Okay I thought I would buy a 749 for the road as I have a nice 999S for the track. But - I can't really see myself enjoying more than half an hour on that torture device unless it goes really fast and that's not happening anywhere here on public streets (or at least not for very long!). So I though I would buy a Monster with a more decent riding position but - they are only really good for driving to work and the occasional sunday trip and they are insanely expensive compared to how much bike you really get. So I ended up considering either an ST3 or ST4S and I would like your take on which one I would probably like best. As far as I have researched: ST3: - Newer model improved for touring - That nice new fairing, looks a lot better and works better too. - Lower belt costs and a bit fewer valves to service - Cheaper, heavier wheels - Steel swingarm - Wet clutch with less annoying rattle - Fewer HP (but probably enough) - Improved riding position (which is important) ST4S: - A lot of grunt from the 996 - Expensive belts and more work on valves - Dry clutch with annoying rattle - Better/lighter wheels - Alu swingarm - Great Øhlins suspension front and back - only a few models with the new fairing/headlight Anything else worth considering? thanks Jim
ST3s -Ohlins -light wheels - alloy swing arm -wet clutch-adjustable handle bars etc etc few more horse power too
Hi Jim, good plan! I picked up a ST3 with 7200 on the clock about a month ago. It was fully loaded with touring gear, panniers, top box and tank back. I've put about 1600 miles on it and I love it. I used to have a 748 then an ST2. It has plenty of low down traction from about 2800rpm onwards. It is: prettier than the ST2 has a much better headlight (you can see at night!) - which is electrically adjustable - so when a pillion hops on just press a few buttons adjustable bar height - you can dial in a more relaxed position good screen - 70-80 is comfy (mind you I'm short) The motor has lower gearing than the ST4s which means it will pull faster to 100mph - only after that will the 4s gain. Bit academic for me! The suspension is not bad at all - you get that familiar stable planted feeling in corners - it doesn't feel horribly soft when hard on the brakes - but its worth adjusting to suit your weight etc. It doesn't have an adjustable tie bar - which means you can't alter the ride height. Which is a shame as that can sharpen them up a little if you like that sort of thing. Ridden moderately I'm returning 60mpg - I commute 2 130 mile days a week and that makes a big difference. Good luck finding a clean one and let us know how you get on Mick
Hi Jim, I'm a bit biased in that I have an ST3 which suits me perfectly, it's a 2006, and unfortunately of unknown mileage, as the clocks have reset themselves twice! I only found that out recently when I had it serviced and the guy who did it could tell when he put the thing back together( some device he uses to turn off the service indicator and check for other error codes). However I still don't care because she puts a grin on my face every time I ride her! 60plus mpg is easily achieveable, and 3 figure speeds come up with only 6k on the rev counter, it's so comfortable even 2 up. I don't know if you've checked the classifieds as there was at least one for sale on there. They are difficult to come by though as it took me 6 months of searching to find mine! Good luck, Chris
Hi again Jim, just checked the classifieds and there are 2 on the first 5 pages, one is in Scotland I think, and the other Kings Lynn, hope that helps, Chris
Remeber that I'm on the other side of the water (Denmark), so I am looking mostly in Germany where there are several of them for sale (although pretty far down the huge country but I'm willing to drive after it). I just discovered that there are both dryclutch ST3 and wetclutch ST3, when did they change? Jim
Dont know but mine is dry! Didn't realise you weren't in the UK so my apologies for that (should have checked really), good luck with the search and post some pics up when you get one! Chris
Hi Jim 2005 the ST3 changed to a wet clutch. I have one on mine and I must admit that I do like not hearing the 'death rattle'. I find it to be pretty light too. Happy searching Mick p.s 60mpg is 25.5 kml
I've got a 2004 ST3 with a dry clutch, wouldn't' swap it for a later one now, the rattle is part of it,s character. Just done the 24k service without too many probs. I was all set to get a ST4s but after a test ride on the ST3 found it was all I wanted for my riding style. I use every day commuting round London and longer blasts at weekends, can't fault it. There's not really a huge difference between the two, the 4S has that extra edge on top end and suspension, but the reality is you'd probably only notice the difference on a track.
BTW If you decide on either a 3 or 4s get one that comes with panniers, even if you don't intend to tour, you'll find it a whole lot easier to resell. STs without panniers seem to spend a lot longer on classifieds.
There's an article on ST in this weeks motorcycle news. You can get this online so you should have to worry your newsagent in Denmark.
