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Help me choose my new Ducati! :)

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Currently I have a 2002 748S. As of late I have been considering trading it in on a new bike. I have always owned sportbikes and am feeling like as I ripen in age I would like to try something else.
I would like something that I can take on short trips. 3-4 days. The thought of another 1600 mile trip to Laguna this year on my 748S makes my body ache! In addition to that I still want to do a couple of track days this summer with my wife and friends, and still want to have as much fun as I have on the 748. Dream list I know.

Here is what I am considering:

ST3 (2005)
Multistrada 1000s (2005, Full Ohlins!)
Monster S4 (2004, dealer leftover and great price!)

I can get hard bags for the multistrada and ST3 which is really appealing. The S4 seems like it would be a hoot on the track, as I have a lot of fun on my wifes M620 at the track. But with the S4 I am concerned about wind protection on longer trips. I have taken a short ride on the Multistrada, but it was such a drastic riding position/style difference that I couldn't make a thorough judgement. But it was a VERY fun motorcycle! I have never ridden an ST3.

Now you know what I know, and I would love to hear your opinions and input!
Thanks and cheers!
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

I would go with the S4.
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (Mike996)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mike996 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would go with the S4. </TD></TR></TABLE>

me too. I have a 620 SS and a 02 s4. I thought I was going to get beat up by the wind on the s4(it doesn't even have the bikini fairing thingy), especially after coming from the full fairing SS. But that was not the case. The SS is actually worse than the s4 unless you are tucked in under the windscreen. On the SS all of the air is diverted right to where your head is if you are not tucked in(ie riding comfortably on the hwy). But on the s4 the headlight and other stuff kind of diverts/disturbs the wind in all different directions and it isn't that bad. Of course I have only ridden it on the hwy for a few hours max, but it is much easier/more comfortable to ride than the SS. And it is one awesome machine. There is no better name for it other than monster, except if you add torque to the front of monster.
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

CuStOm -

for multi day trips (and for long single day rides) the st3 is your best choice.

the new 3 valve motor offers the low end torque that the old st2 had and the ripping high rpm rush that the st4 996 motor offers. same ergos as the st4, the saddle bags are some of the best in the industry, and the handling is the best of the sport touring bikes. plus, for track days or harder core sport riding, take the saddle bags off, raise the slip-ons, and you have a decent track day bike/sport bike.

all imho, and just my


ciao,
johnc
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

I have an '02 s4 and have taken it on several long trips 1000 miles+. The one mod that is a must is to get rid of the stock rearsets. The foot position is too low which leads to an aching ass. I put DP billet singles from the catalog which raise your feet allowing more support from your legs. After that the bike is now very comfortable even with the stock seat. I have a Marsee tank bag and a RKA soft bag that hooks on the back cowl. You can't go away for a month but a couple of nights--no prob. The s4 is a good happy medium between your 748 and a tourer.
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (mh900e0974)

I'd go for an ST, the 3 or a leftover 4s. One of the best all around road bikes out there
. And I've seen them pass more than one superbike at track days.

Nault's in Manchester, NH has a new 03 ST4s for $9999! http://www.naultsducati.com
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (duc97sp1)

I've got a 748S/870, If I wanted good performance with long distance comfort I'd definetly go with a ST3 or 4. A monster is a step down in handling and I can't believe that it is much more comfortable on long rides. The wind blast alone must be brutal.
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (Ducaholic)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ducaholic »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've got a 748S/870, If I wanted good performance with long distance comfort I'd definetly go with a ST3 or 4. A monster is a step down in handling and I can't believe that it is much more comfortable on long rides. The wind blast alone must be brutal.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Have you ridden an s4?
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (jager)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jager »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Have you ridden an s4?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I say the same thing. Have you ridden an s4?

For me I would say S4. No discusion. If you want something that is good for all sorts of riding and you want to have seriously fun at the same time the S4 is the one. The only modern Ducati I would consider next to a S4 is a multistrada. The problem is that it is so ugly so I just can not buy one. The multistrada is for sure a very good bike but so ugly.

Before I bought the S4 I had a 996 and before that a 900ssie. It is no discusion for me which bike that is most useful and fun.

Jocke...........
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Have you considered a BMW?
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I have found riding naked bikes (buddy's M900, a speed triple, and SV650) to be tough on extended highway or any high speed riding. The wind blast def takes a toll on me and I'm an active lad.

Don't know much about the ST3 engine (though I've heard great reviews) but I find my ST4 to be the perfect complement to my 916 - it's comfy and can hold it's own on the track.
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Re: (doocatiboy)

I would like more opinions about the wind protection of the monster. I have not ridden her bike for anymore than several tucked miles on the track. As far as ergonomics go, coming from a 748 it is miles more comfortable! :)

On the Multistrada side of things, I dont think they are ugly! Which do you think would do the best on the track, MS4 or Multistrada 1000S DS?

I know th ST3 is going to be the best trip bike, but how will it do on the track? Am I going to think the thing is a heave pig and be irritated the first time out?

Thanks for all the input, keep it coming!
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Re: (CuStOm)

if your choosing between the S4 and the multistrada with ohlins front/rear? i think i would go with the multistrada because of the suspension.
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

I don't know why an st4s isn't in your list as it seems to have everything you would want. If you do some serches on line and read some of the reviews they find it very sporty yet good for the long trip.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by duc97sp1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd go for an ST, the 3 or a leftover 4s. One of the best all around road bikes out there . And I've seen them pass more than one superbike at track days.

Nault's in Manchester, NH has a new 03 ST4s for $9999! http://www.naultsducati.com </TD></TR></TABLE>
at this price go for the st4s


not that i am biased or anything
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (DocHolliday)

I've been looking at the Rizoma rearsets Doc but they are oh so expensive. But now that you mention it I rode my m620 about 300 miles this weekend and by the end of the day I noticed I was riding with my tip toes on the pegs to elevate my riding position and ease my aching lower body. Higher rearsets would definitely solve that right?

Oh and Custom if it were my choice I'd be on the s4 hands down. I love my m620 dark and I am dying for the day when I get my paws on an s4. I've riden mine now almost 2k miles with and without a windshield and I hardly notice the wind at 80 mph. I start to feel the front end lighten up a bit at 90 but thats prolly cause the bike is so light only being a 620 and all.

Happy riding bud.
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

I had an S4, I now have an ST4s. Better suspension, much more wind protection, removable hardbags. The Monster is a fun bike, but for me the ST offers more versatility and practicality, without giving up anything.
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r1200gs? leave the panniers on for track days to wind people up.
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

<U>853</U> ...


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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

IMHO.....stick with a superbike......
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Re: Help me choose my new Ducati! :) (CuStOm)

have ridden all but the ST class of bikes and i was blown away by the multistrada. handles brilliant, comfortable at speed, simple motor (cheap to service) and good two-up riding. plus it doesn't look like anything else out there. why blend in?
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