Buying a Ducati ST2 but two things concern me!

**NHH** · 04 Feb 07, 05:56 PM

I have today seen a ST2 1999 with 5000 miles on the clock. Few scuffs here and there but 2 things concern me and I would like some advice.

1. There is a small oil leak form the base of the engine and when the engine is started the heat from the exhaust starts to burn the oil. Any ideas what this could be and possible cost ?

2. It has not been serviced since June 2003 so will need full service with cams etc changed. Looking at previous bills the owner had this costs looks to be in the region of at least £550 excluding 1 above. Previous bills were from On Yer Bike and P&H. Any advice on this ?

To buy the bike and incur these costs would seem to make the bike a non starter.

Advice gratefully received

NHH

**gjbird** · 04 Feb 07, 09:30 PM

I have had my ST2 for 4 years now and it's a really good bike that's happy to take on most tasks. All I would say is buy one without the problems and with a good solid history. The newer the better and obviously try and get low miles so it gives you chance to pile them on!
Be sure to have a good look at the swingarm, they can rust bad! There have been some ST4s models going for OK money of late. That's what you should get, Ohlins suspension, aluminium swingarm, and THAT engine!

Bascially when it comes to Dukes, don't buy anything that's already got problems, it's often a sign of a bike that's not been cared for!

Good luck,
Gareth

**jim shea** · 05 Feb 07, 09:06 AM

I assume you are buying it privately? so if you can get it cheap enough then it may be worth it? however an oil leak is a worry, could be that the bike has been sitting for a while? can you tell exactly where the leak is?
The full service will cost at least 550++!
Unless you plan to keep the ST2 'forever' I would go for an ST4 if I wanted a reasonable price bike.

**richardst2** · 05 Feb 07, 05:16 PM

Hi, in answer to your questions, the oil leak is usually from the base of the cylinder barrel. The cam belts are not expensive to buy and most able bodied mechanics should be ok to change them. No special tools needed, timing marks are there, plenty of info on the internet regarding belt tension, I have used the 5mm allen key method on my bikes for years without problems. Let me know if you need more info, regards, Richard.

**ST2 Loon** · 05 Feb 07, 07:27 PM

st2 is a stunning bike to ride
i will warn you the top end speed is quite poor though, still enough to loose your licence

they often have a small leak around the base of the rear cylinder i wouldn't worry too much about that

it need not cost all that much to service you can do most of it your self on the 2 valve engines, if you change the oil, filters, pads, brake fluid and spark plugs your self you will save a couople of hrs labour. and the belts are pretty easy to get at on them an all

saying all that the st2 prices are pretty damn low might as well wait till one comes along with a FSH

**jonathan wheal** · 06 Feb 07, 12:48 PM

New cams?, I hope you mean belts, cams should be fine at 5000 miles. The oil on the engine could be excessive chain lube. I had that worry on mine, it looked to be leaking from the crank case joint, but it had simply dribbled down from the front spocket.
Mine also has a slight leak from the rear cylinder base gasket, it doesn't loose enough to need a top up between services.

28000 miles so far and only had 1 electrical fault.

Best get someone who knows Ducatis to have a look with you, if you dont know enough yourself.
good luck.
Jon

**Takka** · 11 Feb 07, 08:37 PM

1. There is a small oil leak form the base of the engine and when the engine is started the heat from the exhaust starts to burn the oil. Any ideas what this could be and possible cost ?

2. It has not been serviced since June 2003 so will need full service with cams etc changed. Looking at previous bills the owner had this costs looks to be in the region of at least £550 excluding 1 above. Previous bills were from On Yer Bike and P&H. Any advice on this ?

Hi. Is the oil leak under the motor & dripping on the front pipe? If so then the leak may be from the oil filter, sometimes they seep. The belts are not a problem to change, dead simply in fact. I have 3 St2's one with over a 100,000miles on it. The motor is still standard, do'es not blow oil etc. These motors are bullet proof. The early 98 models, of which two of mine are, had a issue with the charging system, needed a mod & fitment of a later type of rectifier. The shims for the valve clearance aren't an issue , my 02 model has just clocked 70,000kms & to date has never needed a shim, the 98 has just had a 170,000km check & needed 3 openers, the last needed @ 60,000km's. I wrench all my bikes which includes a 96SP3. If the price was right I'd by it. Cheers Takka.

**Gary-g** · 13 Feb 07, 01:25 PM

NHH
I assume that you went to look at the one near Guildford.

I went to look at that one as well, but i have dismissed it because i think that flexibility is going to be an issue in general and have decided to stick out for an ST4S.

That bike could be a good buy if he will come down in price and if an ST2 is what you want, it may be worth trying to get him down on price.

I didn't spot the oil leak, which is likely to be the cylinder base gasket, as previously mentioned. Ducati's that don't get used much can suffer from this, but i wouldn't worry about it.

The engines's probably not fully run in yet and i expect a general tighten up of the bolts will fix it.

From memory, it needs a full service, new chain and possibly a battery, but one owner 5k examples kept in a posh garage like that one can't be too common and i could only find one mark on it!

I'm keeping my ZZR for the time being and will also go to WDW on it if a decent red ST4S doesn't come along.

Hope you manage to do a deal.

**NHH** · 16 Feb 07, 07:39 PM

Hi everyone

Thanks for the advice brilliant

Yes it was the one in Guildford but it may have gone - had to do long hours at work

.

The oil leak was on the floor where the bike had been standing for a while. I did not notice the chain. What was wrong with it

In terms of body work there were a few marks on the panniers I seem to remember

Again thanks for all the advice

NHH

**Gary-g** · 18 Feb 07, 11:44 PM

NHH,
the bike is still in bike trader, probably because it's overpriced.

The chain was rusty, but possibly salvageable.

'very small mark on the LH pannier but that's all.

All fixable, but at a price.

Not a bad one to go for if you plan to put some miles in!

**cooleronthecoast** · 19 Feb 07, 08:38 AM

No offence to ST2 owners but as gjbird has said unless its the right money, I would look at a later model, an ST4 or ST4s or even an ST3. I paid £4k for my ST4s which is an 02 model with 6000 miles and you can probably pick up one similar for £3500 if you shop around. Nothing wrong with an ST2 but I wouldn't want to pay more than £2500 for one these days. :wink:

**richardst2** · 19 Feb 07, 05:06 PM

No offence taken then, saves me the trouble of looking for you as i pass through Howden on my way to Sherburn

PS can i have your 4s when you have finished with it

**cooleronthecoast** · 20 Feb 07, 12:20 PM

I plan on keeping it a while yet myself but I'll let you know mate. If you are in the area, let me know you, are welcome to drop in for tea or coffee.

**jim shea** · 21 Feb 07, 11:47 AM

I am going to sell my ST4 soon; Y reg 01 22k miles excellent condition full Duc history; cam belt service 2k ago. There is a Ducati performance tank cover and a nice gel seat fitted, plus original seat.
If interested have a look here; www.nirvana-motorcycles.com
Jim.

**cooleronthecoast** · 22 Feb 07, 12:09 PM

Would you be interested in selling the extras seperate Jim?