New ST conceptualizing - what should ducati build poll 2nd place winner

[Raux]

OK we took a poll and the watercooled ST based on the 848 and 1098 were the 2nd most popular

now let's decide on some specs.

we already know two motors are available. with minor tweeks and the sort, lets decide what we would want in the new ST

give a brief breakdown of target specs, design elements and layout for a 848 and 1098(or 1198) based ST(can add cc's)

i'll take the best suggestions and turn them into a poll to finalize.

[junior varsity]

I'd like the ST's power house and seat accommodations to make 2-up riding pleasant. That's what I'm looking for in my Sport Tourer. Two-Up riding, and long distances. I'd like this bike to have a wet clutch, since my intended use would be as a two-up tourer. I'm not looking for quick-changes at the track, or flashy bling, but nice quite operation, so its me, the road, and the sound of the pipes.

[mitt]

18,000mi valve adjustments, 36,000mi belts (or other alternative valve/cam systems) 

Single sided swingarm

Center stand

Good looking functional luggage

[Alexandre]

like a multi but not so ugly

[yotogi]

BIG gas tank.
Longer service intervals.
Good looking luggage (easily removable?)
Easy access to power for accessories.
2-up comfort.

[ScottRNelson]

Mostly Ducati should look at what people needed to fix with the previous ST models.

A fairing that can be removed in less than five minutes.
A good headlight.
A seat that is still comfortable after eight hours in the saddle.
Decent wind protection.
Bars that are high enough to not cause wrist fatigue.
And make sure it's lighter than all of the other Sport Touring bikes out there.

[junior varsity]

While I'm not sure its possible to be "lighter than all the other ST bikes out there" without costing a silly amount more, I would definitely like a good, factory HID light. And maybe heated grips with a good windscreen.

[ScottRNelson]

While I'm not sure its possible to be "lighter than all the other ST bikes out there" without costing a silly amount more...

I thought the ST2/ST3/ST4 was already the lightest sport touring bike available.  I mainly don't want it to get significantly heavier.  My ST2 is already heavy enough.

[junior varsity]

I don't know the weights of the other ST's out there right now, and which of all the BMW's might be considered ST's (they nearly all look it to me, minus the GS and the 'cruiser'). Not aware of the numbers behind the hondayamazuki's or guzzi either. I do hope it stays light, but hope its not priced at such a level where it would be the only bike I could own.

[Raux]

ok let's get some numbers

copy and paste this and fill in the numbers for yourself for the small and large cc bikes

Weight:
HP:
Torque:
Price:
Engine Features:
Extras (luggage, power outlets, etc):

[junior varsity]

I would find it odd for their to be multiple displacement ST's...? I understand in the past there were ST2/3/4, for streamlining purposes, I don't see why Ducati would make less than the "new" ST4...

[Raux]

I would find it odd for their to be multiple displacement ST's...? I understand in the past there were ST2/3/4, for streamlining purposes, I don't see why Ducati would make less than the "new" ST4...

price points for one and some people can do without the extra power or size.

[mitt]

Weight:  450lb
HP:   120hp
Torque: 75ft lb
Price: 13,000
Engine Features:  1100cc water cooled, 18,000/36,600 mile valve/belt maintenance intervals
Extras: luggage, power outlets, adjustable windscreen, good headlight, single sided swingarm, center stand.

[JEFF_H]

not to be contrary...
but wasnt the last ST series dropped by ducati due to low sales?

[superjohn]

1198 with higher bars, a more comfortable seat, bags and a better electrical system to facilitate heated stuff, radios, GPS's and all that farkle stuff.