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Ducati ST3S

The classic European Gran Turismo tradition is the inspiration for the Ducati Sport Touring family. The 2005 ST family offers maximum handling, rider comfort and style in three models – the ST3, with 3-valve Desmo engine, and the flagship ST4S and ST4S ABS. The advanced Anti-lock Braking System on the ST4S ABS offers enhanced safety and confidence in all riding conditions.

With its ideal riding position, optional saddlebags and two of our most powerful Ducati Desmodromic 90° L-twin engines, the ST family excels on both weekend get-aways and longer cross-country journeys.

Classic Grand Turismo Tradition. The 2005 ST family offers maximum handling, rider comfort and style.

Features & Benefits

The ST3 sports a powerful, 3-valve, Desmo L-twin engine. Matched with its Superbike-derived trellis frame, adjustable suspension, comfortable two-up riding position and optional colour-matched luggage, the ST3 is at ease on both twisty mountain roads and cross-country motorways.

Improved reliability and low emissions make the ST3 a confident choice to tackle wild mountain passes and endless stretches of highway. Producing 107 hp at 8750 rpm, the ST3 has more than enough power for the long haul and inspires confidence, even when two-up and under the full weight of luggage.

Review

Every really good sports touring motorcycle should be sold with a warning sticker inside its fairing that says: "This motorcycle is smooth and fast enough to incinerate your licence This is one of those rare bikes on which 1000km days become a pleasure."

I'vve often found myself riding a Triumph, BMW or Honda at 200km/h where the law says I should be travelling at least 80km/h slower. The Moto Guzzi Norge achieves the same effect. But, until recently, I hadn't ridden a Ducati that had the required blend of weather protection and smoothness.

Ducati makes stupendously fast bikes that handle sublimely and pure fun machines, too, but previous attempts at sports tourers have tended to emphasise the sports part of the equation to the exclusion of boring criteria such as comfort over distance and dependability two-up.

The 2007 992cc ST3 ABS changes all that. I realised how charming it was as I swept past a very expensive sports car on an English motorway, glanced at the speedometer and closed the throttle sharply.

In essence this is a technical and aesthetic refinement of a model that has been available for seven years but that doesn't convey the extent of the improvement Even after a long day on the autobahn it still tempts you to play.

The big L-Twin engine is not as powerful as the units fitted to class-leading rivals such as the BMW R1200RT, Triumph Sprint and Honda Pan European. Top speed is lower, too, but, like these rivals, the Ducati feels immensely civilised at high speed and cocoons its rider in a bubble of calm.

A wider and taller upper fairing cuts out much of the wind-battering that can make extended high-speed cruising so exhausting. With ear-plugs in I felt thoroughly cossetted. This is one of those rare bikes on which 1000km days become a pleasure, even if it's raining.

Raised handlebars add another dimension, moulding the rider into a relaxed position with a commanding view of the road. Large mirrors make sure that includes to the rear; a life-saver on the busy motorways on which sports tourers must thrive.

The seat is broad, firm and welcoming, as good as any on the market and big enough for two large adults.

The clean, modern cockpit design includes a good range of instruments in addition to the standard speed, revs and fuel gauges. You can choose to display fuel consumption or fuel remaining and average or highest speed. There's an ambient-temperature gauge, too.

Race-derived components

The large fuel-tank and relatively frugal engine offer a 350-400km range. Again, this puts the ST3 right up alongside the best of British, German and Japanese technology.

Like them, however, it's when the motorway ends and the bends get tight and frequent that the Ducati really exhibits its class. A judicious blend of race-derived suspension components, alloy wheels and low-end torque make it a delight to chuck about.

Where the asphalt gets sinuous those big, upright handlebars offer loads of leverage. Even after a long day on the autobahn they still tempt you to play.

The ST3 also forgives errors that are common when riders are tired and senses are jaded. The anti-lock braking system is acutely sensitive. When riding too fast on narrow, wet, leaf-strewn lanes I found it unfussy and reassuring. This is ABS for riders who enjoy making rapid progress.

The Ducati has been rendered less macho than its predecessor, without creating a snail.

Appraising stares

Italian motorcycles must look good. The ST3 succeeds. From its superb adjustable headlight and extended fairing, this is an elegant motorcycle. When I parked it in a busy pub car park young women subjected it to appraising stares. They were certainly not focusing on me.

But there is a rough edge common to many large-capacity twin-cylinder motorcycles. Engine vibration is discernible through the handlebars towards the top of the rev-range but you'll have to travel a long way at thoroughly illegal speeds to notice - and, even then, it's not intrusive. But in the end it explains why I prefer three and four-cylinder tourers to twins.

That said, the engine is beguiling nearly all the way to the red line. As a mountain climber, the ST3's combination of torque and handling make it second to none, as it it were made to be ridden through the Italian Alps.

The sports-touring class contains the elite of grown-up motorcycling. This Ducati deserves a place among its finest. - The Independent, London

Source Motoring.co.za