ST3 S and solo sport-touring

[timewart]

I came within a few minutes of getting to test ride an ST3 S yesterday.  Very nice looking bike.  Ergos are just right for me.  Started to rain just as I was about to climb aboard so I'll have to wait for a drier day.  The folks at the dealership were very helpful.  I got the spiel about 50% less on the service costs, and the included roadside assistance sounded good.

I've been looking at the K1200S and the Sprint ST, but am leaning toward the Duc.  I like the lighter weight and awesome suspension.  And I've heard the bike has mid-range power to spare.

The lingering question for me is reliability.  I know Ducati gets hammered on this topic.  But it seems like they've made strides in the right direction.  I do a lot of solo sport-touring throughout the west on some pretty remote roads.  If I buy the Duc am I just asking for trouble?  Is Ducati doing a reasonable job in supporting its dealers?

Thanks!

...Hal

[st ryder]

I came within a few minutes of getting to test ride an ST3 S yesterday.  Very nice looking bike.  Ergos are just right for me.  Started to rain just as I was about to climb aboard so I'll have to wait for a drier day.  The folks at the dealership were very helpful.  I got the spiel about 50% less on the service costs, and the included roadside assistance sounded good.

I've been looking at the K1200S and the Sprint ST, but am leaning toward the Duc.  I like the lighter weight and awesome suspension.  And I've heard the bike has mid-range power to spare.

The lingering question for me is reliability.  I know Ducati gets hammered on this topic.  But it seems like they've made strides in the right direction.  I do a lot of solo sport-touring throughout the west on some pretty remote roads.  If I buy the Duc am I just asking for trouble?  Is Ducati doing a reasonable job in supporting its dealers?

Thanks!

...Hal

Just buy the bike.  

[Mr. Squidward]

All makes have their issues, and Ducati is no different.  These are mechanical devices after all and there is no such thing as a perfect machine.  Like st ryder said “Just buy the bike”, you won’t be disappointed.  

[marc11]

No major issues to speak of on my bike over three years, save for a set of rotors and a dash (known issue in 2004).  Even had someone back into the bike while parked causing all sorts of plastic damage.  Never waiting more than one week for parts.

Buy it and enjoy the miles of smiles.  BTW, many of us have been performing 50% less maintence for a while now, I go 9k between valve checks and 18k between belt and filter changes (I have them checked at 9k).  All other maintence such as fluid changes I do myself as needed.

[birdrocks]

24k miles in two years, never left me stranded or without a smile!

[timewart]

Thanks for the feedback.  It's not like I'm afraid of Italian bikes.  I was among the first in this country to own an Aprilia Futura, a bike a really liked a lot.  I've heard that I should be able to do my own valve adjustments on the ST3.  That is a big plus.

I can't wait to get on the bike for a test ride in a couple of weeks.

Thanks again!

...Hal