Motorcycle specifications Ducati944 ST2 1997 Suitcases for Ducatists
presentation of the 944 ST2 1997
Opening up to new horizons is something Bologna thinks about and practices, much to the chagrin of purists. "A Ducati for touring? Inconceivable..." For the "real thing", the Italians from the parent company of the 916 are sports bikes. Period. However, the manufacturer has succeeded in its mission with the ST2. A sporty GT machine that preserves the transalpine character of desmodromic machines. The engineers didn't take a 996 and dress it up differently, grafting suitcases onto it. No, they designed a completely new motorcycle. The trellis frame still holds pride of place, but its design is specific. The fairing is new, with a less aggressive design than the sports bikes, but with a beautiful elegance.
The engine is the usual L-twin, a water-cooled version with 2 valves per cylinder. Although it doesn't have the fire of a Testastretta twin, it's nevertheless pleasant and willing, even offering some flexibility. The machine is welcoming for long rides, although the protection is really just right. Where the ST2 really shines is in comfort, with generous seating and suspension. The machine is easy to handle, even if cornering remains typical of Ducatis. The handling is imperial. Braking is a little more demanding than on a Japanese bike, but not without power. To complete the touring package, there's a full dashboard with digital window, a good range, and matching panniers as an option... A user-friendly Ducati; but where are we going?!? Not quite, because the big boys won't be the better off. An ST4 version with a boiling-hot 916 engine is also available in the catalog.
M.B
(manufacturer's photos)
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Key facts Ducati 944 ST2 (1997) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- handling
- Engine
- consumption
Weak points
- Tiresome driving
- Position trop sportive
- Side stand
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
 France |
10,100€
|
Performance
- Max speed : 228 km/h (141.70 mph)
- 0-100 km/h acceleration : 3.60 s
- Average fuel consumption : 6 liters/100km (0.39 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 383 km (238 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications Ducati 944 ST2 1997
- Chassis
- Frame : Tubular steel mesh
- Fuel capacity : 23 liters (6.08 US gallons)
- Seat height : 820 mm (32.28 in)
- Length : 2,110 mm (83.07 in)
- Width : 820 mm (32.28 in)
- Min height : 1,130 mm (44.49 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,090 mm (42.91 in)
- Dry weight : 209 kg (461 lb)
- Weight when fully loaded : 232 kg (511 lb)
- Front axle
- Inverted telehydraulic fork , Wheel travel : 130 mm (5.12 in)
- Braking 2 discs Ø 320 mm (12.6 in), 4-piston caliper
- Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.15 bar
- Transmission
- 6 stage gearbox
- Secondary by chain
- Rear axle
- Mono-damper, Wheel travel : 148 mm (5.83 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 245 mm (9.65 in), 2-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 170 / 60 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.35 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder 90° L-shape , 4 strokes
- Injection
- Cooling system : liquid
- 1 ACT
- 2 valves per cylinder
- 944 cc (Bore x stroke: 94 x 68 mm)
- 83 ch (81.90 hp) to 8,500 rpm
- 8.70 mkg to 6,500 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 2.55 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 24.02 kg/mkg
- Compression : 10.2 : 1
Gallery
Models
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
helmet
Gloves
jacket
braking
Chain kit
Oils
Parts
Luggage
Tires
Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 14 reviews
I was stunned by this first test ride, to find such sure handling, an engine that pulls so hard between 4000 and 6000 (it was that big torque so pleasant for a long-distance traveler), the pleasure of swallowing corners like never before
Just to be sure I hadn't had a momentary halucination, I repeated the test with an ST2 a week later at a second dealership, then a third again, this time as a duo. No more doubts: the more I rode the ST2, the more certain I became that this bike would one day be mine
And so it was, at the end of 2002, with the purchase of a beautiful new red ST2, complete with its elegant and practical Nonfango traveller's cases. In just over 2 years, with a fuel consumption of 6 liters / 100 km, I put 55,000 km on it without the slightest hitch
None of my motorcycles before or since has given me as much satisfaction as the Ducati ST2, whose only real shortcoming was an extremely poorly-designed fairing that had to be dismantled and, above all, reassembled without a crisis of nerves to maintain the beast. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Slow Philou
It's a joy to ride, with an assertive character, I've rediscovered the pleasures of the 500 xt on the engine braking side, great road holding, the characteristic engine noise where everyone thinks the connecting rods are cast at idle, not greedy for fuel, and what's more, with 4 cones instead of the air filter, it runs on 80% ethanol without adjustment and without over-consumption! A full tank at 20€ for 300 kilometers, what do you think? Chain kit soon 25000 still in good condition (I only use the clutch when starting, otherwise the rest on the fly), the front tire significantly less, rear 12000
I have a st4 to reassemble but I'm taking my time because the st2 is so cool. Rating : 5/5 Respond to bertrand
i don't regret buying it at all, and for a price that's still affordable. Rating : 4/5 Respond to jojo76
A new 1997 ST2, first model, a few odds and ends taken under warranty. After 40,000 km, no more problems until 187,000, alternator burnt out. I sell it as spare parts.
The defects of the first models were corrected from 2000 onwards. Changed for a 2003 with 15,000 km, no problems, 186,000 km today (except water pump seal at 176,000). Currently for sale
I'm continuing with a 2003 model sold in 2005, bought at 48,000 km, 75,000 km to date. A bit of an overhaul to do, as it was mistreated by the previous owners
I've criss-crossed the length and breadth of Europe (as a duo, then solo now, and I can't get enough of this bike). I do all the maintenance myself. Rating : 5/5 Respond to ST33
even if it's not very powerful, the engine is very endearing, full of character, and that sound!!! very maneuverable, excellent roadholding, which is more very comfortable to cut the road, 900 kms in one day at its handlebars have not caused me any problems or pain
The only problem, which never left me on the side of the road, was a leaking water pump shaft seal (the water was leaking into the oil sump), which was repaired by a mechanic friend of mine, because the network was not very extensive and the prices were quite high. I try to do the maintenance myself, otherwise
I'm not a sectarian, I've got a Honda CB 1000 Big One in parallel, a bike that's diametrically opposed, you can feel that the Ducat lives, rumbles, vibrates, another motorcycle philosophy, both suit me Rating : 4/5 Respond to Fanou
i just bought a 2001 model with 38000 kms. i did the overhaul myself (except injection but it's coming). with a bit of information, the maintenance can be done very well by soignaux (total cost of this big overhaul:150 euros)
driving sensations: great engine, comfort (especially coming off a sv 650), protection, fuel consumption
roadholding:a little confusing at first, but you soon get used to it
drawback: it doesn't like the city: you have to play with the clutch all the time, and it heats up very quickly
in short, a Ducati that's easy to live with on a daily basis Rating : 5/5 Respond to superpap
i can confirm that resale is very difficult..
Fastidious maintenance (clutch, hydraulic receiver seal, altener burnout, engine mounting bolt out of order...) apart from that, there are some who find it reliable..
Other than that, it feels great... well, when it works
I'm going to buy another TDM Rating : 5/5 Respond to Guigui
Nothing to say, 12500km of happiness
Small downside, the dealerships in Rp who make their money on MO time
Found an off-grid garage that will now take care of my beauty
Rating : 5/5 Respond to claudegmt