2002 Ducati ST2 review from New Zealand
"It always puts a smile on my face, and of all the bikes I've had, least likes to be in the garage"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
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.
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Acceleration marks | 7 / 10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Handling marks | 8 / 10 |
| Braking marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 20000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 36000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 29th August, 2009 |