Ducati ST2 944

having owned a Ducati st2 quite a few years ago, i always wanted another,so found a cheap one that needed some work, after fitting new regulator, chain and sprockets, full service including new cambelts and new temperature sensors the bike rides great, these bikes handle really well, with enough BHP for the road with usable torque and loads of mid-range power, very comfortable looks are good, good wind protection. parts are cheap second-hand. My one cost £1300 spending about £300 on her its still a cheap bike. These bikes have a dry clutch so they rattle. It returns good MPG and cheap insurance. Ducati's do need a little more care than jap bikes but have more soul. Batteries go flat pretty quick because the charging system on early models weren't up to it, so keep it on a optimate charger when not in use. Planning to go to Italy this year

de st2 ducati is een zeer fijne moto ook voor twee personen en is ook nog een snele sport moto een na deel is het henderlijk trillen bij lage snelheid als ik hem nog eens moest kopen weer een st2 en de onderhoud kosten zijn te doen bij st3-st4 zijn de onderhoud kosten te hoog waar om zo hoog dit is het merk wat de onderhoud zo duur maak wat zijn normalen prijzen mail me voor een grote onderhoud prijs st2 van 2001 groeten [email protected]

Well I am back on a Duke after many years away. Last bike a Brutale 750. Its great not riding with all your bum bits knotted. The ride is relaxed, economic (50MPG plus) and sweet. 250ks and time to look for gas and for a leg stretch. Yes the battery location and access is rediculous, and the clutch does rattle a tad, I for now I'm in love with the bike.

The Ducati ST2 944 is the only thing I have ever bought for its looks alone which didn't work.Once I'd got it working.....changed the fuel filter in the tank.I have toured all over Eastern Europe and southern Europe. The only problem I had was a faulty regulator. As I'd spoken to a forum before hand I was advised to take a spare with me. I picked up a spare from a 900ss for £20.oo. That was 3 years ago, never had a problem since and has so far done 26,000miles without breaking down.

I bought my red Ducati ST2 2 years ago in 2006 for 2200 with just 8k5 miles on the clock. The previous owner had had it meticulously maintained with 2 sets of belts in his 7 years of ownership.

I'm of another school, take the engine for example. Water cooled, petrol injected why it's almost a car engine and they only change oil every 12000 miles or longer on variable servicing.

My first oil change was after 14000 miles The next one will be after another 14000, that's in 5000 miles time. So yes that means it's done 30000 miles, without any mechanical problems what so ever. I expect this beast to do at least 50k no sweat. Belts I changed after 15000 miles. Valves never touched, and it still does 53 MPH just like the day I got it.

I have changed the head-stock bearings, the bottom one was rusted to hell. All wheel bearings have been changed. The rectifier/regulator which is ludicrously placed gave up the ghost soon after I got it, and now sits in the air ram, in the air-stream. Now for the reasons I still have it.

It's a gas to own and drive. All tires I have fitted ( mix and match...whatever ) have given me excellent service and I can't complain about the handling. Just goes to show the 916 type chassis is brilliant. When cornering my toe tips just hang over the pegs and when they scrape I stop leaning. The bike is planted and totally stable and would go further, but I reserve that for my monster...and it shows - rubbished exhausts, etc.

I drive all year round, and the finish is weather resistant to say the least ( although it is garaged at night ). When I clean it, it can be said to look as good as new.

The engine now deserves a few words. At tick-over it sounds like the industrial revolution is happening in the engine...ugh! But pull the clutch in and it all goes away. Drive off, ignoring the clutch screatching, juddering, and generally misbehaving, and get above 3000 revs. Below is truly amazing. Like how can Ducati possibly produce an engine that does this. Drive one and experience it...unbelievable. However above that magic number and you can forget everything and enjoy. Yes... It purrs at 70. It would probably do 112 MPH and no more flat out with the panniers on if you were to try it. Top speed solo without panniers is unknown, but the test results sound optimistic.

Would I have another one, don't know. Ducati Multistradas will have come down by then.

If you are thinking of buying one, think of running shoes...just do it.

Had the Ducati ST2 944 for approx 4 years after a few Japanese bikes (which frankly were ok too). Although my decision was based some what on my shallow ambition for designer status. I've now done 24,000 miles now with no problems, which considering the bar room expert opinion I am slightly surprised at. It seems to be bolted together and finished well (garaged) and I ride all year and the bike still looks new.

I admit I'm easy on the right hand (knees down only in prayer) and the bike's handling in the midrange of its performance is pretty immaculate.

A change would be nice but I'm not sure if I could bear to see the pimply sales guy's shaking head.

I bought my Ducati ST2 944 used with 10k miles on it, and almost three years later it has 25k, so I've had the opportunity to experience the many joys of ownership as well as some of the headaches. First of all, it just needs to be said that if you're going Ducati, there are just some things you'll have to accept: some electrical hassles and plenty of money spent on the crucial valve adjustments/tune-ups. That said, if you can handle that, then the keys to the kingdom are yours for the taking because this bike is just SWEET. I actually feel that it makes me a better rider, and that beautiful, visceral Ducati feel is ever-present. More feedback than any other bike can provide, and it interprets the road and your input exquisitely. It is a very rewarding experience, and difficult to describe. Just ride one; you'll know it when you feel it.

The bike has all the sport you need to go with your touring. The position is comfortable enough for 500+ mile days (mine has bar risers that I'd recommend if you'll tour on it). The throttle response is predictable as well as thrilling. Grab a handful and hold on. This thing can move. And it will take all your stuff with you as you scream up to speed. The panniers are ample; my Nolan helmet fits inside. I've had Daisy (that's what I named her, Daisy Duc, get it?) packed up with eighty pounds and it still handled great. In fact, there's very little you can do to throw off the intuitive, predictable nature of its' handling. As a fully kitted touring bike, it sure feels light and nimble. It's covered up plenty of my errors through the years, and that's one of the reasons I've grown to love it. The brakes are strong if a little fuzzy on hard stops. The shifting is solid and sure. It's not buttery like a japanese bike, but it's good in its' own way. Clutch pressure needed is not excessive as has been written elsewhere.

Speaking of clutches, that happens to be one of the weak spots I spoke of. Clutch plate replacement is to be expected. The other fatal flaw is the voltage regulator. I spent weeks with mechanics that weren't up to the task trying to troubleshoot it. Silly, considering that it's the most common Ducati electrical problem. If yours ever has mysterious spark issues, go to the volt. reg. first, not last.

If you stay ahead of the maintenance, however, this is a rock steady bike, and can be trusted for serious work. I've taken it from California to Wyoming and looping back through the southwest with no hiccups. Had it in snow and 110 degree heat. It should be noted that mine gasps for air above 8000 feet, and revs need to be kept extra high. Everywhere else, you still want to avoid revs lower than 3000 unless you like to get bucked and buzzed. Some complain about the noise, but I love it. It's the sound of fun to me, but earplugs are key. I actually think that the sound is a good piece of feedback from the bike, and I know it helps keep me safer - if they can hear you, they'll look for you.

All in all, this really is a jack of all trades bike. It does everything well, has an exotic appeal, and makes riding a joy. If you can roll with its' Ducati-ness, you'll be a happy camper, and it will make you and the ride better.

Overall, I liked my time with the Ducati ST2. It is a comfortable bike, easy to ride in town or on the open road.

Unfortunatly the bike suffers from vibration through the bars quite a lot which can be waring. Also the noise of the bike, which was great at first and made the bike exciting to ride became annoying over time, so good earplugs are a must. Below 3500 rpm the bike shakes badly under load so you need to be around 4000 rpm all the time, which can be tricky round town and in traffic. Also the exhaust booms when you back off at certain revs which also became tiring. The engine revs beautifully up to about 11000 (though there is no red line on my rev counter!).

I found the gearbox a bit clunky and often found false neautral between 4th 5th and 6th which was a pain.

On the plus side on the motorway it is comfy and will cruise all day around 95 - 100 mph (in Germany and with ear plugs of course!). I like the look of the bike (mine is red - best colour!) and often get positive comments, for short trips the noise mentioned doesn't become a problem, and the MPG seems good with a nice big tank. I feel the bike handles well, though got a shock when I rode a friends ZR-6R but that is a more sports orientated so should handle and stop better! The brakes seemed fine, as do all the controls. The centre stand is useful also.

The standard panniers are ok, but would not take my ROOF lid. They were a bit fiddly to remove and fit the first few times compared to my other bike a Triumph Trophy 1200 which has a better locking system.

Another good feature is that you can alter the height of the exhaust to give more ground clearance for a track day or lower them for more luggage space!

I have found not many dealers are interested in the ST2 for p/ex as there seems to be concern over reliability. Mine has been fine, however the LCD display has just packed up, so mabye they were right! However, this would not put me off buying another Ducati, as I believe no bike is perfect!

The ST2 is a good bike, just get a good long test ride first and make sure that the noise and vibes will not be a problem for you!