Anybody have any personal experiences /recomendations on good ST bikes. Ihave been looking at Triumph Sprint ST's, and Honda VFR's.
TIA
Cory
I've been looking at the same. The BMW F800ST looks like a good middle weight. The Sprint ST is a lot of sport, with some touring.
I'm thinking Multistrada or ST3 (used or NOS).
I test rode a 1050 Sprint ST, it felt really good the suspension, and brakes weren't anything to brag about. That 3cyl is silky smooth, and has a great powerband I really like the seating position too.
I want to test ride some more bikes so I have something to compare the ST to.
I have been pondering this as well. I am drawn sort of magnetically to the BMW GS1150 (not the adventure, mind you) and to a lesser degree the Ducati Multistrada, but I also sorta dig the Triumph Tiger in a kooky way. I also must fight the daily urge to convince myself a Hypermotard would be a good ST. In my head, I know it would be a lousy ST. Repeat, it would be a lousy ST. One more time... it would be a lousy ST...
I actually just traded in a Hayabusa which was a surprisingly competent, comfortable sport tourer. Ahem, even heavier emphasis on sport.
Suzuki Bandit 1250S.
What about a Ducati ST2,3, or 4? (the 2,3,4 delinates the valves per cylinder)
B has a 2002 ST4s, the 996 motor. My 2001 ST4 has the 916 motor. IMO the ST4s is more fun to drive. Both have 14t front sprockets, open air boxes, remus pipes, ecu remap, and cycle cat clip-ons. B has done more than one power wheelie on the ST4s. The ST4 has plenty of power for me, only been riding for little over a year.
We have not had any major mechanical issues with either bike. The clip-ons improved the stock ergronomics nicely. Some of the more recent models are available with ABS.
If you have any specific questions let me know.
You can buy a 2000-2002 ST (with the upgraded motor) with an ohlins and hard bags for $3500-$5000 used, depending on the mileage. End of conversation, IMO.
I have an older one ('99) with the 100 hp motor and I wouldn't trade it for all the BMWs in Germany China.
Did I mention that they have user-programable Fuel Injection?
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm173/JohnnyDucati66/duke1.jpg)
+11111111million on the ST4s (if you can find one). I miss mine everyday (Euro spec bike, couldn't realistically bring it back from UK).
Put 10K+ miles on it while we had it. It is comfortable, powerful, fast, handles, bags are decent. I really really loved the fact that the pipes were adjustable: bags off, pipes move up 3 inches. Bags on, pipes are lowered. How cool is that!! I've never seen that on any other bike. With the bags off, it is a proper "sport" bike. Bags on, it's the perfect tourer. Tank range around ~200 miles (can't remember). That motor just pulled incessantly in any gear.
Only bad thing that I can remember was ground clearance: I scraped (the centerstand) a couple times trying to get my knee down. Probably more my bad driving than any shortcoming of the bike.
I wish I wish Ducati would revamp this line. A Testastretta motor (or 1098!!) in one of these babies would rock and I would immediately buy one.
Ah, nostalgia. Gotta stop . . .
First choice:
(http://www.onewheeldrive.net/images/stories/2008/1098_S_Gonzo/1098_S_Gonzo_4.jpg)
The ST line from Ducati is great. I have an ST4 and I love it.
The Multistrada is also great. It has the same luggage as the ST. There is no available ABS and it is not as sporty as the 4V ST.
I rode the BMW F800 and I really liked it. It's not particularly exciting but it does everything it should very well. The Rotax twin with the balance of a triple, the belt drive, the very efficient fairing, it's a great bike. The only problem is the bikes sell for almost twice the MSRP when you add all the options and the dealers only stock fully optioned bikes.
The best kept secret in the ST world is the Aprilia RST. Extremely comfortable, large locking panniers that can be removed in seconds, looks great even without the panniers, single-sided swingarm, underseat exhaust so its narrow and the panniers are not shaped around the cans, valves that can go for >25k mi with no adjustments, and best of all you can pick these up for around $5k. Here are some reviews reviews comparing this to other STs in the same class. I kinda like mine...
Edited to add: In one of the reviews they complained that the RST only went 140 miles before the low fuel light came on. Mine goes about 210 mi before the warning light, thanks to a new ECU map that was released in late 2002.
http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=12&article_id=26&page_number=2 (http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=12&article_id=26&page_number=2)
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/aprilia-rst-futura-vs-ducati-st4-15638.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/aprilia-rst-futura-vs-ducati-st4-15638.html)
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/aprilia_futura/index.html (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/aprilia_futura/index.html)
http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0108_aprilia_rst1000_futura/index.html (http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0108_aprilia_rst1000_futura/index.html)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/2186480138_6286573fba.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2185696685_7ffbc405b5.jpg)
+1 on the ST4, I heard it's an awesome bike,a friend can't let go of his ST4.
It must be one of the Ducati st series bikes [thumbsup]
I do like the look of the Aprilia though.
Quote from: Ivan on May 13, 2008, 09:49:26 PM
The best kept secret in the ST world is the Aprilia RST. Extremely comfortable, large locking panniers that can be removed in seconds, looks great even without the panniers, single-sided swingarm, underseat exhaust so its narrow and the panniers are not shaped around the cans, valves that can go for >25k mi with no adjustments, and best of all you can pick these up for around $5k. Here are some reviews reviews comparing this to other STs in the same class. I kinda like mine...
Edited to add: In one of the reviews they complained that the RST only went 140 miles before the low fuel light came on. Mine goes about 210 mi before the warning light, thanks to a new ECU map that was released in late 2002.
I've never heard anything but good about the Futura, and I was considering one when I bought my Bandit. However, no dealer support in Raleigh (Matison is giving up their franchise after only two years).
The Ducati ST is nice too, although I never understood a tourer that requires frequent valve checks.
Quote from: pompetta on May 14, 2008, 04:21:48 AM
I've never heard anything but good about the Futura, and I was considering one when I bought my Bandit. However, no dealer support in Raleigh (Matison is giving up their franchise after only two years).
The Ducati ST is nice too, although I never understood a tourer that requires frequent valve checks.
I will be moving to New Orleans in Aug :-\ so lack of dealer support is something I have to consider as well. I know for a fact there is a Triumph, and a BMW dealer but no Ducati dealer within a 3hr drive (there were rumors on TOB that the Triumph dealer was gonna pick up Duc's but I haven't seen even a hint of it on there site) [bang]
I have a friend with an ST4S, and he wouldn't trade it for anything but I have to agree with pompetta a touring bike that requires valve checks every 6k miles doesn't seem ideal especially im my situation when I am allready gonna have to drive a couple hours anytime I need the S4RS serviced.
Are you really going to be doing a lot of touring?
There's nothin' finer than a BMW K1200 RS or GT [thumbsup]
I love the Duc ST series (used to oen one.)
Depending on the type of Sport Touring you plan on doing, I would take a serious look at the ADV bikes. There is nothing better than being able to comfortably cover 400 miles, then hit the forest service roads to get to a great camping site. Consider the BMW GS, KTM 990 Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom, Aprilia Caponord, etc.
If you know you're going to stay on the pavement, the Sprint ST would be at the top of my list. The triple is (arguably) the best street engine made. I find VFRs to be uninspiring, but you can't argue with their competence. The newer Triumph Tiger should also be considered.
Quote from: Duc L'Smart on May 14, 2008, 06:25:27 AM
Are you really going to be doing a lot of touring?
There's nothin' finer than a BMW K1200 RS or GT [thumbsup]
I have been looking at those too. Do you know where I might be able to get a test ride on one ;) ;)
Quote from: Count Desmo on May 14, 2008, 06:58:32 AM
I love the Duc ST series (used to oen one.)
Depending on the type of Sport Touring you plan on doing, I would take a serious look at the ADV bikes. There is nothing better than being able to comfortably cover 400 miles, then hit the forest service roads to get to a great camping site. Consider the BMW GS, KTM 990 Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom, Aprilia Caponord, etc.
I might have to check those out also, it would be awesome to have a versitile bike. I am not a huge fan of GS's they seem too bulky, and heavy but I have never ridden one so I don't wan't to make to many asumptions, I have read some pretty good things about all of the ADV touring bikes you mentioned especially the new Tiger's.
I am probably going to steer away from the Ducati brand for a sport-tourer. I really want a belt or shaft-driven engine.
BMW, Yamaha FJR (not the automatic version), etc.
VFR is a good bike. My roomate has one. But it has V-Tech which is lame.
After taking a look at this thread. I think if I can made my choice for st's 2008 BMW F 800 ST. Good gas range tool 50 to 60 mpg can't complain about that in this age of high gas prices. Looks pretty solid enough ponies to get around and have fun up in the hills of NH.
-panthro
Quote from: pompetta on May 14, 2008, 04:21:48 AM
The Ducati ST is nice too, although I never understood a tourer that requires frequent valve checks.
How often do you ride 6K miles without stopping? Some of the touring bikes like the ZX-14 Concours go through tires in less than half of that. You'll need to stop every 6K on any bike to change the fluids. Besides once you complete the first 12K miles you can start skipping the 6K valve checks.
If the "sport" part of sport touring is most important to you, Ducati is the leader there. My ST2 is a great all-around motorcycle.
I have a friend with an FJR1300, which is great long distance bike, but quite a bit heavier than the Ducati, and much more likely to scrape things if you get frisky in the turns. It's a good two-up motorcycle.
The Aprilia Futura is also a great bike, but they don't make those anymore and there are a lot fewer dealers available for when you have issues.
Quote from: silentbob on May 14, 2008, 09:00:05 AM
How often do you ride 6K miles without stopping? Some of the touring bikes like the ZX-14 Concours go through tires in less than half of that. You'll need to stop every 6K on any bike to change the fluids. Besides once you complete the first 12K miles you can start skipping the 6K valve checks.
I know for me it's not so much the 6k interval, it's having to drive a few hours to have someone perform the valve service. If I was moving someplace with good local dealers it wouldn't be a big deal. But if the closest dealer is 3hrs + away the extra hassle of driving to get it serviced would get old real quick IMHO (of course I could always just learn to do the valve checks myself 8))
I love my VFR...never talked to anyone that's owned one that didn't!
It makes a great sport tourer; reliable, fast (enough), great handling, good storage, very very comfortable!
It's also a very good companion for the monster.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2493221142_b94ce12070_s.jpg)
Used to have a Triumph Sprint ST 1050. Very nice sport tour ride!! No problems except for a very hot right leg when idling in rush hour traffic. Strong reliable motor, good looking, etc.
Before purchasing the Sprint, I looked at a Suzuki bandit, I test drove the ST3 and the Multistrada.I liked the Multi better but the price for the Triumph could not be beat.
I've been doing some touring this past year on my RS and although it's not what I'd recommend for everybody, I love it. CoreTech tank and tail pack and away you go.
I'd go with an ST4S or ST3.
The valve adjustment thing is not so much a problem one the bike is fully broken in and the valve clearance is set. From what I've seen over the past 30 years of Ducatis, the valves clearance don't change so much after that. Maybe every 12,000 mi.
Someone mentioned not wanting a chain for touring. Chains are so reliable now I wouldn't want a shaft and I grew up on Beemers.
LA
I have to say I love my 05 ST3.
In 04 the made some improvements to the bike, ungraded the lights and seats were big needs.
the stock 05 seat I have done 1100 miles in a day and was suprised how good I felt. The new lights are really nice too.
I do like the sportyness of the ST. It handles very well, but when two up it is still very comfortable.
M
Quote from: LA on May 15, 2008, 10:31:37 AM
I've been doing some touring this past year on my RS and although it's not what I'd recommend for everybody, I love it. CoreTech tank and tail pack and away you go.
My RS is very comfortable especially with the gel seat a bigger windscreen would make a big difference in comfort also . The fuel range is horible though 100 miles max :-\. + there is the whole valve adjustment issue again I am not complaining about it I would just rather rack a ton of miles up on something other than my Duc. I am starting to see a patern here though Duc ST's aparently kick a$$ [moto]
The ST4s is Ducati's most underrated bike. Period.
It's just a missile with bags.
I voted with my wallet. My sig pic is clickable.
Oh yeah... I paid $5,250 for mine, so it just happened to be a no-brainer too.
Owned an 05 FJR from new for a year and a half to 19,000 miles. Not a single problem with the bike. Minor heat shedding issue which I mitigated by moving my feet out on the pegs when traveling slowly. Yamaha addressed the heat issue on FJR's after 2005. A sweet sport/tourer but 600lbs! Still accelerated very well and was fun if unloaded for moderate twisty riding.
6.6 gal tank and 40-50 mpg made for long intervals possible on the road.
Quote from: DesmonsterS4RS on May 14, 2008, 04:51:26 AM
I will be moving to New Orleans in Aug :-\ so lack of dealer support is something I have to consider as well. I know for a fact there is a Triumph, and a BMW dealer but no Ducati dealer within a 3hr drive (there were rumors on TOB that the Triumph dealer was gonna pick up Duc's but I haven't seen even a hint of it on there site) [bang]
I have a friend with an ST4S, and he wouldn't trade it for anything but I have to agree with pompetta a touring bike that requires valve checks every 6k miles doesn't seem ideal especially im my situation when I am allready gonna have to drive a couple hours anytime I need the S4RS serviced.
FYI, I've heard the Triumph dealer
is getting Ducati. Maybe as soon as this summer. [thumbsup]
Dave