ST2/3/4 versus 1000DS

The st3 engine is a stonking motor and service costs would be less then the 4v.

 

By DS do you mean the Multistrada 1000? I had this thought when I bought my Multi, but it was the looks of the Multi that drew me to it - along with the inability to find an ST3 for sale. Predictably an ST3 cropped up at Snells the week after I'd bought my Multi at Parkinsons.

I don't know about servicing an ST3, but with the Multi you have to take the tank off to do the air filter, and that's a 45 minute job. There are also issues with the petrol tanks if you run them on standard unleaded or Shell V-Power. I've owned my Multi for 3 years and have almost exclusively serviced it myself, with the things I can't work out done by MD Racing - I got the factory workshop manual off the internet.

 

The ST2 is a great bike, and although has some water flowing around it, is no more difficult or costly to service than a 900SS.

 

I rode a 2005 Multi a couple of years ago, and it was the bike that got me interested in Dukes, but the lack of room for Nicky on the back meant we looked elsewhere and ended up with an ST3. IMO it looks better, is probably faster, is certainly more comfortable, and from what I can make out it shouldn't be too horrendous to get serviced ( I don't have the tools or ability to do it myself!) As always the only way to be certain is to give them both a test ride.. Chris

 

In terms of servicing the only difference between the 2V DS engine and the 4V ST4/ST4s is the cost of the belts - about £20 more for the 4V. I prefer the ST4s myself and it's more economical too.:smile:

 

I've had an ST2 and a Multi 1000DS (still got it), and to choose a favourite, I'd struggle, they're both great in their own ways. The ST2 is a cracking sports tourer, much more capable in the bends than you'd imagine, and I found it very comfortable after a brief period getting used to the feeling of being pushed forward. I lobbed mine round the Nurburgring for a few laps, and it stuck to the task amazingly well. A much better bike than I expected.

But the fuglystrada is a bit more animated, a bit more frisky all round than the ST2. It feels quicker off the mark, it's quicker by a few mph on top end, and it's one of the best B-road bikes around, a really great handling bike, nothing like the other adventure bikes at all. Somehow though, I haven't gelled with it as much as I did the ST2, and for me it's nowhere near as comfy.

ST for me.

 

ST4s - no question. The 996 desmoquattro engine is an absolute peach - the best Ducati have ever made IMHO - and it is in a perfect state of tune in the ST4s. Try one and absolutely nothing else will do. Well worth the extra cost over lesser bikes.

 

Servicing cost would be cheaper for the 1000ds multi, because its the old 2 valve motor, air-cooled. The most expensive is the ST4S, which is the slight modified 996 engine 4 valve, I personally dont like the look of the old multi (food mixer) and its to tall for me. But people who owner one think there great bikes. Its the ST3 for me, 3 valve motor loads of power, very comfiy seat better then the old ST's. better clocks. wet clutch on the new model.

 

That's cos they are.
See which one comes up for sale first, Greyman, and buy that. You'll end up with a great bike either way.

 

Of the two I'd have an ST too. But the ST2 ain't the quickest thing in the world, especially with panniers. So maybe a 3 or 4 would be a better option. Don't get hung up on mileage though, they're all good for plenty of miles as long as they've received some regular maintenance, and a higher mileage is at least a sign the bike has been used regularly.

 

Multi more ridable and the torque is fab; easy becomes a supermoto. Riding position hard on lower back and even tho better than other adventure type bikes the front end is still a little 'distance' on high speed corners

ST2 great fun, comfier except I used to get tennis elbow after an hour unless I rode it lie a sports bike, leaning forward and thrashing. (Thats my story anyway). Electrics were shocking, its the only Duke that consistently let me down, and ground clearance no he best if you ride a little spirited

Either will do big mileage or shops riding and fun....but I'd take the multi having had both

 

I had an ST4S and sold it in preference for the 998s i also was lucky enough to have at the time.

When i sold the 998 some time later it was my old ST that i sought out and bought back. They are that good.

Better still now that i have uprated the brakes , fitted an Oberon clutch master cylinder and had the seat modified for the pillion. Pillion comfort not that great as standard.

I have no experience of the 1000DS