ST3 Any opinions ?

[quartermaster]

I am contemplating buying a 2005 ST3 to replace my truly excellent but ageing Yamaha TDM900. Having enjoyed 6 months ownership of '97 750SS, a mixture of pain and pleasure - but mainly pleasure, I thought an ST3 might fit the bill as a replacement.

Has anyone got any tips on what I need to look for or any experiences good or bad that would help me come to a decision. I should add that the other bike "in the frame" as a possibility is a Triumph Sprint ST.

p.s Until riding the SS I'd NEVER have contemplated buying a Ducati, believing all that negative propaganda about reliability, finish etc. In fact, given the right roads, the SS is a revelation. Whereas riding the TDM is a pleasure but a bit "take it or leave it", riding the 750SS is an EVENT and I always come back with a grin on my face.

 

[DKM]

Rough engine, poor quality finish and paintwork, uninspiring driving experience, not as fast on the road as it is on paper.

















........... and I'm talking about the Triumph, which I tried before I bought my ST3! - which was ultra smooth, reliable, powerful (would wheelie in second if I wasn't careful - ignore the bhp figures, it's the torque that counts), combined great handling* and comfort, still looked as if it had just come out of the showroom the day I traded it in. I could go on, and on.............









* as with all Ducatis, it will pay you to get the suspension adjusted to suit you and the way you ride, after that you'll never look back!

 

[DKM]

...............and if the one you're thinking of buying has the standard Michelin Macadams fitted, change them. They don't do justice to the ST3, which is more than good enough to warrant the cost of a set of Pilots or Diablos.