OK, so having now ridden my new to me ST2 over the last 2 weeks and having covered circa 500 miles I would like to report the following. This is also my first Ducati. The bike is in lovely condition, turns heads, is well maintained and I'm told from riders behind that the bike sounds fantastic. I've just installed new tyres. However, I have no reference points against which I can judge anything so would love to hear from you guys especially anyone that rode an early ST2 in its day and also from the guys who ride modern powerful bikes. It has so much grunt that I have to constantly be careful; it doesn't seem to like being below 3K revs? In heavy congestion I find that 1st gear at 3-4K revs is smoother than 2nd gear with a lot of clutch slipping - Is this normal and typical? In all gears I tend to keep the revs between 3 & 4K but am I being over conservative and should I be giving it some? The bike really doesn't seem to like slow travel and it becomes a bit of a handful at times but get an open road and wow, away she goes - is this normal and typical? For me, at this stage I am enjoying the learning curve of a very different bike but keep thinking there must be smoother and more enjoyable rides especially given the UK roads and congestion. I'm sure if this discussion evolves there will be other matters that I will seek guidance on but I would genuinely like to know if the ST2 I have is fairly typical of the marque. Thank you
I'm sure you will get many replies Nifty - it sounds fine to me, and yes, the constant "clutching" at low speeds is typical/normal and even if you alter the chain drive ratio (as many do) it will only be marginally better. After a while it becomes second nature, and you will just "clutch" or coast momentarily ffs alternately whilst planning ahead. How are you finding finding neutral when you come to a standstill? - should be straightforward with your dry clutch if in good fettle.
Interesting; the one tip that I adopted was finding neutral before coming to a standstill and believe it or not, it seems to be working. Isn't it funny how so many of these little quirky issues end up becoming a characteristic of the bikes and we just get on with it.
I have no direct knowledge of the ST2, as the only Ducati I have ridden is my 950 Multistrada. However that does not like being below 3,000 revs in the lower gears, and around town I will select gears dependent on that so it does spend a lot of time in first gear. I don't have an issue with that as I was always taught to keep any vehicle in a gear in which it will immediately respond to an input, either opening or closing the throttle; I cannot understand the modern trait of getting into the highest gear possible in town and making the engine labour. As far as keeping it between 3,000 - 4,000, I tend to keep it around there if I am keeping at a constant speed, however if I am "making progress" then it is, as you put it, given some. And I was always taught that coasting anywhere was a hanging offence, so won't knock it into neutral whilst moving, but I do find it easier to find neutral from 2nd rather than 1st.
Anything 3000rpm or less is lugging it, which will do it no good at all. Use the revs - they're there & available for fun!
As someone hinted at, check the front chain sprocket. If its 15 tooth which is standard get it changed to a 14 tooth sprocket asap. It is more than just a little different , you will feel the benefit.
When discussing engine speed and gear selection, it is helpful to know what road speeds we are considering. As others have implied, grabbing a fistful of throttle below 3000 rpm will not produce much beyond complaints from your machine, especially in higher gears. But both my ST3 and my previous ST2 could be made to run smoothly down to 2000 rpm and below, and gently pick up speed (accelerate seems somehow the wrong word, however technically correct) on a whiff of throttle — ideal for town traffic where one should not be aiming for crash acceleration.
I will certainly check asap but suspect they are a standard 15/42 set up. I have read all good reports about going to 14 tooth but have equally seen some reports suggesting going up at the rear is more favourable
Dropping 1 tooth on the gearbox doesn’t require a new chain, increasing the rear sprocket by 2 will. Andy
I'd strongly discourage use of a 14T gearbox sprocket. Apart from the fact that even a 15T sprocket is already absurdly far away from approximating a circle, a 14/42 combination gives an exact 3:1 reduction, which — because it fails to distribute wear sufficiently evenly — will shorten the effective life of both sprockets and the chain. Much better to go up one tooth at the rear, since 43 is a prime number and gives a hunting-tooth effect to the overall set-up. That said, it's a six-speed (count 'em!) gearbox. And the ratios are ideally spaced, in the sense that changing up at peak-power rev.s lands on peak-torque rev.s. For comparison: my 750 Norton Commando left the factory with a 21T gearbox sprocket (US models got 19T to cater for the Yankee obsession with 1/4-mile times). Alternative sprockets were listed up to 24T. Given that Commandos have a 42T rear sprocket, the Euro market spec. results in a lunatic 2:1 final drive ratio …
There is a lot of experience with 1990’s Ducati 916 era bikes on this forum that says different. And there is no comparing a 1970’s British parallel twin with a 90’s L twin. Andy
I have fitted a 14T front sprocket to every single Ducati I have owned in nearly 30 years and never experienced excessive chain or sprocket wear. Even my 1098R has a 14T sprocket, coupled with a 520 chain with no issues.
Owned an early ST2 for 2/3 years couple of decades ago great bike in my experience but with some foibles? that were par for the course. Heavy clutch, hard seat after a few hours, lumpy under 3k revs so certainly 'difficult' in traffic/town riding but again, like Ducatis of the period, excelled on an open road and handled a track day very well. Only problem was a burnt out rectifier when we rode to Italy, again a common problem on early bikes in fact there was a mod from recollection on the oil throw around the stator. Your neutral problem could be the chain on the tight side? loosen it off a little and see if that makes a difference. If the clutch is too heavy and plates are not worn, try removing two of the springs, makes it far better.
