Ducati ST or Multistrada

[STI-51]

I believe the original comment was made due to the fact that to safely remove the side fairings, it is best to remove the headlight fairing first (along with the mirrors and dash panels). This is because the headlight fairing overlaps the side fairings. To access/change the battery, it is not required to remove the complete side fairing to get to it, but it lessens the chance of damage from prying and pulling if you don't pull the headlight fairing......From what I recall, it is the same for all ST bikes, even the newer ones (as the side fairings are the same from '97-present).

I'll be the first to get in line to say that the design of the fairings was a complete screw-up on the bike, and I was still amazed to see that they didn't change this when they redesigned the headlight fairing to the newer style (at least the bikes got better lighting than the pre-'02 STs).

OK, I knew there was something that made it tricky, thanks for clarifying.

[marc11]

I do not agree with that on the newer style.  The side fairings come off and go on without the need to remove the headlight and dash fairings.  

[st ryder]

I do not agree with that on the newer style.  The side fairings come off and go on without the need to remove the headlight and dash fairings.  

PLEASE (!!) tell me how because even though I can get the left side off and on with a little bit of manipulation, the right side panel, with the rad hose/return bottle in the way, makes it VERY difficult, so much so that I resign myself to removing the top fairing, even when loosening the top fairing mounts. That being said, it doesn't need to come off that often. I agree, this *is* a major pita, but not much worse than the "quilt" that makes up the FJR fairings pre 2007 models. I think there's a way the upper rear of the right side panel can be trimmed so it will slip over the support bracket under the top fairing much easier, because that's the rub. The top inside corner gets scratched to hell when trying to refit that panel. BUT, when it's all buttoned up, it's very strong for a fairing.

[marc11]

I can't explain how in words, it is in the way you tilt and move it down and out, but I have zero trouble getting either side off.  Putting them back on takes a minute or two since you need to manipulate them just right, the first time I tried to put them back in it took my a while, but after that, I can pretty much slide them up, in and push, pop, back into place, but why would I lie?  There is nothing in it for me to make this up.

I would be happy to demonstrate in person, if you will be at ESTN or the National I will take either side off, right there, you can time me.

Now, getting that little screw and sleeve just right on the little rear tail panels is a PITA!!!!  I've had to leave the garage after trying to get the screw in before I bashed the bike to bits

[Desmo Demon]

I can't explain how in words, it is in the way you tilt and move it down and out, but I have zero trouble getting either side off.  Putting them back on takes a minute or two since you need to manipulate them just right, the first time I tried to put them back in it took my a while, but after that, I can pretty much slide them up, in and push, pop, back into place, but why would I lie?

  I just went to the factory parts manuals and found out how they did it differently.....Ducati uses the older fairings and chops off two of the side fairing mounting tabs and trims the fairing in at least one spot where it tucks up under the nose/air-inlet fairing! It even shows you in the parts manual to "remove" those two tabs and to trim the panel.   I checked the different years and determined that these "hack jobs" on the fairings started in 2004....

Here is your parts manual for the 2004 ST4s...

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/service/parts/2004/pdf/ST4S_Usa_My_04_ed_01.zip;jsessionid=LRDQY11UQESWKCRNCB2SFEYKFUIHUIV3

Which was found here....

http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/service/parts/2004.jhtml?family=parts

If you go to page 100, diagram #044, you will see in the bubbles marked "Step 1" and "Step 2" that Ducati removed the two front tabs that mount under the headlight fairing. The one bubble (Step 2) shows to trim back some of the front section of the fairing. The rear mounting tab is retained, and I'm guessing that they redid the upper fairing to allow access to that bolt. I bet you'll "F" something up trying what you are doing on an older bike that hasn't had these mods done to them.

On the other hand, as "st ryder" states, that right fairing isn't the most enjoyable to put back on the bike....even with the headlight fairing removed.  

It's a shame that Ducati modified the headlight fairing but were too damn cheap to redo the side fairings, too.  

[STI-51]

 I've had to leave the garage after trying to get the screw in before I bashed the bike to bits

  Ahh, "the leaving the garage" technique!  I generally apply this once every 10 minutes or so when working on the bike or anything else for that matter.  Sometimes it evolves into many other sorts of techniques!

[st ryder]

I can't explain how in words, it is in the way you tilt and move it down and out, but I have zero trouble getting either side off.  Putting them back on takes a minute or two since you need to manipulate them just right, the first time I tried to put them back in it took my a while, but after that, I can pretty much slide them up, in and push, pop, back into place, but why would I lie?  There is nothing in it for me to make this up.

I would be happy to demonstrate in person, if you will be at ESTN or the National I will take either side off, right there, you can time me.

Now, getting that little screw and sleeve just right on the little rear tail panels is a PITA!!!!  I've had to leave the garage after trying to get the screw in before I bashed the bike to bits

That personal demonstration sounds good, but I don't know what I'm doing this season, and if I'm going anywhere, it will be west to Vancouver.

I too was able to replace the right side faring without removing the top, but it was not without much gnashing of teeth, and scrapping of paint. I know what you mean about not being able to describe how something comes off, goes on. I have a K75 with "integrated" sidecases, and they're a pita to r&r. I struggle with them and then, they just slip off when they're ready it seems.    No way I could describe how I got them off.   Maybe I need to try it again at some point and see if I can find a way to slip it back in that eluded me the first two attempts.  

That '03 FJR I had was a patch work of small fairing pieces that were a pita to r&r. There was a small black side panel that fit under fuel tank, that was a major pita to put back in.   The side panel under the seat had 5 different types of fasteners to mount it, and it was about 14 x6 inches long.    The fairing under the headlight used wood/sheet metal type screws to attach to the outer fairing.   Once together, it was still very flexable.   The ST3 faring may be a pita to r&r, but it's not alone in this regard.   And as mentioned, once together, is a very sturdy quality plastic in a stout design.

[Aero]

There are ways to make fairing removal and replacement easier. Changing the mirror nuts for wing nuts saves some time and cursing, and I believe there are some alternative upper fairing brackets available from Pro-cutting (maker of the Charlies clutch packs) which saves more time. Changing the well-nuts for Dzus fasteners saves a bunch of time too.

[R Doug]

Back on topic, if I had to do it all over again, I would have pushed for the Multi 1000 over my ST3.  I loved my ST3  but I was able to spend three days on a Multi 620 and liked it.  Then I was able to spend a few moments on a Multi 1000 and LOVED it.  The factory seat would have been replaced, but that's one hell of a fun bike.  

Regarding wind protection, you would get more w/ the ST (especially from the side).  But for me, at 5'8", I experienced a lot of buffeting from the factory windscreen on my ST.

However, your 2 choices only leave us w/ an ST or a Multi 620.  In that case, I would go ST.  But, if you can swing for the 1000 Multi... that's what I would do if I could do it again.  

[2DFlyer]

  Ahh, "the leaving the garage" technique!  I generally apply this once every 10 minutes or so when working on the bike or anything else for that matter.  Sometimes it evolves into many other sorts of techniques!

Most respectable service manuals will prescribe an icy adult beverage prior to any potentially aggravating maintenance actions...

[wiseguy]

Having owned an ST3 and now a Multistrada, my vote is for the ST. You get a working fuel gauge at no extra charge. A full 5.5 gallons and all of it is usable. 50+mpg. Good wind protection. Good luggage. A bit sporty ergos but nothing bad. I would love to have my ST3 back right now. Better headlight. The standard bike does have a very weak rear shock compared to the standard Multi 1000DS. Anyway, test both out to see which one you like.

[atypical1]

Having owned an ST3 and now a Multistrada, my vote is for the ST. You get a working fuel gauge at no extra charge.

Fixed on the new bikes.

[ColdDuc]

I have a ST3s. Personally, I find the slightly sporty riding position of the ST better on my back over the course of a day. The upright seating of the Mulit tends to put the weight on the low back.

[STI-51]

I have a ST3s. Personally, I find the slightly sporty riding position of the ST better on my back over the course of a day. The upright seating of the Mulit tends to put the weight on the low back.

I own a Multi and agree 100%.  The sit up position is not good for your back.  That's why I installed the clip-ons as mentioned in one of my previous posts.

I have to laugh when people mention that they stopped riding sport bikes because it was hard on their back.  It may be more fatiguing in the sense that your lower back muscles get tired but that can actually be beneficial in the long run as it strengthens.  When riding upright, the impact of every bump is absorbed almost entirely by your lower back which can cause serious problems over the long term.  In a sport position, the impact is spread evenly throughout your upper body mitigating the amount of back damage.  However, it may be more straining on your wrists and shoulders so there is a compromise.

The upright position may have certain advantages but reducing the incidence of back problems is not one of them.

[tpr]

Thanks for all who had time and patience to help me to decide.

As I told, I have to choose between used MTS620 or even more used ST2/ST4 so I'll choose ST.

[jed]

Go for it!!!  Both fun rides with different personalities.  One last note about the riding position on the duc.  You can put cyclecat clip on risers to get a lower and more forward position.  I did it and love it.

Post pics of the ST when you get it!

[FatguyRacer]

If your choice is a MTS620 and an ST4, go with the ST4.

I went from a Monster 620 to an ST4s and man the difference is night and day. I commute during the week and hooligan ride on the weekends. The ST4 fills both rolls quite well. More power, more wind block, better suspension. Its not small coincidence that I paid more for the used ST4s than i did for a brand new M620.

Now if it were a MTS1000Ds, then the choice would be tougher. I've ridden the MTS1100Ds at a demo and it was a blast. If i were a city dweller, that'd be my ride. Just add hard cases.

[cold comfort]

question for STI-51. Where can yopu get the clip-ons for the Multi. I loved the riding position of the new Triumph ST but not the suspension. I find i can't see the dash of the Multi due to the chin of the full face also. do you have a brand/ part number for ones suitable for a 2007. I am in New Zealand (but imported the bike and cans from the USA