Ducati ST2
Ducati's first attempt at a modern sports touring machine was introduced in late 1996. It used an enlarged version of the 1993 907ie 904cc engine, which was bored out to 944cc. This two-valve, SOHC desmodromic engine sits between the air-cooled SS and the four-valve liquid-cooled superbike engines in terms of power and performance. The revised engine was fitted into a relatively well-appointed chassis. The company's trademark steel-tube trellis frame is used, this time a variant of the Monster frame, itself developed from the 888 superbike design. Upside-down Showa front forks and Brembo brakes were lifted from the 916 sportsbike, and the rear monoshock suspension developed from the 916 but with double-sided steel swingarm. Performance and Comfort with Ducati Style The Ducati ST2 was conceived and built in the tradition of the "Gran Turismo" cars of Europe: a spirited combination of performance and usability. It is the first motorcycle to achieve a fusion of the comfort and style of a sport-tourer and the performance and handling of a World Superbike Champion. For the rider, slightly lowered foot pegs and raised handlebars allow maximum comfort for longer trips. The instrumentation is all sportbike-complete with racing style tach and LCD display screen. The beautifully integrated rear view mirrors feature partially aspheric lenses that permit a wider field of vision. A Ducati exclusive. The standard equipment saddle bags are roomy enough for gear and a helmet. When the bags are removed, the exhaust pipes adjust upward for enhanced cornering clearance. We did say "SPORT"-Tourer after all. At Ducati, performance is a birthright. The ST2's 944cc engine is the latest in the famous line of Ducati "Desmo" 90-degree V-Twins, now with electronic fuel injection and liquid cooling. Mounted to the trademark steel trestle frame, the engine provides impressive power with an incredible torque curve. Substantially lighter than most bikes in it's class, the ST2 out-handles the competition with it's potent power-to-weight ratio. |