In early 1997 I read a short article in a German newspaper about the upcoming ST2, quite positive, a lot sbout emotions and a small picture of a silver ST2. I felt in love while reading and knew I have to own one. Then me being a student the wish to buy a Ducati had been a bit ambitious re. purchade price, but in 1998 I started my first job, got a loan and bought it. Production number 150, silver, my first Ducati. I loved it and am still loving it. It has c. 36k kilometers, got a refurbishment last year ( don't ask about the costs,owning a Ducati is a financial nightmare) and is the one bike that makes me laughting while riding. The sound (open clutch with the typical rattling), the linear power, the handling, and all the rest. You have to write these older Ducatis a bit spirited, then handling, gear shift etc. Will be superb. One thing: the Ducati logo on the fuel tank is not a sticker but painted, while standing at a traffic light I always run my fingers over the letters, feeling the curves, the bumps and especially feeling the bike. Pure emotions and passion.
Awesome. I think they still look relevant and have a timeless design. Although it may not garner the attention that the 916 got, it still has a very strong presence and hasn't lost any of its charm.
I really enjoy my 99 ST4. You are spot on with your assessment of these ST bikes. They are very confidence inspiring. The engine is awsome and the brembo breaks amazing. I too enjoyed riding mine to and from work, with paniers full of goodies and necessities. Change the number of teeth on your sprockets to one down in front and one or two up in back, a much better ratio for everyday driving and quicker acceleration. 80 mph feels so good on these bikes. A.
OOOOps. Brakes, not breaks. A couple more things. Changing the belts is easy. And all the old belts I pulled off my bike were still in great shape after their 6k recommended change interval. I did my own valve adjustments but not until around 21k. I checked clearances every winter and valve clearances were still good at 21k. Only one valve was getting close to out of spec. It's a semi slow process to do valves only because you likely will need to wait for shims to be shipped. I did my complete 4 valve adjustment in three weeks, waiting around two weeks for parts in two shipments. I spent many an enjoyable winter evening meticulously adjusting those valves, and it has paid off in performance. All in all a great time.
The best thing is as of right now, I'm still riding that as my shop favorite. Too busy anyway and I'm just enjoying the entire package. It's absolutely great looking. Still looks relevant today. Of course being a massive Ducatista doesn't count. I may have to do a final ride video. It's getting cold!!
I have a red 2006 ST3s with the three valve motor and wet clutch. A lovely bike to ride and own. Mine has 3700 miles from new. I am doing a rolling restoration on her not that is needs too much. I will have the engine out this winter to check it over, paint it and check the belts, which were done recently by the previous owner. My pal is borrowing it to go to France in June so I look forward to hearing his stories! A great video buddy..keep it up!
@@CycleHuntersMV! Gorgeous motorcycles! Just came across in st3 I think I should go check it out. Right now riding a Moto Guzzi California 1100 1997 great motorcycle.
Agree about the care of the bike, especially for something around 25 years old. The ‘98 had issues with the voltage regulator/rectifier - if you’re doing miles, carry a spare and know how to change it, or be prepared for inconvenience. In ‘99, the system was changed to a more reliable system - look at these in preference to the ‘98. From 60K miles on a ‘98 (and a couple of rectifiers) and about 50K on a ‘99. Power is good enough for me, ride is great (upgraded Ohlins rear shock). Take care of your chains.
I 'm an italiano first bike ever last year, and i bought a 3th heand Yellow st4 whit 18000 km I have no experience on bike, but what can i Say after 6000km Is, i Just love It 💛
@@ericroman9126 hi Eric, i use to maintain by my self ( if you are a bit handy Is not so difficoult) But anyway Is an old bike whit parts still in production and not soo expensive
@@CycleHunters I used to have my turbo work done by Blouch Turbo on 72 north of town !!! 😀🚘👍 do you just do repairs ?? What is the name of your business?
I had a 2001 and this shows how much I loved mine !!!!😊😊😊🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺 BTW THIS IS THE SECOND TIME AROUND!! ruclips.net/video/voMQ-4Xo-7Q/видео.htmlsi=o8ZoBak628sItKHv
In early 1997 I read a short article in a German newspaper about the upcoming ST2, quite positive, a lot sbout emotions and a small picture of a silver ST2. I felt in love while reading and knew I have to own one. Then me being a student the wish to buy a Ducati had been a bit ambitious re. purchade price, but in 1998 I started my first job, got a loan and bought it. Production number 150, silver, my first Ducati. I loved it and am still loving it. It has c. 36k kilometers, got a refurbishment last year ( don't ask about the costs,owning a Ducati is a financial nightmare) and is the one bike that makes me laughting while riding. The sound (open clutch with the typical rattling), the linear power, the handling, and all the rest. You have to write these older Ducatis a bit spirited, then handling, gear shift etc. Will be superb. One thing: the Ducati logo on the fuel tank is not a sticker but painted, while standing at a traffic light I always run my fingers over the letters, feeling the curves, the bumps and especially feeling the bike. Pure emotions and passion.
Ahhh the open clutch. If I could only get Phil to understand.
I owned 2 of those, a 97 and a 98, the 98 for about 10 years. I always found them beautiful 🥰
Awesome. I think they still look relevant and have a timeless design. Although it may not garner the attention that the 916 got, it still has a very strong presence and hasn't lost any of its charm.
Loved my (red) 1998 model. Great memories
I really enjoy my 99 ST4. You are spot on with your assessment of these ST bikes. They are very confidence inspiring. The engine is awsome and the brembo breaks amazing. I too enjoyed riding mine to and from work, with paniers full of goodies and necessities. Change the number of teeth on your sprockets to one down in front and one or two up in back, a much better ratio for everyday driving and quicker acceleration. 80 mph feels so good on these bikes. A.
OOOOps. Brakes, not breaks. A couple more things. Changing the belts is easy. And all the old belts I pulled off my bike were still in great shape after their 6k recommended change interval. I did my own valve adjustments but not until around 21k. I checked clearances every winter and valve clearances were still good at 21k. Only one valve was getting close to out of spec. It's a semi slow process to do valves only because you likely will need to wait for shims to be shipped. I did my complete 4 valve adjustment in three weeks, waiting around two weeks for parts in two shipments. I spent many an enjoyable winter evening meticulously adjusting those valves, and it has paid off in performance. All in all a great time.
The best thing is as of right now, I'm still riding that as my shop favorite. Too busy anyway and I'm just enjoying the entire package. It's absolutely great looking. Still looks relevant today. Of course being a massive Ducatista doesn't count. I may have to do a final ride video. It's getting cold!!
I changed my gearing just like you mentioned and it feels like a completely new machine.
I have a red 2006 ST3s with the three valve motor and wet clutch. A lovely bike to ride and own. Mine has 3700 miles from new. I am doing a rolling restoration on her not that is needs too much. I will have the engine out this winter to check it over, paint it and check the belts, which were done recently by the previous owner. My pal is borrowing it to go to France in June so I look forward to hearing his stories! A great video buddy..keep it up!
Here in UK they are the forgotten Ducati and can be picked up for bargain prices, have have had a great many of them.
Pick one up!!! These things are great bikes!!
I loved my ST2. Very few Ducatis that are comfortable after an hour or so. I wanted to put a round headlight in mine for a retro vibe.
Oohh. Yea I'm digging that vibe lately with that MV Agusta Superveloce. Have a look at that thing. Slaps ya right in the face with some awesomeness.
@@CycleHuntersMV! Gorgeous motorcycles! Just came across in st3 I think I should go check it out. Right now riding a Moto Guzzi California 1100 1997 great motorcycle.
Agree about the care of the bike, especially for something around 25 years old. The ‘98 had issues with the voltage regulator/rectifier - if you’re doing miles, carry a spare and know how to change it, or be prepared for inconvenience. In ‘99, the system was changed to a more reliable system - look at these in preference to the ‘98. From 60K miles on a ‘98 (and a couple of rectifiers) and about 50K on a ‘99. Power is good enough for me, ride is great (upgraded Ohlins rear shock). Take care of your chains.
Love my 2003 st4s. I’ve had it since 2007.
I do not doubt it!!!! If we still have it at the shop come spring, I'm gonna ride it some more.
I 'm an italiano first bike ever last year, and i bought a 3th heand Yellow st4 whit 18000 km
I have no experience on bike, but what can i Say after 6000km Is, i Just love It 💛
Hello. How do you find maintenance. I'm interested in buying one but parts and service prices have me hesitant. ty
@@ericroman9126 hi Eric, i use to maintain by my self ( if you are a bit handy Is not so difficoult)
But anyway Is an old bike whit parts still in production and not soo expensive
I'm looking at buying one, I'm 6'3" with boots on good to hear it fits you well so many bikes are too uncomfortable for me.
Ive got one and I love it!
I wish this one was mine!!! Oh well, they made more.
Beautiful ST2 btw your instrument cluster has a broken rubber fastener ergo the flopping around but can be fixed (ask me how I know).
I had a paso 906, I think the st2 will make a good replacement. You gotta love a Ducati l twin.
Ohhhhh always wanted a Paso!!!
Love this Bike!
We pay £1200 uk pounds over this side in uk for same bike nice vid 👍
Who rides a motorcycle wearing shorts? Great video.
Yea....don't normally. But that day I had no choice. Trust me, not a fan doing that. Haha
I have owned several monsters and I would not describe any Ducati from that era as “very smooth” 😂 Maybe the V4s are getting there.
For twins they are.
Pennsylvania tag ! Where are you???? 😊
Lebanon Pa
@@CycleHunters thanks for the reply!!!! I am near Allentown, do you have a shop ? Would like to see it!!! 🏍🏍👍
@@artmchugh5644 We are in Lebanon Pa, on Route 72.
@@CycleHunters I used to have my turbo work done by Blouch Turbo on 72 north of town !!! 😀🚘👍 do you just do repairs ?? What is the name of your business?
Too much lugging the engine.you could hear the motor lugging and shaking a few times.
Nah these live down low.
I had a 2001 and this shows how much I loved mine !!!!😊😊😊🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺 BTW THIS IS THE SECOND TIME AROUND!! ruclips.net/video/voMQ-4Xo-7Q/видео.htmlsi=o8ZoBak628sItKHv