12,000 miles on a 2006 Ducati ST3

[falconati]

Today I took my ST3 into the shop for it's 12k check-up.  This bike has been with me for two years now, and I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on my first foray into Italian motorcycles.  For those of you who don't follow my posts, you should.

Seriously though, I'll give you a quick background of my ST3, so you can have a good idea of where I'm coming from:  I bought this guy in 2008 as a new leftover (I just happen to come across it, as I was hanging out with my folks in Minneapolis).  It was my second motorcycle, the first being a 2003 BMW F650GS.  I considered selling it last year, only to realize that I wasn't ready to move on.  Another thing to note is that my ST3 is entirely stock, so my musings will reflect a stock bike.



Engine: The ST3 is fitted with a 992 cc L-twin that makes 107 hp at 8750 rpm.  In a world of 150+ hp bikes, the ST3's numbers are hardly head-turning.  That said; the way the motor delivers power is alluring.  The low power figure helps the Duc get great gas mileage (I see mid-50s) out of its 5.5 gallon tank.  The only issue with the engine is a notable dead spot in power between 3000-3800 rpm.  Acceleration is possible in this window, but is absent of much power (and the engine responds with shuddering).  Of course, an additional 20 hp would be nice; however knowing the sacrifice to fuel economy, I think Ducati chose an appropriate amount of power for the motorcycle.  I’d normally rate the engine a 7/10 – points deducted for a hole in the powerband – however there’s just something about the way the ST3 creates power that is a lot of fun and makes acceleration interesting, so the final rating is an 8/10.  The extra point is for the ‘X factor’ that an Italian twin has.

Transmission:  Standard equipment is a six-speed mated with a wet clutch – the clutch being nonstandard from the majority of the Ducati lineup.  The reason for the choice has to do with maintenance and life of parts (the wet clutch is less intensive).  Overall, the transmission is very good; however neutral is difficult to find in some riding scenarios and the gearbox occasionally produces false positives.  Engagement from the chain is smooth and quick and earns an 7/10 from me.

Suspension: The suspension is great for me.  With a passenger, the suspension performs less admirably, but is still good.  If you are under 250 lbs, you will be fine with the stock suspension for just yourself; however if you’re over 170 lbs, you may want to consider an aftermarket solution if you do a good deal of 2-up riding.  For my use (mostly single, lightweight passenger, occasional 2-up), the suspension is a 9/10.

Brakes: Very good.  Rear break provides adequate, but subtle breaking for sure-footed breaking in less-than-ideal situations.  Front brake is strong and delivers braking force linearly (no ‘biting’).  No issues to report on.  While ABS could possibly be an improvement, I’m not missing them at all (I had ABS on my BMW, and I don’t find myself wanting for them on the Duc).  10/10

Handling/Ergonomics: The ST3 has a longer wheelbase than your average sportbike, so it is well suited for long sweeping turns (especially if you’re not obeying posted speed limits).  That also limits your turning ability in town, but not by much.  The ST3 weighs just under 450 lbs dry, which probably puts it at 525 wet (I haven’t weighed my motorcycle, so I’m not sure on on exact figure).  It’s the lightest-feeling sports-tourer I’ve ridden, and I’ve been on most of the newer models.  It’s as light as a feather once you’re rolling, and has a very responsive chassis.  The ergonomics are slightly forward leaning, but overall relaxed.  There is slight pressure on the wrists; however heli-bars would fix this and make the sitting position almost fully upright.  Reach to the bars is easy and foot placement is very natural (and neutral).  9/10 – could be lighter feeling around tight city turns, but the ST3 is top of the class for sport touring.

Etc...: This will be a new section of all reviews I’ll do – it will cover small details and random musings of minor items which are noteworthy.  For the ST3, the most annoying thing about it is the battery placement.  You have to remove the right plastics to get to it – it’s a royal pain in the ass the first time you do it.  I suppose it just would have made too much sense to put it under the seat….  However, one minor thing that makes the ST3 ‘pop’ is the instrument cluster.  It’s large, easy to read, has a fantastic computer, and most importantly – is illuminated blue.

Closeup


Overall, I haven’t been able to part with this bike yet.  It’s a lot of fun, and delivers everything I would want out of a sport-touring machine.  If you’re reading this and are intrigued, you should try and find a nice used one around you, because they’re only going to get more ‘used.’  

[R Doug]

This is the best sport-touring bike made to date.  

[st ryder]

I like mine too. Nice report, thanks.

To add if I may: the stock seat is one of the best ever; wind buffeting, (for me) virtually zero/great aero's; side case will accept large Shoei; add a rear height adjuster or a Penske like I did to raise the rear and the handling improves remarkably (w/b is same as 1098); stock accessory plug; decent headlamps/night vision; 520 watt alternator; exhaust cannisters can be raised for track days (not that I do them); rear brake very difficult to lock up; fuel tank has a prop up rod; height adjustable clip ons; many unsolicited compliments from by standers and other riders; "the sound."

Sure, there are some negatives too as with any bike, like R&R'ing the tupperware, condensation in instument pod,(can be better sealed) leaky slaves, few aftermarket options, but overall, I can live with them as the ST3 ownership experience for me has been very positve so far, even with higher maintenance costs, as the trade off is worth it to me    But then again, I have the right colour too.    

[falconati]

I agree with the comments above (except for that off color remark...).  The seat is amazing and wind protection is very, very good .

[Oilhed]

This is the best sport-touring bike made to date.  

Everyone knows the silver 2005 was better.

[R Doug]

Everyone knows the silver 2005 was better.

Black.

[arr2]

Red is much faster!

[Mr. Whippy]

Does that have an oil cooler or separate coolant system?

[Oilhed]

Does that have an oil cooler or separate coolant system?

Radiator over oil cooler

[Castaway]

Sure, there are some negatives too as with any bike, like R&R'ing the tupperware, condensation in instument pod,(can be better sealed) leaky slaves,  

st ryder, are you saying that there is a fix for the instrument pod seals? And can you explain 'leaky slaves?' (The slave cylinders in the calipers/clutch are leaky? Maybe you meant the master cylinder?       )

Thanks

[st ryder]

st ryder, are you saying that there is a fix for the instrument pod seals? And can you explain 'leaky slaves?' (The slave cylinders in the calipers/clutch are leaky? Maybe you meant the master cylinder?       )

Thanks

What I'm saying is those style pods can be better sealed than what the factory design offers, by the owner. Whether the work I did to mine solves the condensation/water ingress issue 100% is not known yet, but the pod can be better sealed than it is. I split the pod cases, "painted" the back of the circuit board with ignition sealer to add a coat of moisture resitstance, laid a line of "rope caulk" around the edges on the pod case, fitted the 2 halves back together, and also sealed the space between the pod case and the pin block with more mastic sealer, ie rope caulk worked in the gap. I then painted over top of the caulking around the edges once I smoothed it all down with more ignition sealer, then painted some black paint around the edges. I marked the pry tab spots with a sharp edge to find them again if I need to split the pod again, as the calking hides them. I hope that will help relieve the minor condensation problem I was getting, but I haven't had the chance to try it yet.

The clutch *slave* cylinders on many Ducatis are notorious for developing leaks, and most will be replaced with aftermarket units, (the one above the counter shaft sprocket). I replaced mine last year after 4 seasons. All *masters* are *subject* to leaking at some point for any bike, but the *slave* cylinders are *prone* to leaking on many Ducatis. (Like on any old FJ1200 )  

[st2sam]

This is the best sport-touring bike made to date.  

+ a billion

[st2sam]

Black.

+ two billion  

[R Doug]

+ two billion  

That settles it, the black ones are the fastest.  

[02VFR]

That settles it, the black ones are the fastest.  

I agree, just look at my signature.  

I LOVE my ST3s, my next upgrade is some suspention work which will take place this winter.