Any curretn Triumph ST owners former Ducati ST owners?

Just wondering if any of you current Triumph Sprint owners have owned Ducati's ST2/3/4/4S? I'm trying to decide between the new '05 ST and a new '03 (yes, that's '03) Duc ST4s. Just looking for impressions and comparisons.

[Nelson955]

If you are going to be putting on lots of miles, then the servicing costs of the Ducati will be hideously expensive. Their reliability is suspect too.

Bob

[Firebolter]

I ridden both the ST3 and 4, actually both 03 models no less and for me, the ST3 had a more user friendly motor. Makes it's power down lower than the 4. The motor differences are mostly top end and you get more peak hp with the ST4, but can you ever really use it? I believe you can buy a ST3 and end up putting a Ohlins shock and get the forks done cheaper than the ST4 outright. Guess it depends on the deal you can get.

The 05 Sprint for the money is a much better deal. Looks are more modern and the motor seems a little stronger (based on 03/04 comaprison). The maint is a definite issue. Valves on the Duc's are every 6K while the Triumph is every 12K. Guess if you really like the Duc's then go that way, but seems all things considered, the Triumph is the better deal. But that's just one guys opinion!

I'm aware of the valve adjust interval, and if that were all it wouldn't be that big a deal. However, if other areas of the bike need more attention (than Triumph) as well then it might really tip the scales. I do ride a fair amount, about 10K miles/year, so maintenance and reliability becomes more of an issue. I've ordered the '05 Sprint but have been tempted by some great deals on new '03 & '04 Ducati's (my dealer sells both, so he won't mind a switch). I've always wanted a red Ducati, but for my purpose it's probably not wise. I'd chose an ST4 because ofthe suspension and new '03's are going for ST3 prices now. Plus Duc has 2.9% financing. But it's still a rather expensive ride for commuting to work. Most of the power band issues can actually be solved by re-gearing the bike. The ST4 has hideously tall gearing that makes it a bear around town.

I went from a 98 ST2 to a 02 Sprint and Wow! The difference was immense. I can say good and bad about both. The Duc has very nice low end torque but tops out at around 115mph. That’s not redline it just won’t go any faster. I do all of my own maintenance and I can tell you the valve adjustment isn’t that hard but can be time consuming or expensive at the dealer. The two major issues I had with the ST2 where a bad alternator (Bosch) 3x and poor low speed handling. The last time the Alt. went out the dealer (warranty) soldered the leads and it’s been good for over 2 years. The other issue was it always felt top heavy and was about ready to fall over at anything under 30mph. My sprint on the other hand is as responsive as a 250 at all speeds, touch and turn. Off the floor it had no low end torque, didn’t wake up until it hit 3400rpm and had flat spots around 7500rpm. But would redline at 160mph. I’ve done a few mods and now it’s responsive from 1000rpm all the way to redline at 140mph. I still have the Duc if your interested in buying one.

ST2 & ST4 are very different animals. ST4's 996 motor makes double the HP and nearly double the torque. The suspension is far superior as well. My dealer is looking to see if any there are new red '03's lying around somewhere, if not it will be the '05 Sprint. Either one will be awesome!

ST2 & ST4 are very different animals. ST4's 996 motor makes double the HP and nearly double the torque. The suspension is far superior as well. My dealer is looking to see if any there are new red '03's lying around somewhere, if not it will be the '05 Sprint. Either one will be awesome!