ST3 ABS for Returning Rider?

[MLCavassa]

First things first: I'm a returning rider having not been on a bike in 20 years (with the exception of the 18 hour BRT course I'm taking over this weekend). Prior to my departure from the sport, my experience had been with large sport bikes including the 1980 Yamaha XS1100 G (my last bike sold in '87), and the 1978 Honda CBX in addition to a few smaller displacement sportbikes including the CB750 SuperSport and CB500F.

I have an opportunity to purchase a lightly used, fully loaded 2006 ST3 ABS for less than the price of a new fully loaded (ex. bags) BMW F800 ST. Apart from the highly subjective question of which is the better bike (and that debate could rage indefinitely), my question is which would be the more suitable bike in my case? Additonally, and this is directed towards the larger stature riders, how comfortable is the ST3 on a longer ride for someone that's in the 6'2"/185lbs/35" inseam range? (The F800 ST would definitley need adjustable footpegs as I find the leg position a bit cramped.)

Any and all comments and feedback welcomed and will not be taken personally.  Thanks!!

[st ryder]

I won't even approach the debate on which of those two is the better bike, as the ST3s wins hands down going away. Reading posts from taller/heavier riders on the ST3's comfort, my guess is you too may find it comfortable for longer rides re foot peg/bar relationship. The stock ST3 saddle is an all time industry benchmark for comfort as well. All that being said, the ST3 will be a wild stallion compared to the BMW twin. It may take some dialing in re fuel injection, and the money you save could be spent on Ducati Performance exhaust and ECU upgrade, but all well worth it. I like the new F800 ST, and might consider it for a replacement for my ST3, when I'm older.

I suggest you buy the ST3s, and take it easy for the first few thousand miles, learning smooth throttle control, adjusting the suspenders, getting the feel for the excellent frt *and* rear brake, and how to use the gear box to match the engines rev to road speed. These bikes aren't lugged, nor do they need to be reved too high to find power. It's not easy being smooth on a ST, but once you get dialled in, it will be the most fun you've ever had, especially considering the bikes you've had in the past: good then, not so god now compared to a ST3s.  

[MLCavassa]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes, some of my past rides were good bikes in their day. It's amazing to me how far bike technology has come in the 20 years since with most of the advances coming straight off the track. (On a side note, the scariest bike I ever rode was a mid-70s Kawasaki H2 750 two-stroke triple. I worked at a bike shop and we'd taken one in on trade. I'd never felt so out-of-control on a bike. Those things were just flat dangerous.)

A Ducati has been my dream bike ever since I was old enough to spell motorcycle (Ok, that and a Norton, but that's another story entirely). I know they can be a chore to own, but - for me anyway, that's understood up front.

Thanks again!

[ZED]

For what it's worth.
I've been looking at a lot of different options.  I haven't ridden the BMW in question, but have sat on one.  I have ridden the ST3.  I have not yet pulled the trigger on it yet, but I'm sooooo close!

[Aero]

If you have always wanted a Ducati, then I'd say now is the time to buy one! I'm sure the BMW is a fine bike but I have always found them a little uninvolving compared to Italian bikes, and I think if you passed on the ST3 you might always wish you had bought it. I loved my '98 ST2 and found it to be very reliable and economical to run. The service intervals can safely be stretched well beyond the recommended 6000 miles once the engine is broken in as long as the oil is changed regularly, and a lot of things are surprisingly easy to do if you are so inclined.

[sagerat]

Buy it.

[azduc]

I've had my ST3S since May of '06, ridden 2 long tours on it (2,000 and 4,000 plus miles), and a fair amount of commuting. I have a 34" inseam and weigh about 20 pounds more than you. The ST is the most comfortable most fun ride I've ever had. I even survived a 15 hour day on it and could actually move the next day. You should buy it.

[elmandarino]

I rode the BMW before buying an ST3. I thought it was a great bike and if I had been led by my head I may well have bought it. It was comfortable although a little buzzy - it does like its revs. However, like you I always wanted a Duke. I rode the ST3 and there was, and continues to be, something about it. I am very pleased and not planning to change for some time to come.