I think I made a mistake

[Frisco]

I picked up that ST3 in Houston last weekend to replace my FJR that was totaled. Only ridden it a few times but I just can't see it as a good two-up tourer. Anybody using one of these for long trips and two-up riding?

[RED]

I picked up that ST3 in Houston last weekend to replace my FJR that was totaled. Only ridden it a few times but I just can't see it as a good two-up tourer. Anybody using one of these for long trips and two-up riding?

No mistake Jim. You got a good Ducati. It's light and that might be what you're thinking is not going to work. With two on it the bike performs very well. Now, if you want to strickly do long range cruising you can put highway pegs and a sissy bar on it but not sure I'd recommend that. The handle bars can be raised and lowered to that level that suits you. If you want to cruise raise the bars up. If you want sport riding put them down. The suspension has variable settings too. You will need to get the bike put into two different configurations. One for you and your regular weight and gear. The other setting for touring. Once you know those settings you can tune the suspension to whichever riding style you wish. You might want to put another seat on it if you plan on long rides. A gel seat is a good choice. Look for a PM from me.

What other issues do you have with it?

RED

[Giannis]

is a good bike but isnt FJR, more sporty....

yamaha FJR - Honda ST1300  -   BMW-K1200GT   -  Kawasaki GTR1400 


Ducati ST3 -- honda VFR800 - Triumph Sprint - BMW F800ST

[fastwin]

Damn! You already have it for sale in the "other bikes" classifieds??? Jeez, give it a chance to grow on you. I am sorry about the FJR and all but this is a good scooter too... it's just not a FJR. If you really liked the FJR why didn't you go out and buy another one? Just asking?? That is a good price for a bike with 19 miles on it. Heck, if my wife would ever ride with me again I would buy it... but she won't.

[muskrat]

  
you should give it some time.  didn't you say last night this was your play bike?

[Frisco]

is a good bike but isnt FJR, more sporty....

yamaha FJR - Honda ST1300  -   BMW-K1200GT   -  Kawasaki GTR1400 


Ducati ST3 -- honda VFR800 - Triumph Sprint - BMW F800ST

That was my initial list when I decided on the FJR - the 3 to the right of FJR are heavier,less nimble and the FJR usually comes out on top of those in comparisons - more SPORT than touring
the second group is more sport and less TOUR
If I was only riding by myself it would be fine - good carrying capacity for one for trips and fun but not so much for 2-up

[Frisco]

Damn! You already have it for sale in the "other bikes" classifieds??? Jeez, give it a chance to grow on you. I am sorry about the FJR and all but this is a good scooter too... it's just not a FJR. If you really liked the FJR why didn't you go out and buy another one? Just asking?? That is a good price for a bike with 19 miles on it. Heck, if my wife would ever ride with me again I would buy it... but she won't.

Main reason was the price - couldn't pass it up - didn't want to take on a payment with a new FJR and the used ones for the $$ I'm hoping to get from the insurance weren't in nearly as nice as shape as mine. 
Figure if I can sell it for what I paid for it I can start looking again.  I really need to have something first that 2 can ride comfortably and then look at the play bike.
After talking to my insurance company I think I am going to be screwed and not have anything left over - my mistake that I jumped on this right away that's all.

[alexisonfire]

Replace the seat and give it one long ride before you get rid of it.  I nearly hated my Ducati during the first month of ownership.  Check us out now  .

[muskrat]

should have bought the S2 in Houston and this would all be water under the bridge.
I still believe you should change the seat like suggested and give it a whirl, you will be surprised.

[GeorgeInDallas]

Frisco - can you be a little more specific on what disturbs you about the bike.  My guess is that you don't have the 14-tooth front sprocket installed yet and you haven't had the SAG properly adjusted yet.  The lower sprocket will improve low-rpm handling and provide additional oomph when riding two-up (of course, the top end will drop to about 130-140); having the SAG set will improve low-speed handling a bunch.

Your posts on this and the Ducati.ms sites seem totally focused on the seat, but it doesn't sound like you have many miles on this one (BTW, I agree with you - I didn't like the stock seat either, but I had some miles on it before buying the DP Touring seat...MUCH nicer, and only $306 delivered to my door).

So....is it performance?  Handling?  Ride softness?  Pillion comfort?  Color?  Seating position?  Sound?  Mileage?

If you are thinking of selling, what color is it and what do you want for it?

Best wishes,
George

[muskrat]

  George

I too suggested he go by AMS to have the suspension set.  I think he just like riding purple bikes 

[Frisco]

Frisco - can you be a little more specific on what disturbs you about the bike.  My guess is that you don't have the 14-tooth front sprocket installed yet and you haven't had the SAG properly adjusted yet.  The lower sprocket will improve low-rpm handling and provide additional oomph when riding two-up (of course, the top end will drop to about 130-140); having the SAG set will improve low-speed handling a bunch.

Your posts on this and the Ducati.ms sites seem totally focused on the seat, but it doesn't sound like you have many miles on this one (BTW, I agree with you - I didn't like the stock seat either, but I had some miles on it before buying the DP Touring seat...MUCH nicer, and only $306 delivered to my door).

So....is it performance?  Handling?  Ride softness?  Pillion comfort?  Color?  Seating position?  Sound?  Mileage?

If you are thinking of selling, what color is it and what do you want for it?

Best wishes,
George

I will admit that the FJR was the best all around bike I have ever owned in almost 40 years of riding - went the route of CBR600 to a Virago 1100 to a Valk to Roadstar & Roadstar Warrior to the FJR.  Performance is less than the FJR (both quickness & top end - just from reading stats because still in break-in pd. but I can tell it won't out run one) - Handling is great - lighter and more flickable - Pillion is pretty flimsy and the seating position has me more cramped and passenger tighter area as well - Color is red (not purple as muskrat seems to think I favor - he never saw my schoolbus yellow Valk) Sound should be good (a plus) wth an exhaust - mileage and tank size (cruising distance) is less - basically it feels unstable on the road - more of a rough ride - not a solid feel to it.  I'm looking for something that I can do 500-600 mile days on without feeling beat-up - I don't mind feeling tired after that distance - the few times I did that on the FJR I was tired but it was more mentaltired from running 80-115 mph in the twisties and back roads.  I just don't see that happening on this bike. Rode it tonight and got blown from one lane into another - never had that happen before - at 70 mph it wasn't fun.
I paid $8500 out the door - not looking to make anything but would like to get my money back or most of it anyway.

[GeorgeInDallas]

IMHO, I think you have the wrong bike.  I'm guessing you're in your mid-50's (I'm 62) and you want a bike to ride 600 miles per day in the twisties?  And not feel tired?  Not on the ST3, my brother...not at our age.

I suggest you spend NO money for modifications on this bike - just unload it and find one you really like.  Sounds like the FJR was your true love - which is fine...it was the main contender for me - so get what you love.  After all, it's about the RIDE, not the bike.

Best wishes,
George

[sdlrodeo]

I agree with George In dallas. The only thing I would say to the stability issue is maybe a stiffer spring in the back would help. I did that even for just myself. It helped tremendously. Oh, and a sargent seat.

I have an ST4s and I Love it because it does it all for ME. I can do 1200 miles in 2 days and the following week do a track day on it and turn some decent lap times. I think the ST bikes are WAY more sport than Touring.

I'm actually working on putting clip-ons to lower the bars and some 888 rearsets to make a little more clearance. But that is for ME.
A friend of mine is madly in love with his FJR.

Sounds like you made up your mind and that's cool. Go with it. 'Life is too short' and 'it's only money' seem to fit nicely here.
Steve

[Frisco]

IMHO, I think you have the wrong bike.  I'm guessing you're in your mid-50's (I'm 62) and you want a bike to ride 600 miles per day in the twisties?  And not feel tired?  Not on the ST3, my brother...not at our age.

I suggest you spend NO money for modifications on this bike - just unload it and find one you really like.  Sounds like the FJR was your true love - which is fine...it was the main contender for me - so get what you love.  After all, it's about the RIDE, not the bike.

Best wishes,
George

You are correct - I expect to be tired after a long day in the twisties but more of a mental tiredness than physically beat-up.  Also want something that's equally adept at doing a long slab stretch if necessary - being in Dallas and trying to get out west there aren't many scenic options - heading north/northeast/east I can meander on some back roads and don't mind if it takes a bit longer to get where I want to go.  However there are times when the interstate is the only option (like I had to outrun a hurricane from Atlanta a few years ago).  I think this would make a great play bike - I've ridden the 999 and an 800S but at my age the more agressive seating position detracts from the fun - it is all about the ride!
I'm waiting to hear what the insurance company offers right now - if there is some extra $$ in there and I can get a more friendly 2-up'er I'll see how it goes.  This seems like it would be great for a one person weekend in northwest Arkansas but not so much fun for a week up to the northeast or out west.