I'm looking to buy my first Ducati, a 2005 ST3 and planning on a cross country trip with it this summer. Anybody care to share any common problems they've experienced with their bike, Ducati, the road side assistance plan, etc., etc.
I have to say that I've heard mixed reviews about Ducati's. Some say they have a rep for lousy reliability, others say that was only the case several years ago, a few say Ducatis have always been very reliable (only the dealers say this, of course).
I know any bike needs regular maintenance, but what's different about the three valve engine in terms of maintenance or reliability? Will I be stranded in the middle or Oklahoma waiting three weeks for a part? That would take the fun out of the trip.
Your ST3 is probably going to be great fun and completely reliable. I have a 2001 ST4 and I too was concerned with Ducati reliability compared to my experiences with many Japanese and German motorcycles. After 4 full riding seasons, my ST4 has been flawless and just a blast to ride; my favorite motorcycle by far.
The link will take you to a Yahoo discussion board focused specifically on the Sport Touring models. They're really into the ST line and can answer all your questions.
If you SEARCH this Speedzilla site you'll find some info on the ST3.
I just purchased my first Ducati, a silver 2004 ST3. I only have 400 miles on it so I'm no expert yet, but here's some impressions:
First off, it's the best bike I've ever owned and the first one I've said I'm going to keep for a long time. It fits me perfectly (I'm 5'10''), handles great, looks stunning, and no other bike has that Ducati sound. I had a BMW R1150RT before this, and it was a very comfortable bike but not very exciting. I needed more sport. The riding position is more aggressive than any bike I've owned, but comfortable. The seat is great, shifting very smooth, wind protection good, and it's amazing how many girls come up and start a conversation about the bike (my wife's not crazy about this feature).
On the negative side, clutch pull is hard, but that should change on the '05 model as they will have a wet clutch. It's not very happy stuck in traffic; gets pretty hot, although the fan comes on and takes care of that.
Best thing to do Vinnie is call a couple of dealers and take a test ride. I live in L.A. and there are a few here only too happy to do so. Best of luck!
Thanks for the input. Unfortunately I'm in maryland and we just got some snow. I was going to go on a test ride a couple weeks ago when the temps were in the 60's but the dealer kept coming up with excuses why the demo bike wasn't ready.
I currently have a BMW R1150R and want something more sporty too, but just as reliable, with a roadside assitance plan, and easy to ride.
I've heard before that the wet clutch would make the pull easier. I also heard that for $180 I could change the slave cylinder also for a lighter pull.
I'm not sure that wet vs. dry is going to make any change in clutch pull but the slave will fix it. Either Yoyodyne or Evoluzione seem to be the ones most frequently used.
Good luck with your purchase. I realize that living in Columbia, MD, that Speed's Cycle is probably the shop you are looking to do business with, they know the product and have a nice shop. If you want an alternative you can also go to Winchester Motosports in Winchester, VA. Another good shop and very easy to deal with. IMHO, stay away from Coleman Powersports in Falls Church. My $.02
Thanks for the advice. I was also considering Battley in Gaithersburg. I tell you its a tough decision between the ST3, Honda VFR, or just accessorizing my beemer.
OK, I'm no longer considering Battley Cycles - what a bunch of jackasses. They jerked me around for several weeks just trying to get a test ride. Swapped several emails and phone calls, first problems with batteries, then broken brake levers, then being told they don;t do test rides on weekends, then finally after making an appointment for a test ride the manager says not today (it was 60 deg F and sunny, dry roads). I'm sick and tired of wasting time with those losers.
I went right over to Speeds Cycles and even though it was closing time they hooked me up right away.
Haven't decided yet. After riding the ST3 I'm starting to think about a Multistrada. Only reason being that I'm used to a pretty upright seating position with my BMW and I noticed I was supporting my upper body on the ST3 with my wrists. I got me to thinking if that would be a problem on a cross country ride. I'll have to ride the Multi first, but I'm hesitant about the Multistrada because of all the problems I've read about on multistrada.net
Buy the Ducati ST. If you can swing the ching get the ST4S. Had a VFR and got bored with the relative lack of power, the extra weight and the predictible but uninspiring handling.
Went to the RC51 and enjoyed it but got an itch to travel. Road a 2003 ST4S and two ST3's. Found a still new 2003 ST4S-ABS and it is a rocket. Power to weight much better than the VFR and coming from an RC51 I can honestly say there is enough horsepower to keep anyone happy. Significant power and suspension advantage over the ST3 (which will no doubt cause a bunch of ST3 guys to start griping here).
If you are a serious rider the suspension alone is worth it - the best I have ever riden on and that's after 14 years as a dealership owner that got to ride anything he wanted.
I understand the 2004+ ST's both have a nicer seat and a better headlight so if you can live with the Japanese looking front fairing on the 2004+ models I can tell you frankly they are worth it. The new seats are much better and the headlight is at least useable where the stock 2003's and older should never be allowed on the road at night.
As far as highway comfort is concerned you will be fine and have so much fun on high speed sweepers and putting so much power to the ground on exits that the only thing that's going to hurt is going to be your face from smiling so much!
Buy the extended maintenance from Ducati and let them finance it at their low rate specials and you're good for 12,000 miles. By then you'll learn enough about the bike to do most of the maintenance yorself.
The Strada is a gas too but an ST4S will leave it like it's pulling a boat. It handles great around town and on the tighter twisties but you have to take a well-setup ST4S through the same twisties and then about 20 miles of high speed sweepers to believe it.
Skip the ABS. It detracts from the feel of the rear brake and as the rear brakes are relatively weak they need all the feedback they can get.
My friend has a 04 ST3. It is a blast to ride! The only weak point on the bike is the brakes. I would consider a pad change if I owned one. The bike is just awesome! I'm trying get him to do a track day so I can ride it! Put mufflers on it though, way to quiet! The new mufflers from Ducati performance are 102DB. This should mean not to loud! I've seen some left over 04's on AutoTrader.
Common problems/concerns with ST3?
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