no mods
still running it in, so I'm trying to keep it below 7k rpm, but when I open it up, it goes fast. really have to pay attention to the tachometer. I can barely shit gears fast enough (this is my first bike)
confidence inspiring. couple times I had to squeeze hard, and I thought i'd be kissing the van in front of me, but it stopped in time
handling is very intuitive and natural feeling. it's my first bike, but when I'm on it, I feel like I've been riding for years. My toes have hit the ground a couple times on real tight turns, though
next up: ducati 748? we'll see
List any modifications on this bike Racing fuel in the first tank.
Superb power from 1 to 162mph, but dont tell anyone. I havent fully broke in the engine yet.
To me the rear brake seems non existent. But this is the first superbike I've ever really ridden.
Excellent considering the only other bike I've owned was an 02 Monster 750S.
Mirrors are a joke, cannot stand the gas cap, at 6 foot tall the windscreen blocks my view of the instrument cluster, needs an aftermarket seat, and something to cool off your butt after the engine reaches a temp above 160 degrees.
Good power in the lower range, tops out about 220kph.
Amazing brembo brakes
Excellent and smooth
none
lugs below 3000, but above that, power is linear all the way to redline. no hesitation from throttle whatsoever-- just twist and you're gone. thrilling.
one-finger braking care of Brembo.
unbelievable. precision steering combined with supple Ohlins/Showa give you incredible confidence. Expansion gaps in high speed corners are soaked up without a hiccup.
awesome riding position/comfort, performance, and 'practicality'. Low rate of theft due to rareness and immobilizer. Beautiful exhaust note and gear whine on downshifts. Incredibly good-looking, gets more looks, comments, and chicks than any Gixxer or CBR. Center Stand. Hard Bags. Underseat storage. However... Ducatis are truly only for wealthy people. This bike costs $0.62/kilometer ($CDN) to buy/run. Atrocious service prices will leave you weeping. Had some very minor electrical connection problems covered under warranty. Verdict: a simply awesome machine that gives me a huge grin every time i ride it. I'm spoiled forever. amazing power, handling, and looks. But make sure you have the dough-- don't be fooled by the ducati salesman, talk to actual owners to get an accurate estimate of service costs.
None yet
Still breaking it in- is very strong and smooth from 4-7000 RPM. Throttle response is instantanious. A little rough under 3500, but it is my first L-twin.
Great feel and stopping power. Two finger hydraulic Brembo front brakes are very sensitive, so be careful until you get used to them. Stopping quickly is no problem. Front and rear work well when used together.
Handling is superb! Having great fun on the local twisties. Can't waite to go for a long ride.
Overall this is an awsome sport tourer. Has all the power you'll ever need. Good luck staying ticket free! The new seat is super comfy and new wet clutch is quiet and smooth shifting. On the highway I have a hard time deciding whether to be in 5th or 6th gear-may try a couple more teeth on the rear sprocket. My only complaint so far is that the instrument cluster rattles against the cover at idle and on bumpy roads-am going to try a rubber liner around the edge.
My entry above is an ST3
any flat spots etc.
Feel, Strength
None, Yet...
The fuel injection System works Great, Good power delivery for the engine Size. I dont envy any Asian 600.
The back tire break is soft, at least for my comfort.
If you ever visit Puerto Rico and hit the country side, you will know what an exelent job they this with this motorcycle. On the weekends I go thru 180 miles of mountain road with my Ducati... can have enough of it.
If you could only have a better parts and accesories variety on the market I would give them a 10... Almost forgot, next time they should ad yellow to their color options.
List any modifications Ducati carbon fiber exhaust system and performance chip for the fuel injection system
The performance chip and "race" exhaust really opened up the mid-range with 20% increases in both horsepower and torque, with a 5% increase up top. The bike will now lift the front wheel in 2nd gear. Excellent power characteristics for the real world, with a very broad band of usable torque which is great in the twisties and for passing.
Feel, Strength Great feel and stopping ability.
The best of any street bike I've ever ridden. It compares favorably to a new Kawasaki ZX-6R which I rode in Keith Codes superbike school. Very stable.
Excellent sport bike for street use. The two valve motor doesn't have the top end rush of the ST4 engine, but that is not noticed below 75mph.
No modifications
Fuel injected.Great mid range.Power comes on after 4000 rpm.and keeps pulling.
Brakes are like the 996.
Like the 996 this bike feels planted on fast sweepers and agile in the twisities. The front end is a little cushier than the 996.This changes direction just a bit slower than the 996 but it requires less effort to turn it. Remove the center stand; put on higher rear sets take of the bags and you can take this bike to track days.
This is a 996 for the real world.You can ride 350 miles of twisties a day the ST4S. Try doing this on a 996.
