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

[ScottRNelson]

I liked Scott's mentioning being able to take the body work off in under an hour.

I can get mine off in under an hour.  But I can't do it in five minutes like it should be.  I really miss the Monster in that area where you can easily get to everything in about two minutes.

The last time I had to yank the fairings from my ST2 I almost had it back together when I accidentally dropped one of the screws for a mirror.  I had to take everything back off to get to that screw.  Very annoying.

[VisceralReaction]

I can get mine off in under an hour.  But I can't do it in five minutes like it should be.  I really miss the Monster in that area where you can easily get to everything in about two minutes.

The last time I had to yank the fairings from my ST2 I almost had it back together when I accidentally dropped one of the screws for a mirror.  I had to take everything back off to get to that screw.  Very annoying.

Of course I was being facetious about the hour but you know what I mean.
I've dropped the screw down in the body work as well and had to take everything apart to get it.
It really should come apart quicker.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Not to step on any toes, but some of the lists here are bordering on terribly long a bit excessive.

Sub 400 pounds and 120 hp? Does this really need to outrun an S4R?

[mitt]

Not to step on any toes, but some of the lists here are bordering on terribly long a bit excessive.

Sub 400 pounds and 120 hp? Does this really need to outrun an S4R?

+1.  That recipe will equal a $30k bike that has the specs on paper but nobody will buy.

I still struggle to understand why the specs need to be that much different than the ST3 was.  Fix the 2 or 3 things that were wrong with it, and bingo.

mitt

[PizzaMonster]

Sounds like most of you guys are asking for something rather like the so-called Multistrada Replacement, as pictured here:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=18871.0

Ummmm....No.                    We're talking something that isn't butt ugly!                           

[LA]

+1.  That recipe will equal a $30k bike that has the specs on paper but nobody will buy.

I still struggle to understand why the specs need to be that much different than the ST3 was.  Fix the 2 or 3 things that were wrong with it, and bingo.mitt

The ST3 was a great bike.  I believe they put out something like 105 - 110 HP with a termi kin on it.  Give that bike an additional 200cc and and 42mm intake valves you would have a great touring platform. 

Using the current Street Fighter as the basis of the ST would be great too.  You would be starting out with a supper light foundation and the increase wheelbase would be beneficial but not hurt handling at all. 

And someone mentioned popularity of a chain drive.  Hell It's really chain NO MAINTENANCE these days.  With a single sided swingarm and these nearly indestructible chains we have these days, there as easy as shaft drives and according to some failure rates I've been hearing about some shaft drives lately, there as reliable too. Well you do have to replace em every now and again.

LA

[DoubleEagle]

If BMW can build and sell a 1300GT model with 160 hp,  + 99 lb. ft of torque for $21,000 and change and have lots of things like Electronic Suspension Adjustment , ABS brakes, heated grips, on board computer, power outlets, electronic adjustable windscreen and more.

Ducati ought to be able to build a bigger touring bike that handles well , stops great, looks terrific, is comfortable and sells for less than the BMW K 1300 GT.   Dolph   

[greenohawk69]

Weight: < 600 lbs
HP:    100
Torque:  min 80, preferably closer to 100
Price:  < $16,000
Engine Features:  longer service intervals (e.g. valve adjustment @ 12K+ miles)
Extras (luggage, power outlets, etc):  Power outlets for accessories (e.g. cell, iPod); Luggage; Sat radio; Heated grips and seat; HID headlight; LED turn signals - front should be integrated into the windscreen and/or mirrors; Seating position should be comfortable - especially for hands when on the grips and your hands don't lose circulation; Good suspension (e.g. Ohlins); 240mm rear tire - just kidding.   

[Jarvicious]

Since I bought the new girl, I've only done a minimum amount of touring (couple hundred miles in a day) but here's my $.02.

Weight: I'd say around the 450 pound wet range.  It doesn't need to be superlight and I feel like a really light bike would feel noodly with 100lbs of gear and a pillion. 

HP: this goes along I agree with Mr.Inc.  This thing doesn't need to run a constant 150mph, but at the same time it has to have enough oomph for all the rider/gear weight plus the ability to get on it when a certain Victory rider decides he's got a bug up his ass .  100hp, give or take?  I guess top speed compared to power would depend on gearing too.

Torque: compared to a Monster I think a higher torque to HP ratio would be nice.  Close to 80 or 90ft lbs

Price:  Depending on options <20k

Engine Features: chain drive sounds good to me.  Oh, and better than average stoppers.  I had a pucker moment last weekend with give or take 40 lbs of gear, the GF on pillion, and an unexpected turn my buddy decided to take.  I don't know too much else about engine goodies. 

Extras (luggage, power outlets, etc):  Power outlets, luggage (with one key), heated grips, adjustable suspension, good gel saddle, and hazards should be stock.  I hate having to buy a bike like a Harley that comes with two wheels and an engine, then you have to chuck another 10k into it just to make it moderately functional. ABS, center stand

I'm basing most of this on my BMW so I'm not really taking looks into account.  I'm goin more towards the functional aspect of the thing.



As far as the fairing issues people have been listing, I think a setup like ^^ is more efficient than your standard direct frame mount system.  The one thing I don't like about the STx series is that your legs and upper body are totally exposed to airflow.  Read: nice in summer, excruciating in winter.  I've had the Beemer on 2 hour highway runs at 20F with no issues other than a bit of hand discomfort (old heated grips, not as great as they used to be) and I couldn't imagine doing the same on the Monster or any other partially faired bike for that matter. 

I also agree with Double Eagle.  I realize Ducati is a "sports bike" company, but I've seen guys hustle some pretty good sized bikes through the twisties with no problem.  As long as they beef up the suspension/brakes/engine a bit, it will run just fine with the rest of them.

[Randy@StradaFab]

 The ST was a great touring bike, if your in your 20's or 30's. I think that's the problem for Ducati, how many young guys are going to buy a Ducati touring bike? Most just want to go fast. There's really no such thing as a sport/touring bike. If you ride the twistys there's gonna be something you don't like and if take you wife/girlfriend on a 1,000 mile trip there's gonna be something you don't like.
    The ST3 for me was painful to ride (I'm in my mid 40's). About 400 miles a day was all I wanted. So when the ST was stolen I bought a Multistrada. By far the most comfortable Duc made! If it just wasn't so damn ugly! But the Multi has its limitations also. The wind protection ain't that great, the suspension is more sport than tour, and the vibration gets to you after a while. Now I'm going to trade the Multi for a BMW R1200RT That Beemer is smooth as butter, and the front end doesn't take a nose dive under hard braking. But, it don't sound like a Duc! In a few months I'm gonna buy another Monster for a play bike.
   The perfect bike will never be made, thats why a man needs at least two bikes.