1998/9 St2

rotty900ss · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 02:36 PM

I'm toying with the idea of buying this ST2(please don't steal it from under me until I rule it out, THANKS!!!):

eBay Motors: Ducati : Sport Touring (item 270224549460 end time Apr-04-08 21:58:36 PDT)

It is located at my prefered shop and I may know the owner, but that has yet to be confirmed. As the description says, it has been recently serviced, has new tires, new chain/sprokets, new battery, and rebuilt forks. I've owned a Ducati or two, so I know the basics of stuff to look for, but is there anything specific to the ST2 of this vintage? I'm not familiar with the motor or ST's in specific.

Any advice you could offer would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Desmo Demon · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 10:31 PM

It's Mine!!! I saw it first......about 8am EST this morning.

Just kidding. It is tempting, but I think if I buy one bike, it'll wind up two....matching bikes for the wife and me (and she's eyeing some new, leftover 2006 CBR1000RRs that I found)....

As for '98 model ST2 bikes.....they are the most prone to problems of all the ST bikes, but by this mileage, all of the issues should be sorted out.

The '98 is "plagued" with a one-year charging system, and they are known to eat voltage regulators if they are not relocated for cooling. Some VIN numbers had recalls on internal fuel lines for splitting, front sprocket retainers for not being heat-treated, shift levers for being too short, stators for a spacer that assists in cooling them, and.....I think there may be one more, but I am forgetting......there are some concerns with the '97-'00 ST bike using 10mm engine mounting bolts and there have been some reports of cracked frames and broken engine cases, but Nichols engine bolts and/or constantly keeping an eye on the torques of these bolts are rumored to prevent this breakage from happening........there's a hiccup around 3800-4200 rpm that can be smoothed out with a performance eprom and slip-on exhaust, but I've read where it cannot be completely cured because it is a software/programing issue with the computer.....but I don't know this for a fact. I know mine isn't too bad after the eprom, slip-ons, and airbox mod.

Other than eating two voltage regulators and having the stator replaced under warranty, I've been very pleased with my '98 ST2......34k miles and still running strong...

T

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotty900ss

I'm toying with the idea of buying this ST2(please don't steal it from under me until I rule it out, THANKS!!!):

rotty900ss · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 01:52 PM

Desmo,

Thank you very much. Any info on the 1999 ST4?

Desmo Demon · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotty900ss

Any info on the 1999 ST4?

The only two that I can think of are the same potential for issues caused by 10mm engine mounting bolts but the added potential for flaking chrome on the rockers.

Pacman · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rotty900ss

Desmo,

Thank you very much. Any info on the 1999 ST4?

Much of the same but in 4V mode (late 90s 4V. rockers....) ........

If I were to buy another ST2 I'd go for a 2000 (but has crappier suspension). If a 4V, I'd go for a 2003 ST4S.....

rotty900ss · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 07:24 PM

I have a strict budget that I cannot go over and I'm really looking for a bike that I won't mind leaving outside. That is why I'm looking at this vintage ST. Susie has pointed me in the direction of a 1999 ST4 that a former customer of their's is thinking of selling. Since Bruce had done all the services on it, I know that it is in good shape.