealer wanted $650).

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Duc4Doc

· #13 · Mar 13, 2006

Individuals on this post and my Duc dealer have stated that the ST3 has less maintainance, and less expensive as well. Why is this the case?

stryder

· #14 · Mar 13, 2006

If I wasn't on an ST, of any brand, and money was no object, I might be on a HD Road Glide Screaming Eagle edition, with a 103" stroker. The list could go on, but that's my first choice if I can only have one at a time. Keep it for a few years, and then try something else which is what I usually do.

thewall67

· #15 · Mar 13, 2006

Bill_Anderson said:
When Peking Duc was totaled, I looked at the Honda VFR 800. It can be an affordable sport tourer when the available (but not standard equipped) hard bags are added. Paul Geller likes his as does another guy I ride with. I like the location of the tail pipes, which give it a superbike look.

I read for 2006 Honda altered the ECU mapping to change the rpm where VTEC kicks in to 6400 (I think down from around 7000). Seems a small maybe insignificant difference but from what I've read it makes it much easier to ride the bike at rpms above or below the transition point of 2-valves to 4-valves. So, you're not struggling with an engine that changes performance at the wrong time (i.e. leaned over in corners) which is one of the biggest complaints with the VTEC engine.

st2lemans

· #16 · Mar 13, 2006

nrsanders said:
Individuals on this post and my Duc dealer have stated that the ST3 has less maintainance, and less expensive as well. Why is this the case?

Less valves, less cams = less work.

Tom

2UpDuc

· #17 · Mar 13, 2006

Bill_Anderson said:
Here is BMW's latest contribution to the sport touring field.
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=25245

The front end looks to be a bit too relaxed and spread too far forward. I don't think that it could corner as well as the ST. But it sure has a lot of Balls according to the specs. I would like to try it on the road and see how comfortable it is. It would have to be absolutely incredible to make me sell my ST4s. Considering that they dont make them anymore. It is nice to know that I now have a collector...

bigmac

· #18 · Mar 14, 2006

nrsanders said:
Individuals on this post and my Duc dealer have stated that the ST3 has less maintainance, and less expensive as well. Why is this the case?

As a previous post noted, fewer cams and fewer valves (fewer valve lash adjustments to maintain) = less cost. The ST3 alos uses a different, updated collet setup that better maintains closer lash tolerances. The 996 requires cam removal if valve lash adjustment is required (they are checked with cam in place of course), the ST3 cams do not need to be removed, just slide the rocker arm out of way. That alone generally equates to over $200 savings in labor costs when valve adjustments are needed.

FWIW: My ST3 valves have remained within spec for over 20k miles between adjustments once engine was broken in around 6k mark. I'm almost at 50k miles and all were in spec at 48k, last needed adjustment was 2 closers at 36k -- 1 exhaust, 1 intake, both on rear cylinder iirc. Take care.

Oilhed

· #19 · Mar 14, 2006

bluepipes said:
BMW K 1200 S. Haven't ridden it, but find it interesting.

Rode one, it was awsume. Fast and power everywhere. But the optional bags look stupid. A R1200ST would probably suit me better.

VIVID1

· #20 · Mar 14, 2006

I’m keeping the ST3, keeping my 954RR and gonna get a Multistarda 620 in the next two years or so.

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