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My BMW r1100 RS is nearing the century mark, in mileage, so I'm looking for an appropriate replacement. There is a 2005 Ducati ST3 available. I've ridden the ST2 version, and like the ergos, power and handling. Anyone have any thoughts on what to look for, as far as weak points or issues? I don't know how many miles are on the bike yet, as I just learned of its availability.
The ST3 is for many other people the best of the bunch.
Thanks guys for the input. I am aware the the valve checks will be more involved than on my850 Le Mans, and R1100. So, I'm gathering the the ST3 Ducati, is a later, upgraded version of the original 2 valve ST2? And the ST4 is a completely different animal.
www.ducati.ms/forums/40-sport-touring/ is a great group. I'm a non-mechanic with an ST4s as my only bike. Just bit the bullet for a major service and hoping for this to be my one long term bike *though I'm leaking a bit of the green stuff at the moment*. I've had an ST pretty much since '97 when they were introduced. Red key, yup, I'd pass on any deal without the dreaded red key.
Hey Nic - I joined the Ducati.ms board as well. Seems like good people, and passionate about the brand. On the coolant leak, I just replaced all the hoses on mine with blue silicone and special clamps from Racebikebits in the UK. Not a very difficult job (once the fairing is off). It seems these bikes are at about the age where the hoses are starting to fail.
Hey Nic, i had a 1995 916 with a coolant leak, and it turned out to be the external thermostat. I seem to recall my friend's '03 ST4S had the same issue. Thought it was the hoses. They are not too expensive if that's your problem. BTW - If you are in NY state, do you remember Al Gillen (RIP) from Williamsvile Ducati (and he sold Guzzi too)? I bought 2 Ducs from him even though i am from Canada and had to import them! He was an old school character and a great guy. It was always a treat to visit him and see what he was working on.
I've found a lot of useful info on the ducati.ms forums, but its not a place I go unless I need a specific piece of info. The site is so loaded up with advertising and data intensive gee-gaws that it takes forever to load each page, which causes functional problems. It's a chore even with an ultra fast connection. The 'Red Key" issue is one of the reasons why I continue to buy and prefer earlier model Ducatis, say 2002 or before. While I recognize theft is a problem in many areas of Europe where Ducati sells a lot of bikes, I typically don't even remove the keys from my bike when and where I park them, so the security stuff is just another new bike annoyance.