@Tim Maccabee said: "Is the ST coming back? We’ve been asked this question a few times over the 10 years since the ST left our line-up. The ST range was very popular with those that bought it but sales volumes were very low and that section of the market continues to be a very small section." I couldn't reply on his thread so I am replying here now. Ducati have made a couple of attempts at a Sports Tourer: The Paso range and the ST range (you could almost mention the Darmah). I owned a 906 Paso, and then a 907ie for about 50k kms, which I really liked. It was just like the 906 but with all the improvements you'd want: 17" wheels, fuel injection (instead of the dreaded double-body Weber carb), a better fairing. I only sold it after about a decade or so because the handling deteriorated for some reason and it was only a matter of time before it put me in a ditch. During my ownership, I reckon most Ducatisti didn't like it - too futurist, and you couldn't see the engine. Non bikers loved it and people thought it was surely extremely fast. There was something a bit Testarossa about it. Then the ST range came out and I didn't buy one. I didn't buy one, because it didn't look like anything much. It was pretty fugly. Good bikes though. I did have an extended go on an ST2 and it was fine to ride, just grim to look at. So is there a market for a new ST? Surely. Still sporty, not sit-up-and-beg, comfy seat and not too extreme riding position. Perfect for people for whom some of the sports bikes are just too focused and cutting-edge for everyday travel. Ducati would sell lots, I am sure, if any new "ST" was a drop-dead gorgeous design. Because design is what sells bikes and especially Ducatis. I don't think that past sales success can be judged from an unexciting, bland looking workhorse, or a pretty "out-there" design which was probably a step too far for the late 80s/early 90s. For me, bikes have to be beautiful and so many these days are sharp and angular and look like insects. It doesn't have to be like this. Ducati could re-invent a new design language around swoopy and flowing. That is the sort of thing I would expect from Ducati. I have been waiting some years. That is why I will never want a Multistrada. It's another bitty workhorse bike. Surely a fine thing to ride, if you don't mind some wind blast and like riding bolt upright. But I don't. When I had the 907ie I also had an 851 and later a 916. I'd take the 907 out on days when I fancied a more chilled-out ride, or if I was riding with slower people, or maybe on long trips where comfort was a higher priority. The only real downside was a slightly asthmatic 2-valve motor. These days though, you could have the style, the comfort and the motor in one amazing package. I haven't given up hope entirely.
Agree with everything you say there glid. I have a 907 on its last legs, leaking oil and a bit wobbly. Its been all over europe but is basically a winter hack now. Its intercontinental duties are now done by my 999 which is a challenge luggage wise(2up) and theres nowhere to stash tools and spares like a plain clutch plate, a rec/reg, security chain etc. Ducati owners are getting older and less flexible, but still want a sporty image. So yes please, a swoopy faired sports bike with a more comfortable riding position, stash space(like the seat side panels on ST and SSie) and subtle luggage capability. (+belt final drive maybe) If ducati take a 1299/959 chassis, alter the bodywork and riding position to fit a 6ft 14st rider and pillion you might be on to a winner. My mate dk has been riding ducati since 1970, he's had 2 907, 2 ST2 and 3 ST4s. He bought a brand new BMW1200RS last month.
From what Tim says it's Ducati's view that it doesn't matter what it looked like as the overall market for that style of bike is too small to invest in. It could be argued that Ducati have created a new market with the introduction of the Scrambler and so could do the same with a new ST. But they didn't really. They just took a fairly healthy Triumph/retro market and kicked Triumphs arse with a better performance engine and some pretty nifty marketing that capitalised on the hipster look.
It might sound cliched but I think function over form is a priority when it comes to touring bikes/people who tour. Would I choose a good looking modern version of an ST2/ST4 over a multi Strada? No I wouldn't and I don't think the effort in creating an in-between sports/touring seating position warrants a whole range to cater for this today.
Yes agreed Chris, but if ducati use an existing platform its just plastic. They could put a nice fairing on a monster, job done. I might buy that but doubt I'll get a Multi.
It could be that there is a mindset that says that buying a multi Strada is waving a white flag and giving in to *ld *g*. I suppose it did cross my mind when I got my first Elefant due to my random back problems but after a while I didn't see it as age- related at all but it's possible this was just head in the sand tactics.
is the myth of ducati unreliability (i hear it often when out and about) standing in the way of developing and sales of a serious sports touring bike? or does the multi really cover all the bases?
@finm - from what I've seen on the Scottish trips the Multi does a pretty good job of doing everything. Of course rider ability comes into it too but those things really can be sportsbike quick.
deffo. i see plenty and i mean plenty up here over the season including the GS just thinking out loud, understandably it's all about numbers but you can create a market to. (scrambler and to some extent deavil). but if the interest aint there then it just aint there.
ducati dont jump on band wagons :smileys:. but as the man said if the interest aint there it aint there.
if the captive market is aging maybe a lower/lighter easier to ride bike might just touch base with more riders.
cracking idea, they could draw on their past to create something to suit, just off top of head - maybe call it a name like Scrambler? tfic
Ducati are aiming their bikes at youth now. Diavel - Scrambler - Hyper. Image is important they want the hipsters and they might buy 10 bikes in next 30 years. Us guys in 50s-60s, a lot have money to buy bikes but might only buy 1 or 2 more bikes before we're on zimmers.
Speak for yourself, sonny! I am ... I, ah, I er, I forgot what I was going to say. :confuse: Oh yeah. I'd buy an ST style bike - I was going to do just that before the 999 stole my heart away.
cant see the problem with or the massive cost of developing an st or equivalent. they have the motor. vvt is amazingly versatile. possibly the most expensive part of any development. skyhook is there already. get it done.
The limiting factor for me whilst riding a bike is knee angle, hence the Multistrada, plus it is just a brilliant bike.
