need advice from st3 owners

[vesteroid]

I am in the market for a sport touring machine.  What I really want to do with the bike is commute to work each day, have decent protection from the elements, extend my riding season (I live in the mountains) and be able to carry things like a notebook computer, helmet, rain gear and other stuff back and forth to where ever.

I want to be able to get heated gear and modify the bike to fit my 6' 5" frame.

I have been looking at the fjr1300 and the bmw k1200 GT but have always wanted a duc.

What do you guys think, is this bike suited for what I want?

[st ryder]

I am in the market for a sport touring machine.  What I really want to do with the bike is commute to work each day, have decent protection from the elements, extend my riding season (I live in the mountains) and be able to carry things like a notebook computer, helmet, rain gear and other stuff back and forth to where ever.

I want to be able to get heated gear and modify the bike to fit my 6' 5" frame.

I have been looking at the fjr1300 and the bmw k1200 GT but have always wanted a duc.

What do you guys think, is this bike suited for what I want?

For me, and IMO, a ST3 will do all the above except for maybe not be as good a daily commuter as the other bikes you mention. But I'm equating daily commute with lots of highway droning, and city traffic. If the commute is lots of back roads, with some nice sweepers and a few twisties, then the Ducati will be more fun since it is lighter, accelerates almost as well over the 440, uses less fuel, sounds/looks great, feels great, costs a tad more the the big yammie, and a ton less than the Beemer. I can't comment on that BMW but I've owned a FJR and prefer my ST3 for all but highway droning, and that's not because the Ducati is bad on the highway, in fact, its aerodynamics are probably the best in the group, but just because it's a shame to waste it on such boring roads. Either way, you probably can't go wrong, but I like Ducati (much) better.  

[ZED]

The ST3 has great wind protection.  It fits bigger than an FJR in my opinion (I'm 6'2").  It felt lighter to me than the BMW.  To me it's the best bike for touring for me and has extended my touring season.

For you I would say the biggest question is:  What is your commute like?
I've commuted on mine in the city and it's a bit annoying in stop and go traffic.  The gearing is very high, and the clutch lever is very hard.  I find my had gets a bit tired after half an hour or so in traffic.

Now, if your commute is mostly moving, then it's great.  You can put your extra gear in one pannier, and use the other one like a brief case.  People got used to me walking in with a pannier instead of my briefcase.

[vesteroid]

I think I have found st3s abs 07 new in virginia.

Going to try and wrap up a deal tomorrow.

thanks for the info.

[ZED]

Enjoy!
 
We'll look for the pictures on the Ducati picture thread.

[Yamadog]

 

Since vesteroid has apparently made the leap, I'd like to ask a question WRT two-up riding. My SO is a tiny lass, five ft nothing and 100 lbs or so.  (I'm 6'1" 175 so don't eat up a whole lotta space.)

Would the ST3 be a comfy ride for a pillion of her size?

BTW congrats  vesteroid!

[RickC1957]

 

Since vesteroid has apparently made the leap, I'd like to ask a question WRT two-up riding. My SO is a tiny lass, five ft nothing and 100 lbs or so.  (I'm 6'1" 175 so don't eat up a whole lotta space.)

Would the ST3 be a comfy ride for a pillion of her size?

BTW congrats  vesteroid!

Yes....did a small weekend trip with a friend on the back...about 800 miles...she's 5'6" maybe 130...she was very comfortable on the back.

[RickC1957]

I find the ST3 a calf roaster in commuting traffic...and I use the Monster 620 if I commute...the ST3 is a great sport touring machine...awesome in the twisties, its pretty good on slab...which I hate. In a cross wind, it's a freaking kite....I get blown all over the place....but I'm considerable smaller than you!

[st ryder]

I find the ST3 a calf roaster in commuting traffic...and I use the Monster 620 if I commute...the ST3 is a great sport touring machine...awesome in the twisties, its pretty good on slab...which I hate. In a cross wind, it's a freaking kite....I get blown all over the place....but I'm considerable smaller than you!

Do you have the stock exhaust cannisters? I find my bike runs cooler with the free flowing aftermarket Sil Motor c/f slip ons. That's not to say I found it too hot with the stockers, but I always wear leather jeans/boots. Better to have a toasty calf than roasted nuts like so many owners of rice burning big bore ST's complain about.

[ZED]

 

Since vesteroid has apparently made the leap, I'd like to ask a question WRT two-up riding. My SO is a tiny lass, five ft nothing and 100 lbs or so.  (I'm 6'1" 175 so don't eat up a whole lotta space.)

Would the ST3 be a comfy ride for a pillion of her size?

BTW congrats  vesteroid!

I expect you two would be OK that way.  You may want to consider a heaftier rear spring if you're going to do that frequently though.

[ZED]

I find the ST3 a calf roaster in commuting traffic...and I use the Monster 620 if I commute...the ST3 is a great sport touring machine...awesome in the twisties, its pretty good on slab...which I hate. In a cross wind, it's a freaking kite....I get blown all over the place....but I'm considerable smaller than you!

Haven't noticed the heat, but then I haven't ridden mine in much heat yet.

I also haven't noticed the kite phenomenon, but then compared to my other bikes the ST3 is very sleek and aerodynamic.  So, I guess it's a relative thing.

[Stokely Van Camp]

I often use mine for short commutes and I like it... Then when I get back on the highway everything feels so perfect on it and I remember it isn't the greatest commuter.  But better that driving, or bussing, etc.  

And for two up, I like it a lot as well.  My wife is 5'-9" and 140 lbs, and we're comfortable on it, her knees get a little sore after an hour or so, but a five minute walk around and we're good to go for another hour.  But we usually limit a day to around 400km.

   

[Yamadog]

WRT two-up thanks for the input gang!

[vesteroid]

ok almost ready to sign and ride....

best deal I have been offered so far is 2K off msrp for an 07 st3 abs.

with the bike being discontinued is this a decent deal for this bike?

If this were a harley I could tell you in a second what a good deal is, this bike I have no idea?

anyone have any real world purchase expereince to share?

I mean I see 05s still new on the showroom floor so wondering if  discount is not in order?

[R Doug]

IMHO, the hydraulically assisted clutch makes the ST3 is much more tolerable to commute with comparred to the other bikes.  Also, it will carve up the twisties better than any ST rig out there.  You did say you lived in the mountains afterall.  

[ZED]

ok almost ready to sign and ride....

best deal I have been offered so far is 2K off msrp for an 07 st3 abs.

with the bike being discontinued is this a decent deal for this bike?

If this were a harley I could tell you in a second what a good deal is, this bike I have no idea?

anyone have any real world purchase expereince to share?

I mean I see 05s still new on the showroom floor so wondering if  discount is not in order?

I can't tell you what kind of pricing or "deal" you should be able to get since we are likely in different countries.  However, this is the way I look at it.  The ST3s is the last of the Ducati ST line.  They seem to have worked out most of the issues, and if you have a good relationship with your dealer, the Ducati warranty is great.  The 3 valve engine pulls like a train when passing.  The wheels and suspension of the 's' model are features you will appreciate for years to come.  As a bonus it has ABS, if you care.    

If it was me, I'd go for the deal.  I spoke with one dealer that is scrounging around the country looking for unsold ST3s to snap up so that they can sell them.  Being the "best of the last" sort of thing, I don't think they'll hang around long.

Just my two cents.  Just make sure you go with   so you are happy with it in the end.
Good luck.  

[Yamadog]

$2K off seems a pretty good deal based on this quote I just got from Dallas:

I do have one used in stock for $13995.00 with 700 miles and a new one for $14995.00.

[RickC1957]

Do you have the stock exhaust cannisters? I find my bike runs cooler with the free flowing aftermarket Sil Motor c/f slip ons. That's not to say I found it too hot with the stockers, but I always wear leather jeans/boots. Better to have a toasty calf than roasted nuts like so many owners of rice burning big bore ST's complain about.

I did have the stock cans on til May...then decided to go asphalt surfing with the bike So when repairing the damage I put Remus, Stainless cans on. I always wear Oxtar TCS boots and leathers...it's a calf roaster because of my almost non existent inseam   So I hate sitting in Chicagolalalaland traffic.

[st ryder]

..... So I hate sitting in Chicagolalalaland traffic.

Some of the worst anywhere regardless of what you're straddling. Beautiful city though.  

[GooseMan]

So in my never ending quest to find my perfect (2nd) bike, I went to a local Duc dealer to check out some used ST3's. They have a bunch of other used sport-touring type bikes, but I really wanted to check out the ST3's.

They had two in the showroom, a red 07 and a silver 04. I sat on the red one, mostly because it was more accessible. I really like it! Its not too heavy, nor does it feel too huge (I'm coming from a tiny Bandit 400, which is about the size/weight/riding position of a Monster). It's actually quite comfy, and seems to have a good riding position. Plus...its a Ducati

Now, the silver 04 is priced at $8500, whereas the 07 is around $11,000   Being the dumbass that I am, I forgot to check the mileage on both.

$8500 is a lot more inline with my budget, as I was planning on spending the exact same amount on a new Bandit 1250. My question is what are the major differences between the 04 and the 07? I notice the 04 said "Desmodecomedicino" on the side (yes...that was a joke, but I seriously cant remember what it said   )...and the 07 did not. Does that mean the 04 has the Desmo valvetrain and not the 07?

Is there anywhere I can find a model history of the bike?

Thanks!