Ducati ST2

Ester

Use of the Ducati 996 led us to seek out a more practical machine for visiting customers on. This was also prompted by the significant difference between the VFR400 and the 996, a closer match was needed, so we found an old ST2.

The ST, nicknamed 'Ester', has been a faithful servant for about 4 years now, having completed some 53,000 trouble filled miles. The electrics on these Italian jobs is just not quite there, batteries, wiring, regulators, and a couple of alternator sensors have left the RAC to rue affording us membership. From what we've seen, Ester is typical in regard to the problems seen, although the usage is very high, out in all weathers, anything the Welsh weather can throw at us, Ester's been out in it. This may have exacerbated the condition slightly, that and her age (1997)

Being a Sports Tourer and given my history, it was inevitable that we should go touring and getting lost together. Not having a reputation for reliability meant that this was risky, so I only went to Scotland - 14 days in the highlands and lowlands then back via Leeds to South Wales. A total of just over 2000 miles.

I need not have worried, she behaved impeccably, shame about the rider really, got lost almost everywhere, but somehow managed to regain the route and the road. The trip took in a lot of Scotland's current and extinct distilleries, so the roads we used were not always conducive to the ST2 and led us to get stuck in the mud once or twice. The bike held up well, early days were hot August affairs and she was running at near boiling point as I struggled to locate hidden Victorian buildings now converted to flats. Then we were in the mountains lost in freezing fog or battling through flash floods in Perth.

Whilst the bike survived all this, it took a toll on the electrics and since then reliability has sadly been a pipe dream. Still the clock has gone past 53,000 miles now so we ain't doing too bad, even though I'm now on first name terms with the RAC operators and Dragon Recovery drivers.