Sports: Re: [DucatiST] Never should have sold it.

Hi Gordon,

I also have a blue 2001 ST2 and live in Bellevue. I bought it in 2005 with 2,400 miles on it, I wonder if it was yours. I do love this bike. I have some friends who have followed suit and also have purchased St's after they checked mine out. One thing I have noticed is that all of these bikes come jetted really lean and the difference between stock (EPA) jetting and properly set-up is huge. My bike ran terrible when I purchased it from Eastside Ducati but transformed completely with the installation of a $75 Ducati Performance chip. More recent bike years don't have the same ECU arrangement and require a Power Commander or similar modification which costs a bit more, I think the ECU change by model year was in 2004. The Ducati Performance carbon pipes also made a huge difference. So when you're looking for a new bike, try to determine if it has the ECU upgrade. My buddy with a 2003 ST4S has had a proper set-up and the power just blows the doors off my ST. It does have great top end and low end. However, I like the demeanor of my ST2 and actually prefer it. Most likely a superior suspension set-up. My personal opinion is that all of these bikes you mentioned are great bikes and would consider any of them. With the prices as low as they are, I think in choosing a particular bike I would want to consider how it is set-up and what the cost would be to get it the way you want it.

My personal Mod Requirements for an ST are:

- ECU upgrade

- Pipes

- Suspension

- Seat ( Rich's, Corbin, or Sargeant)

- Heated grips

- Aux power outlets

- Lower gearing

Marty Nelson

Bellevue, WA

2001 Ducati ST2, Blue

1976 BMW R90S, Daytona Orange

On Mar 4, 2013, at 7:05 AM, "flashgv2012" <animalmag@earthlink.net> wrote:

Hey group,

A few years ago I sold my beautiful, blue 2001 ST2 in favor of a 2004 Multistrada. I was looking for a bit more comfort on long rides. The MS turned out to be a money pit (swelling gas tank, clutch issues, and more) so I sold that as well. I've regretted selling the ST2 and decided to get another one or one of the other ST models, but have been finding them difficult to get my hands on.

Over the weekend I did test ride a 2005 ST4S with about 17,000 miles. I was pretty sure this one would be everything my 2001 was and more. I don't know if it was that particular bike, but it didn't have the "feel" that my ST2 had. It was plenty powerful, but seemed to lack a bit of throttle response and it didn't sound nearly as sweet as my ST2 (my ST2 had Staintune pipes, man did it sound sweet). Any thoughts from those that have had experience riding the different motors/models? I noticed the top end benefit from the ST4S, but I'd rather have the low end. It keeps me from losing my license for one thing. Sort of.

So, I'm on the hunt for an ST2 in the northwest, specifically Bainbridge Island, near Seattle and surrounding area. I'm looking at least as far south as Portland.

I'm open to looking at the ST3 ST3S ST4 ST4S (again) as well. So if anyone knows of anything, I'd love to hear about it. I'm looking for something very well maintained (garage kept) and probably low mileage.

Thanks!

Gordon