Tell me about the ST2

[chesthing]

The 2002 ST4S bikes had/have lots of main engine bearing failures and flaking rockers, I wouldn't even consider one.  I agree these and the Sprints don't hold much value relative to their original sales price. These are true niche bikes - viewed as too uncomfortable for longer rides and not sporty enough compared to true sport bikes. I'd have to agree, that's why I lowered the footpegs 1", went to an LSL handlebar w/ risers, and installed an 18" Madstad windscreen w/ Robobrackets. I really have no interest in something that weighs close to 700 lbs, did that with an ST1100 for 3 years. The set up I have with my ST2 now is as close to perfect as I can get, maybe someday the manufacturers will come out with a shaft-driven 500 lb bike with hardbags and elec shield (a real shield, not a sportbike style wind deflector) but I'm not holding my breath.

[atadaskew]

The 2002 ST4S bikes had/have lots of main engine bearing failures ...

Never heard of that.  It is basically the 996 Superbike motor.  I think I would have heard main engine bearing failures in that bike too.  But have not.

[Desmo Demon]

These are true niche bikes - viewed as too uncomfortable for longer rides and not sporty enough compared to true sport bikes. I'd have to agree,

I disagree. I've done a SaddleSore 1000 on my ST2 (with lowered bars) and can rail through the curves (with knee on the deck). If anything, the ST bikes are the most practical, do-all bike that Ducati has ever manufactured....which is what kills them. Who wants a practical Ducati?  

My favorite "not sporty enough" shot of an ST bike (2002 ST4s)...



Cosmetically they don't look too sporty (especially compared to today's bikes), but with lowered bars using Helicoil adapters and SBK clip-ons, lower windshield, bags and brackets removed, and a rear seat cowl the bike looks fairly sporty...

[chesthing]

Compared to a 996 or CBR1k an ST2 isn't very sporty, and compared to an ST1300 or RT it isn't very comfortable. It's a great all arounder (I wouldn't have wasted money on it if it wasn't), but it's a compromise.
As far as the 2002 ST4S issues, they pop up pretty regularly here http://www.ducati.ms/forums/40-sport-touring/ right now there is a 20+ page thread of some poor sould who tried to replace a bad engine bearing on his ST4S, only to have the problem come back 1000 miles later. From what I gather, there was a bad batch or wrong preload set on a bunch of '02 ST4s models only, the 996's don't seem to have the issue.

[SummerLove]

Compared to a 996 or CBR1k an ST2 isn't very sporty, and compared to an ST1300 or RT it isn't very comfortable. It's a great all arounder (I wouldn't have wasted money on it if it wasn't), but it's a compromise.

This is pretty much what I'm looking for. Still waiting to here back from the ST2 owner about the trade. I don't own a car so a practical jack of all trades with fairings is what I want. Still drool over the Futura and frequently wonder of I could make the Tuono work for me... but I don't know if I'll be able to swing either of those this winter.

[atadaskew]

As far as the 2002 ST4S issues, they pop up pretty regularly here http://www.ducati.ms/forums/40-sport-touring/ right now there is a 20+ page thread of some poor sould who tried to replace a bad engine bearing on his ST4S, only to have the problem come back 1000 miles later. From what I gather, there was a bad batch or wrong preload set on a bunch of '02 ST4s models only, the 996's don't seem to have the issue.

So, one guy had a bad bearing?  And 20 pages were written about it?
(I do not have time to read 20 pages..)

[st2sam]

Great bikes, here is a picture of my 2000 ST2, back in the day. (winter2002?)

It was my first Ducati, over 20,000 trouble free miles.  

Then I bought a 2005 ST3, that to this day I regret selling. It was a ST2 evolution (what Ducati does) and a much improved bike in every way.

The ST2 is a great bike and if that's all you can afford, go for it. "BUT" IMHO - save a few more pennies and get yourself a ST3, you won't be sorry.
If Ducati built a ST bike that looked like the ST3's with the New Multistrada 1200 11* motor and SS swing arm, thats what I would be riding!

[chesthing]

So, one guy had a bad bearing?  And 20 pages were written about it?
(I do not have time to read 20 pages..)

If you aren't willing to do any reading your education of the problem won't happen - sorry.

[Aero]

I have an ST3, not an ST2, but the ST2 was a pretty solid machine.  The '98 model had some problems with the  electrics and most people have had to move the regulator up into the nose to keep it cool.  They also had problems with the alternator stator going bad.  There are aftermarket fixes for both items.  As someone else mentioned, changing the sprockets to 15/42 or 14/42 help the acceleration.  Handling will be pretty good.  It is a Ducati.  If setup properly, it will even do well 2-up.

I should mention that I thought that the charging system on my '98 model was playing up when the red charging light on the dash came on and stayed on, but when I asked my independent Ducati guy about it he suggested checking the charging with a meter. Lo and behold, there was a healthy 14.5 volts at 4000 rpm despite the light being on. What apparently failed is a diode in the voltage regulator which controls only the charging light, the charge stayed healthy and I ran the bike that way for several years until I sold it. Apparently the diode is what usually fails, not the charging circuit itself. I wonder how many voltage regulators were replaced unnecessarily?

I never had a problem with my stator but I think the recall took care of most of the bad ones.

[SummerLove]

Great bikes, here is a picture of my 2000 ST2, back in the day. (winter2002?)

It was my first Ducati, over 20,000 trouble free miles.  

Then I bought a 2005 ST3, that to this day I regret selling. It was a ST2 evolution (what Ducati does) and a much improved bike in every way.

The ST2 is a great bike and if that's all you can afford, go for it. "BUT" IMHO - save a few more pennies and get yourself a ST3, you won't be sorry.
If Ducati built a ST bike that looked like the ST3's with the New Multistrada 1200 11* motor and SS swing arm, thats what I would be riding!

Nice looking bikes! If I end up selling the Monster instead of trading it I'll definitely be keeping eye out for a good deal on an ST3 or ST4s along with the Futura. Originally I was out for a Futura, ST, Sprint ST or VFR800 but after throwing a leg over a Sprint GT I'm not so sure about the Sprint... (It felt huuuuge) I liked the triple a whole lot. I may eventually get a street triple to sate my desire for one. The ergos on the ST4s work well for me and I've liked every Italian bike I've ridden so far.. I think I might have a small problem their.
We'll see how things go when I get a chance to meet the guy with the ST2 that wants a Monster (scheduling conflicts so far). The one advantage the ST2 has over the ST3/4 along with the Futura and Tuono is that the nagging little voice in the back of my head doesn't think 80hp will get me in trouble.  
After riding Tixen's Norge I'm less concerned with that though I did power wheelie it for almost block when first go on it because of how light the throttle felt compared to my bike. That didn't happen unintentionally again after I got a better feel for the bike. The Guzzi is quite nice and I can see what people love about them. I may own one.. eventually. I don't want to hop on a 600lb beast as my only ride just yet! I've only been riding for 6 months.. granted it's 6 months everyday in all conditions but still only 6 months.
Whoops.. I was babbling.

I should mention that I thought that the charging system on my '98 model was playing up when the red charging light on the dash came on and stayed on, but when I asked my independent Ducati guy about it he suggested checking the charging with a meter. Lo and behold, there was a healthy 14.5 volts at 4000 rpm despite the light being on. What apparently failed is a diode in the voltage regulator which controls only the charging light, the charge stayed healthy and I ran the bike that way for several years until I sold it. Apparently the diode is what usually fails, not the charging circuit itself. I wonder how many voltage regulators were replaced unnecessarily?

I never had a problem with my stator but I think the recall took care of most of the bad ones.

That is interesting and something I'll keep in mind! I'm a little sad they neutered the ST2 and 4 in 01.

[atadaskew]

If you aren't willing to do any reading your education of the problem won't happen - sorry.

No.

I am an active member of the main Ducati St group, and this has never come up.
So your one story of one person is not worth 20 pages to me.

[falconati]

I've owned both the ST3 and Futura. They're both great, and it would be tough to pick a winner.

[Orson]

Ducatis are ok for around town...

but 3 out of 4 experts advise against riding farther than the city limits without a shaft drive.

[chesthing]

No.

I am an active member of the main Ducati St group, and this has never come up.
So your one story of one person is not worth 20 pages to me.

What is "the main Ducati ST group"? the forum I posted is a very active ST forum, and this issue with '02 ST4S models comes up regularly, that 24 page thread is just one example. If you were to take the time to read the first couple pages, the discussion focuses on the frequency of complaints and narrowing down that the whining noise the original poster complains about is indeed another case of a bad main engine bearing. Flaking rocker arms on 996 engines are another recurring problem (if you haven't heard of that your Ducati forum must be a graveyard), and has been cited as a possible cause of some bearing failures (not caught in time the flaking chrome gets into the bearings). I'm not suggesting all '02 ST4S bikes will suffer bearing failures, but I've read enough that I wouldn't take a chance on one.
If you are interested in learning more you will have to exert a bit of effort from here, I'm done holding your hand.  

[SummerLove]

Ducatis are ok for around town...

but 3 out of 4 experts advise against riding farther than the city limits without a shaft drive.

I know! Wouldn't want to end up like this guy...

 

[atadaskew]

I know! Wouldn't want to end up like this guy...

 

As long as it didn't catch on fire, you're ok.

[tixen]

As long as it didn't catch on fire, you're ok.

So splitting in two is okay, then?

[tixen]

Great bikes, here is a picture of my 2000 ST2, back in the day. (winter2002?)

Did you build a house around your ST2?  

[atadaskew]

So splitting in two is okay, then?

Yes, you can fix that with popsicle sticks and duct tape.

[maddjack]

 I had a 2000 I loved it, a few minor niggles, but I wish I still had her