Faults:

Oil seals on front forks.

Starter motor.

Regulator.

Flat battery.

General Comments:

Old school, a bit rough at low speeds, not really a town bike, it loves country roads and motorways, just enough BHP.

Good tank range (200 miles), comfortable and cheap to purchase. Build quality isn't that good, although the engine is sound, but the electrics are rubbish.

Loads of character from the L twin 2 valve motor. Better than the boring Japanese 4s; all Ducatis need a little more care and maintenance, but it's worth it. There is something about the old Ducati ST2 that makes you keep it and still moan about it when it breaks down. The old Ducatis are easy bikes to work on once the fairing is removed, and I have done most of the repairs myself.

Handles really well once set-up right; I have done a 400 mile trip in one day, only stopping for petrol. I keep thinking about selling the bike, but for the money that it cost me, I think I will run it into the ground, and in the meantime save up my money for a brand new BMW GT800.

Faults:

Needed a new battery at time of purchase. Even with that new battery, the starter still turned over frighteningly slowly, so I replaced the grounding and starter cables with a set from Powerlet, and it made such a great improvement! Thanks Ducati Forums!

The first owner had installed an on/off switch for the headlight, which is a sign of a charging issue, so he must have finally replaced the regulator, because by the time I bought it, that switch was no longer hooked up and the charging has been solid.

I noticed that if you try to soften the rear suspension, the side stand becomes a bit too long, making the bike prone to tipping over.

General Comments:

I bought this used bike, praying it wouldn't be a lemon. And fortunately it's been a gem. I did ensure that the bike had service records, which most Ducati owners keep well organized.

Everything about riding and owning this bike has been a pleasure.

The price of belts and filters from the dealer are surprisingly reasonable for this engine generation, and with the YouTube tutorials online, there's no reason to pay anyone for valve adjustment or belt replacements.

I ordered a shorter windscreen for $20 off eBay, which I find reduces helmet buffeting.

Not much else to say; it's an Italian beauty that has a growing fan club for all the right reasons.

Faults:

Electrical fault caused random engine cut out in the wet.

General Comments:

An excellent sports tourer.

Utterly reliable after the initial fault was rectified by Ducati, faulty side stand sensor.

Extremely comfortable, one or two up.

Custom full luggage set was stylish and cavernous.

1000 miles a day easily achievable throughout Europe.

Faults:

The steering bearings are punk and are insufficiently greased.

Replace with rollers as soon as possible.

Fuel filter in the petrol tank sucks.

Body panel removal too lengthy an operation, use Dzus fittings.

Bad rust inside tank, Ducati slack with internal tank rust treatment.

Bike's overgearing makes it awkward round town, dropping a tooth off the front sprocket fixes all that.

General Comments:

Love the way this bike works, it doesn't yank you around like a 4, but pushes you.

Great overtaking bike, acceleration at traffic speed is instant.

At higher speeds it feels like you're drilling the air.

Bike needs to be properly set up, then you have a beautiful, neutral and stable handling ride.

ST2 keeps it's looks, the earlier 916/998s look second hand real quick.

Engine simple, willing and responsive, not a howler that yanks your arms out.

Would like more power but can't steel myself to sell the ST2.

Who ever has enough power? You always recalibrate your expectations, but not all bikes have personality that makes you smile.

The ST2's problems are details that can be corrected, the heart of the bike is sound.