2004 Ducati reviews

Things I like about the monster 620ie are the seating position, the vtwin sound and torque, the nakedness, light weight low seat height, and looks that wont grow old. Things I don't like are the stiffly sprung front fork, low clearance, the front header always hits speed bumps, and the lack of a bigger storage compartment. My previous bike was a 1999yzf-R1 but i still love the monster..nuff said. Show less

I bought my ST3 in May and have loved it. I know of no other bike that offers such a nice combination of beauty, power, handling and comfort. The Ducati engine sounds great and it has amazing torque. This, combined with the bike's excellent suspension and modest weight (467lb.), make it a joy to ride through the twisties. Show less

I'm more than happy with my S4R. It's hard to keep the front end down in first, get pipes/filter/comp. and you can say the same thing about second gear. HARD! I drive aggressively and I think it likes me too. Oh, and it's absolutely beautiful. A work of art. The Ferrari of motorcycles. You have to be passionate about Ducati's or just Italian to appreciate them for what they're worth. And if you're both, stop reading this and buy one already! Show less

Finding a bike that can double as a sport bike and tourer is not easy, but the Multistrada is pure magic, fantastic on the open road and brilliant on the twisties. Computer system had to be replaced and just needed to be cut out, which is just like hitting the kill button... very unerving when it happened. After replacing the command unit, no more problems. Front brakes suffer from juddering in the last few feet before stopping. That will need to be sorted. Useless mirrors and crazy fuel gauge are the only real gripes. Superb riding position for the taller riders, short riders might find it hard getting their feet on the ground. Handling is magnificent and this bike will teach the R1s and GIXXER's a thing or two. Not ballistic in the power range but more than ample to dispose of most other machines, here's hoping they stick the 999 lump in it one day and then it will be untouchable. Show less

This bike feels very light, more like an open class motorcross bike with killer tires! The throttle response is like nothing else you will ever ride; really. So smooth, linear but nicely intense. Dry clutch has been fine. Best shifting bike I've ever owned. Mirrors are a crime! Zero problems the first year of ownership. Riding from Texas to South Dakota in August on it, so I trust it 100%. I have no problem strongly recommending this bike. Show less

I am the very recent owner (11/02/04), of an '05 1000 DS. My last mount was a Ducati 900 SS/FE, a rare and unique bike. The difference in the two bikes however, is amazing. I am first and foremost impressed with the new generation twin-spark, fuel injected engine and its seemingly quantum leap in torque. Good work Ducati. I mean, this thing is incredible! I had a set of Remus carbon cans installed before I took delivery, knowing that the stock exhaust system is quite restrictive and renders the Duc as melodic as a Sears lawn tractor. I believe it liberated about 7 HP, according to the Mechanic. The bike has a definite sport feel, yet behaves in a civil manner, reacting predictably to expansion joints and other road maladies. It is a bit cramped, but that is the nature of this type of bike. I have not noticed the type of power fade I had experienced from my previous Duc, and hope that the Fuel injection has remedied that problem, as it was quite pronounced on my '98 900. This machine exudes character, from the quirky clutch antics to the beautiful clattering of Desmodromic valve actuation, and is a must for someone who has run the Japanese Sport bike gamut and is now ready for the panache that only a Ducati can provide. Show less

I picked up my new ST3 in April and within 100 feet of riding I had this permanent smile on my face. I rode over 11,000 kms this summer in all types of conditions. 7 days of the most incredable twisties in BC, Washington, Idaho and Montana proved the ST3 is the best all around touring sport bike today. The engine is the best part, pulls great and excellent torque, very comfortable on the long straight runs and as nimble as any sport bike on the twisties. Loaded with gear I recieved 35% better fuel mileage than my partner's Honda 919. Snow tonight means a long rest for my trusted steed. Better get my skis waxed. Show less

Just bought a dealer-used rare Black Multistrada. Put on about 100 miles this weekend and can't wait to do more. I got a fantastic deal - I paid less for the Ducati than I would have paid for a Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, or Suzuki. Ride is fantastic. Nothing unsettles the bike. Grips the road perfectly, even on the poorly maintained county roads around my house. Acceleration is simply amazing, even with my big self on the bike. Brakes have serious power up front. The clutch is a bit stiff, but not bad enough to matter, and the transmission doesn't miss. The lights are super bright, and controls are intuitive. The seat isn't so bad, but I've only put 45 minutes on at a stretch. I'll probably give an update after a couple thousand miles, but I LOVE this bike. Show less

I have put over 7,000 miles on my ST3, performance has been flawless, vibration indistinguishable, suspension good, brakes excellent, gas mileage great, saddle bags and trunk excellent with protection/appearance and size. I do have a small oil leak that showed up after the dealer serviced it, I haven't traced it out yet. The Michelin tires have been giving excellent wear and traction. Fairing provides good protection, except for hands. Mirrors offer a decent rear view. The bike has surpassed my expectations! Show less

Performance: Crank open the throttle and be prepared to be ripped off the bike. This bike is a dream in canyon riding and sweeper turns. On the interstate the accelleration and agility improves the safety factor in my opinion. My dealership is installing Heli Bars to reduce my reach for the clip ons. I am confident this will improve my long distance riding comfort. The saddle bags are first class. Reliabilty: 5. Styling: 5+ These bikes look great! Value: a 5+ This bike must be a well kept secret. It can't get much better than this. Show less