Table of contents

• Second-hand advice Ducati ST series Which sports touring Ducati suits me best?
• Ducati ST range
• In terms of engine technology, there are immense differences
• sightseeing
• Market situation
• Facelift
• Data and measured values

Ducati

16 pictures

Ducati

1/16
The Ducati ST2 counts as a noble machine.

Ducati

2/16
Really good: ST3s from 2006 with fully adjustable chassis and sensitive Ohlins shock absorber. While the predecessor ST3 was weak here, the S version offers plenty of comfort and reserves

Ducati

3/16
Brave new (cockpit) world for the most modern sister of the ST family: extensive instrumentation with eye-catching displays such as average speed and fuel level.

www.j.kuenstle.de

4/16
Less valves, displacement and power – the cultivated three-valve engine is still a poem because it spins freely and shines with pulling power.

Ducati

5/16
Is an underdog in the sports touring scene – and therefore a hot tip: ST3s.

Ducati

6/16
The three comes after the four – somewhat confusing model history. The three-valve engine is the youngest ST.

Jahn

7/16
The heart: The 90-degree V2 of the ST4s with 50-millimeter injection impresses with its robust performance, but is bumpy in the lower speed range.

fact

8/16
Dominant: the rev counter – the sporty roots of the touring machine are unmistakable. The digital information display with clock and fuel level indicator is very useful for touring riders.

Bilski

9/16
In 2003, an ABS was optionally available for the ST4s for the first time in the series. The brakes bite hard, super great! However, the brake assistant does not regulate until very late – more like an emergency parachute.

fact

10/16
The strongest in the ST series: ST4s with 996 four-valve engine and a whopping 120 hp.

Ducati

11/16
The Ducati ST4 – the four behind “ST” stands for four valves – the 105 hp engine comes from the cult sportsman Ducati 916.

Hartmann

12/16
Ducati in touring mode? The ST2 also sizzles wonderfully.

Hartmann

13/16
Not an issue with sports machines, but a maintenance-intensive chain instead of a cardan drive is more of a deterrent to soberly calculating touring riders.

archive

14/16
Take me with you on the journey! The original suitcase set fits stylishly into the sporty, slim overall line. The packing volume? Rather mediocre.

archive

15/16
Embedded in the filigree tubular steel space frame, the water-cooled two-valve Desmo-Twin cuts a fine figure in Ducati’s touring machine.

Ducati

16/16
Logically, the touring Ducati ST feels best in Mediterranean climes.

counselor

Used purchase

Second-hand advice Ducati ST series

Second-hand advice Ducati ST series
Which sports touring Ducati suits me best?

Two, three or four – similar to the classic children’s game show “1, 2 or 3” you should know the correct answer beforehand. In this case: Which sports touring Ducati suits me best?

Thorsten Dentges

10/10/2013

Ducati ST range

Holla, the former noble machine can now be found at prices below 2000 euros. We’re talking about the ST2, which cost a good 20,000 marks in 1997! Whether this or rather one of the sisters is the right one, here is a little model consultation.

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In terms of engine technology, there are immense differences

In terms of appearance, the ST models differ only slightly over the ten-year construction period (1997 to 2007). From 2004 the designers from Bologna gave the motorcycle a more distinctive face (ST3) – an undramatic question of taste for those interested.

In terms of engine technology, however, there are immense differences. The ST2 is waiting with a V2 drilled out to 944 cm³ from the almost forgotten 907 i. e. and tried at the time to compete with the successful genre top dog Honda VFR. With “only” 83 HP a difficult undertaking. But a test drive teaches better, because the beefy, yet comparatively frugal Desmo-Twin is great fun.

On paper, the successor ST4 (from 1999) with 105 hp is clearly superior, but the top performance characteristics of the sporty four-valve engine from the legendary 916 do not really match the demands of classic touring riders. The 996 engine (from 2001) with a rated output of 120 hp is more impressive, which is why the ST4s, preferably with ABS, are particularly popular as a used one. A fully adjustable chassis also sets you apart from the normal ST4.

In 2004, the ST3 replaced the two and four as the youngest sister in the series and was given a new three-valve engine, the so-called Desmotre. 102 HP strong, tasty to start with, robust. The chassis with Sachs strut and the fork, which is a bit tricky when driving with a jagged style, gave cause for criticism. But the ST3s (107 hp) built in 2006/2007 with Ohlins shock absorber, fully adjustable Showa fork and ABS shows almost nothing but chocolate – a very hot tip for those interested in ST.

sightseeing

archive

Embedded in the filigree tubular steel space frame, the water-cooled two-valve Desmo-Twin cuts a fine figure in Ducati’s touring machine.

The Italian manufacturer from Bologna has enough other models in its range for the racetrack, and ST buyers know that. Accordingly, the sport touring models rarely get lost in this danger zone, and fall damage is not a big issue with this model series. On the other hand, the ST likes to be moved in a species-appropriate way, so it gets plenty of exercise and many kilometers to eat, high mileages far beyond 50,000 km are not uncommon. No problem, as certified by specialist workshops and reports of endurance runners with over 100,000 kilometers. The ST2’s two-valve desmo in particular enjoys a good reputation. Note: The maintenance of Ducati engines should be left to absolute connoisseurs (have the service booklet shown!) – So be careful with offers from hobby mechanics.

At the time, the ST4 did poorly in the MOTORRAD 50,000-kilometer long-distance test. Camshafts, valves, pistons, clutches and other engine parts were overused and had to be replaced. One more note: If the motorcycle has undergone regular, documented maintenance by a Ducati workshop, you can usually assume that the four-valve engine will also run solidly and will cope with higher mileage. Those interested in models with a dry clutch should, if possible, examine the clutch basket for signs of wear when viewing. The ST4s from 2005 and the ST3 and ST3s models, however, have an oil bath clutch, which has proven to be more stable. It is essential to check when the last timing belt change took place, because if a dilapidated belt should tear, there is a risk of major engine damage.

Additional accessories such as a complete case system including carriers from the original accessories raise the price of the used vehicle by up to 400 euros, depending on the condition, current touring tires with low mileage are also appreciated.

Market situation

fact

The strongest in the ST series: ST4s with 996 four-valve engine and a whopping 120 hp.

Around half of all ST offers come from private hands, with the low price segment of up to 2500 euros hardly being served by dealers. In this league there are predominantly ST2s with mileages of over 40,000 kilometers, which require a certain daring when buying. Neatly cared for and serviced ST2 and ST4 with reasonable signs of use are on offer from 3000 euros, and with a little patience an ST3 can also be seen in the advertisements for these courses. The two-valve ST, which was in the range until 2004, realistically achieves hardly more than 3500 euros, even in good condition, with a checkbook and less than 30,000 kilometers. Interested parties with a limited budget, watch out: the density of bargains is high here! And as I said: 83 HP is enough for a lot of fun.

The ST4s, which are quite expensive when new (from 2001, formerly a good 13,000 euros) are used with mileages of less than 30,000 kilometers, however, only from 3,500 euros. However, with this model, prices around 5000 euros are sometimes called for even ten-year-old copies. It remains to be seen whether someone actually pays for this or whether the provider is more likely to grow a grandfather clock. However, more than 5000 euros for a clean and exemplary workshop-maintained ST3s ABS (built in 2006/2007) and not more than 25,000 kilometers on the clock are considered appropriate – here the equivalent value is correct. However, this ST model is, to put it cautiously, represented in the inventory in a very manageable way (hardly in three-digit numbers) and accordingly only rarely on offer.

Price level in euros		Years of construction	mileage
Nierdry	1700-2500	1997-2003	25000-70000
medium	2600-4500	1997-2007	15000-50000
High	4600-6000	2002-2007	7500-20000
model		In program	Duration*
ST2		1997-2003	581
ST4 / ST4s / ST4s ABS		1999-2005	1175
ST3 / ST3s ABS		2004-2008	375
Status: KBA stock 2012

Facelift

Ducati

Is an underdog in the sports touring scene – and therefore a hot tip: ST3s.

1997: Market launch of the ST2, two-valve, 944 cm³. Power: 83 hp. Price: 19,990 marks (10,175 euros).

1999: Model introduction ST4, four-valve engine (engine comes from Ducati 916), output: 105 hp. Price: 23,840 marks (12,189 euros); Model upgrade ST2: new alternator, new regulator, modified handlebars, lighter wheels. Price: 20,340 marks (10,400 euros).
2001 Model ST4s with four-valve engine from the Ducati 996. Output: 117 hp. Price: 24,643 marks (12,600 euros). ST2 and ST4 remain unchanged in the range, prices: 18,580 marks (9500 euros) and 22,688 marks (11600 euros).

2002: Unregulated catalytic converter for all ST models. Prices ST2 / ST4 / ST4s: 9600/11700/12700 euros.

2003: G-Kat for all ST models. ST4s optionally with ABS (surcharge: 1000 euros). Prices ST2 / ST4 / ST4s: 9,900 / 12,000 / 13,000 euros.

2004: The models ST2 and ST4 will be withdrawn from the range. Model introduction of the ST3 with a completely redesigned three-valve engine, 992 cm³. Power: 102 hp. Model upgrade ST4s (ABS still available as an option for an extra 1000 euros): modified fairing and seat, new headlights. Prices ST3 / ST4s: 10995/12995 euros.

2006: ST4s no longer in the range, ST3s ABS with Showa fork and Ohlins shock absorber. Power: 107 hp. Price: 12 695 euros.

2007: Last year of construction ST3s, this is the end of the ST series. Price: 13,280 euros.

Data and measured values

Ducati

Logically, the touring Ducati ST feels best in Mediterranean climes.

	Ducati ST2 (Model 1997)	Ducati ST4s ABS (model 2002)	Ducati ST3 S.  ABS (2006 model)
engine
design type	Water-cooled Two-cylinder four-stroke- 90 degree V engine	Water-cooled Two-cylinder four-stroke-  90 degree V engine	Water-cooled Two-cylinder four-stroke- 90 degree V engine
Carburetor / injection	Injection, Ø k. A..	Injection, Ø 50 mm	Injection, Ø 50 mm
coupling	Multi-disc oil bath- clutch (hydraulic)	Multi-disc oil bath- clutch (hydraulic)	Multi-disc oil bath- clutch (hydraulic)
Bore x stroke	94 x 68 mm	98 x 66 mm	94 x 71.5 mm
Displacement	944 cc	996 cc	992 cc
perfomance	61 kW (83 PS) 8500 rpm	88 kW (120 PS) 8800 rpm	78.8 kW (107 hp) 8750 rpm
Torque	70 Nm at 7200 rpm	98 Nm at 7000 rpm	98 Nm at 7250 rpm
landing gear
frame	Tubular frame stole	Tubular frame stole	Tubular frame stole
fork	Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm	Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm	Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm
Brakes front / rear	Ø 320/245 mm	Ø 320/245 mm	Ø 320/245 mm
Assistance systems	no system	SECTION	SECTION
bikes	3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17	3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17	3.50 x 17; 5.50 x 17
tire	120/70 ZR 17; 170/60 ZR 17	120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17	120/70 ZR 17; 180/55 ZR 17
mass and weight
wheelbase	1430 mm	1430 mm	1430 mm
Steering head angle	66 degrees	66 degrees	66 degrees
trailing	102 mm	102 mm	102 mm
Suspension travel front / rear	130/148 mm	130/148 mm	130/148 mm
Seat height *	830 mm	820 mm	815 mm
Weight with full tank **	230 kg	234 kg	235 kg
Payload *	190 kg	185 kg	185 kg
Tank capacity / reserve	23/4 liters	21/6 liters	21/6 liters
MOTORCYCLE readings
Top speed	223 km / h	245 km / h **	230 km / h **
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	3.6 sec	3.0 sec	3.6 sec
Draft 60-100 km / h	5.8 sec	4.8 sec	3.9 sec
Consumption highway	5.3 liters	5.4 liters	6.4 liters
* MOTORCYCLE measurements; ** Manufacturer information

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