So anyone owned, or have insight on late 90's St2?

[TiAvenger]

Thanks for all the post everyone.

Scott- how is for gas mileage and 2 up with the bags on?

Basically I need something inexpensive that will fit a 5'11 pilot and 5' 10 passenger, and has enough storage for a 2-3 day trip, and is good for 2-300 miles (mainly slab) 

It will be my daily commuter, and when monstergf and I travel, I want it to be a viable alternative.


Basically would a ST2 fit that sort of use?

[ScottRNelson]

Scott- how is for gas mileage and 2 up with the bags on?

I get around 35 mpg around town and in the local twisties.  Closer to 50 mpg on trips.  It's good for 150-170 miles between fill-ups.  But I don't ever ride at a gentle pace, so you could probably do better than that.

I don't ride with passengers, so I can't answer that one.  Others claim it's a good bike with a passenger.  I would suggest that you take along the intended passenger when you go look at any of them and see how it fits.  You can tell a lot about how it will work by sitting on it while it's on the centerstand.

[Count Desmo]

I remember always getting in the ~50mpg range when sport-touring, less when riding agressively.  We never rode the ST that much 2-up, but my wife found the wife comfortable with the top case.

Here's the obligatory pic of my old ST

[clubhousemotorsports]

I have been working on st2's since they came out and after 98 they were pretty trouble free. 98 was a good bike but did have a few issues with its charging system, and fuel lines , and flywheels falling off. things that can be fixed.
after 98 they ha fewer problems.
the latest bikes had preload adjustable only forks. all but a few 98 bike had the same old compression valves.

All st2 and water cooled pasos are prone to warping the heads between the cylinder studs at the exhaust. It is not a huge concern but does cause it to weep oil there. Built bikes making more power are more prone to do this as well.

The ST series is the bike I should bee riding because it is a great bike , I just have not brought myself to do so. I have built and ridden st's on the track and although they are heavy they handle very well.

Anyone complaining about the headlight on a older st needs to ride an 851 or ss at night some time. Yes the ducati designs headlight is worth it.

If I were to buy an ST it would be a st2 as in new  england we do not have many spaces to use the top end power of the 4 valves and the tourque on the st2 is equal or better. A 966 kitted st2 becomes a wheelie machine .

shop carefully for a good example and you will find one of motorcyclings best kept secrets.
good luck

[ducpainter]

The best place to go for information on the ST Ducatis is http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/st2_owners (are we allowed to point to other sites here?)

Absolutely....

this place is about motorcycles....not money.