Ducati SS/SP recommendations

First gen ST started in 1998 with the ST2. Basically the same water-cooled, 2 valve engine as the old departed 907 i.e. (also called the 907 Paso by some). These bikes are relatively low-powered with 80 hp or so, and reliable if you take care of them. I know of several with 50k+ miles on the original engine. Neglect maintenance at your peril. $3k for a rider to $5k for a very nice original with low miles. All should have hard bags standard.

ST4 came a year later and had the same desmoquattro engine as the 916 with about 100 hp. Basically the same issues with any desmoquattro, this period was when the notorious flaking rockers were their worst. But an ST4 probably wasn't ridden as hard as say, a 748, so maybe the problem is less prevelant on the ST4. Add $1000 to ST2 values today for the same condition.

ST4s used the 996cc desmoquattro engine and had even more power, along with upgraded suspension IIRC. A little more to buy one over an ST4 today.

Second gen consisted of the ST3 (3-valve head version of the ST2), and the ST4s. Both had a bigger fairing compared to the original and ABS was optional. ST3 is much more common than the pricier bike. $5k-7k are current values for an ST3. Black looks particularly good on these bikes.

ST2 represents good value, while the ST4s (first-gen) is probably the sportiest of the bunch. If I wanted to do longer rides, an ST3 would probably be what I would look for. And if vintage is what you want, find a 907i.e. I wouldn't bother with the earlier 750 Paso and 906 Paso.

 

I have owned a number of Ducatis including Superlight, 900SS, and 748.
I put at least 4k per year on my 1992 900ss since 2004 and will NEVER get rid of it.
No bike I have ridden does all of the things this bike does, this well...
Get one and do the following:
- 41mm or 39mm flatslide carbs with accelerator pumps (OUTSTANDING)
- Shorai Li-ion battery (saves weight up high, cranks much faster)
- Coils from CA Cycle works (improves starting and running)
- Open pipes from Ferracci or somewhere (I run a rare 2-into-1 Staintune that I LOVE).
- High compression pistons from Ferracci.
- Change rear sprocket to 41T
- Change all brake lines to braided
- Barnett clutch

All told you can get a good example for $2K-$4K, and the above will cost you another $2k.
The good thing is you can feed in the mods over time, and you will have a bike you will lover forever. As soon as my new subscription takes hold I will post a picture of her!

 

What is funny is one of the prime updates for an 851 is to find a set of ST4 cases and build the engine from those as they are much stronger than the original parts.

 

Pricey but real Superlights are rare. It would be difficult to find a nice one and do the engine upgrades for the same money.
1993 Ducati 900SL

 

I have the 2006 ST3sABS, the final year, the headlights/fairing got a nice restyle before the model was cancelled.

I never drive it, so it's been no trouble!
I took the bags off.

Well, the fuel lines and pump melted, from ethanol fuel, it's OK now.
Black....

 

That's nice....

 

I Just got back from a 10 day run in the Alps. I bought an 06 800M S2R to join a tour of 8 guys for 7 days. Our base was in Jausier just outside of Barconolette. With no speed limits and a track like setting for endless miles on endless routes and passes I could really put the bike through its paces. We put on 2000kms in the 7 days of riding.

I grew up a dirt biker and crotch rocket jockey with my last road bike being the 05 CBR 1000RR (pretty serious machine). Tracked 600RRs for years.

I must say that this is the best street bike I've ever owned. The bike resides in Germany and I can't wait to get on it again.

quack quack

 

My old one:
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Wow - sweet. I like the JMC swingarm too...

 

Sportclassics seem to sell for stupid money. I don't see why personally, but apparently someone today wants them and is willing to pay more than their MSRP just a few years ago.

Aside from the PS replica and the monoposto full-naked Sport 1000 (only 2006 IIRC), these bikes were not that popular when new, probably why they were discontinued after only a few model years. I remember new leftover GT models sitting on dealer floors into 2010.

 

About same as a Guzzi Daytona, although not sure which is more desirable...I'd take the Goose.

 

Hey, pre-knee puck era! Not even duct tape. Pretty cool Art.

 

Saw this one today. Biposto though.
2007 Ducati Sport Classic 1000 Biposto Reno's Powersports KC Kansas City, MO (866) 936-8900

 

That looks amazing! I also like the Ghezzi & Brian Guzzis...

 

I really do like that Guzzi. Nice bike.
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My personal favorite, the one-year wonder black 900SS. The 907i.e. is also especially attractive in that color.

 

Sold my 1999 900SS just about 2yrs ago. It was yellow with full fairing. I LOVED THIS MACHINE. The handling was great, sounded awesome... VERY reliable. This was also the 1st year of fuel injection for them and I also understand the frame was a bit nicer. The 900SS also was a 6speed whereas the others (750...etc) were not. All maint was very easy to do. I think it took me longer to remove the fairing to do the timing belts vs the belts themselves. (which was almost brainless easy).

Very smart of them (and this is simple) for the venting to the cylinders from the intakes on the Left/Right side of the upper fairing area.

Granted compared to something from today, it was low oh HP but, the torque was more than enough to keep you in a gear w/o waiting for the rev's on some of the others out there.

 

Yes, they are quite the handful. This is my fathers garage, he is a Ducati nut. I like my Honda's though, less pain in the back and wrists..
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i love my 05 sport1000 biposto. its looks great, is plenty fast and handles well. i found it on craigslist for $7k with only 1800 miles on it and bought and picked it up hours later. i have already been offered twice what i paid, but its not for sale.

 

Lucky you...

 

Nice!