Wanna buy » 748S owner considering MS or ST3s

[Panter]

Hi fellow ducatisti,

I'm driving my 748S for already 5 years and I'm looking out for a bike that's still enjoyable at low speeds for touring and city traffic but also suitable for sportive rides and occasional track days. (So basically a MULTI-purpose bike ).

Until now I have done two tesdrives with the MS:

First: Brand new MS (was not allowed to go in high revs): I couldn't get the smile of my face, begging for twisties à volonté

Second: New MS that had it's first 1000 km so I was allowed to pull open the throttle. I was satisfied with the engine but felt that the front of the bike was too light and the rear of the bike didn't feel like driving on rails as I'm used from a Duc in high speed or bad road turns.
Is this a matther of setting up the suspension correctly, or should I go for the ST?
Will the S version of the MS be worth the extra money having in mind the above stated use and/or would it solve these problems?

Btw, of the track, I often take a passenger with me.

Some experiences concerning luggage/traveling are also welcome.

Thanks for your input guys

[Duncan 2010 1200 (White)]

Hi

I have just swapped a 996 for a new MS 1000s and gone thru the same loop. The value for money of going for the S version is superb. You do need to get the suspension set though and i suggest you got to a good tuning shop who know Ohlins. I have just done 900 miles in a weekend in France on twisties, motorway and dirt track. This bike does it all no problem and no bad back after me. The fuel tank range is good if you use the trip meter not the guage.

[JohnB 2005 1000S DS (Red)]

Of all the bikes I have owned, this is the least happy in heavy traffic. If I had to contend with this often, I'd probably lower the gearing with either a smaller front or larger rear sprocket.

[Duncan 2010 1200 (White)]

I have found I sit in 3rd gear in heavy traffic as it is so flexible.

[martins]

Consider going 44 at the back,

[Duncan 2010 1200 (White)]

Does this affect the front end under acceleration ?

[cliffst 2005 1000 DS (Red)]

Of all the bikes I have owned, this is the least happy in heavy traffic.

split lanes - yes I know it's illegal but it works. I do it all the time.

[Duncan 2010 1200 (White)]

Could you explain the split lane thing to an Englishman. I take it is not slaloming thru the traffic at 75 like we do in the UK ? !!!!!

[JohnB 2005 1000S DS (Red)]

I have found I sit in 3rd gear in heavy traffic as it is so flexible.

My "heavy traffic" must be a lot heavier (slower) than yours. I'm talking first or second gear at best with the stock gearing.

[Adventure Rider 2004 1000 DS (Red)]

Second: New MS that had it's first 1000 km so I was allowed to pull open the throttle. I was satisfied with the engine but felt that the front of the bike was too light and the rear of the bike didn't feel like driving on rails as I'm used from a Duc in high speed or bad road turns.
Is this a matther of setting up the suspension correctly, or should I go for the ST?
Will the S version of the MS be worth the extra money having in mind the above stated use and/or would it solve these problems?

1) Tires make a huge difference - the stock tires are nothing to write home about - so see if you can get some good tires right off the bat; Conti Sport/Road Attacks or Michelin Pilot Road/Power.

2) Setup will make a difference, but how much will depend on well that is done - but yes, the front end is light.

3) If I had it to do over again, I would get the 'S' for the Ohlins suspension.