New to Ducati ST3

[Jamier]

Ok, got a promotion and am going to treat myself.
I've been salivating too long, and am going to get my Ducati ST3
I first sat on one today, and was surprised that it felt soooo nice as a sport-tourer, being that it looks like a racer.
Ok, questions- since I'm looking used right now. What if any issues did the 2004- 2006 models have that
I should be looking or asking the owners if they were fixed/updated?
 Please help out as I know virturally nothing about Ducati.  :shrug:No one I know rides one.
 Thanks in advance.

Jamier

[Sport-Touring]

[RickC1957]

I have an 05...it's bullet proof Just do the maintenance yourself or find a good wrench.....do not take it where Vivid takes her's

[Jamier]

I'm going to be living in Richmond, Va.
I know there's a dealer there, but anyone know a good Duc mechanic around that parts?
 Oh, question - what fuel does the ST3 require???  reg/premium???
Also, I do need to find one as well !!!
 Jamier

[RickC1957]

I usually put in prem 93 octane....but I have run it with reg 87....absolutely no problems.

[marc11]

Fuel, I mix 89 and 92, alternating at fuel fills.  Bike calls for 91 IICR, but runs fine on 89.  Only issues known for the 2004 ST4s was a batch of bad clusters, all replaced under warranty, so if yours is bad, it will be bad pretty much from day one.  Occasional front rotor warping is also common, again, replaced under warranty and generally do not warp again.  Chances are these same issues would be found on the 2004 ST3, but again, these issues are hit or miss, not every bike had them so it seems.

[atypical1]

Congrats on the bike! I am a west coaster so can't help you with dealer support. You might also try www.ducati.ms (you have to type in the www part) and ask on that board too.

Welcome to the Duc family!
james

[prshguy]

I too am looking for an ST3.  I've heard of some of them having a surge around 2500 to 3500 rpm.  Can this be readily fixed via updated software or is it pretty involved, 'cause this is one item in particular that I really don't like about some of the bikes I've ridden.

[Jamier]

Any big differences between the years of ST's from 2004 onward. I've seen a few used bikes, and a few 2005-2006 new/unsold ones.
 In short, is the 2007 better than the previous years? or would I do well to save the money and find a used bike?

 Jamier

[Vee2Win]

The only possible issue with the new ones, '06+, is that many have reported surging and other fueling issues.  They went to a closed loop fueling system with an oxygen sensor.  In order to meet emissions, they are so lean, that it has been causing some problems.  Of course, you can buy the Ducati performace kit which includes CF cans and an ECU...but figure on an extra $1400 for that.  Unfortunatly, there is no power commander or any other remedy that I have seen yet.

I just picked myself up a used ST4S with ~3K miles for just over $9K.  These bikes tend to depreciated pretty fast, so you might want to think about used.  BTW, the fueling on my bike seems to be perfect.  The ST4S will have some higher service costs though.

Only reason to go with new is that the major service intervals have gone from 6,000 miles to 7,500 miles.  Something to think about.

Head over to http://www.ducati.ms for more reading.

[Jamier]

Sorry for being new to Ducati--- but what is the difference between ST3 and ST4??
There is a 2004 ST3 about 4 hrs away with 1800 miles in Medford, Or. for $8400. I have to call for more info.
 

[Oilhed]

Sorry for being new to Ducati--- but what is the difference between ST3 and ST4??
There is a 2004 ST3 about 4 hrs away with 1800 miles in Medford, Or. for $8400. I have to call for more info.
 

ST2 used a 944cc 2 valve engine
ST3 and ST3S uses a 992cc 3 valve engine
ST4 used a 916cc Superbike 4 valve engine
ST4S uses a 996cc Superbike 4 valve engine

ST3 up to and including 2005 had open loop EFI - no surging
ST3 2006 and 2007 has closed loop EFI - possible surging

ST2 and ST4 had old style fairing and lower windshield and bars
ST3, ST3S and ST4S has new style fairing and higher windshield and bars

I hope I that is correct and I hope it helps

[ST3Andy]

05 and up went to wet clutch. Noticeably smoother action. 04's had an ECU recall and exhaust valve return spring recall. Symptoms would be rough idle and some stumbling at lower rpms. The recalls were done for me at the 600 mile service and the bike has been trouble free for me for 13000 miles. Ask for service records. Ducatis go down hill real fast if not properly maintained. Oh yeah, red ones are faster Good luck !