Ducati St3 Vs. Yamaha Fjr1300

Ducati ST3 vs. Yamaha FJR1300

Supersport-touring

BRIAN CATTERSON

IF YOU READ THIS YEAR'S TEN BEST BIKES ISSUE (CW, July), you already know the winner of this comparison. Or at least think you do. After a season's hiatus in which it was eclipsed by BMW’s everything-but-the-kitchen-sink K1200GT, Yamaha’s FJR1300 returned for 2004 with a drawer full of changes to reclaim the Best Sport-Touring Bike crown it wore in 2002. But there was one other new model that was a strong contender for the title, one that depending on your definition of sport-touring may better suit your desires.

That bike is the Ducati ST3. Replacement for the Italian manufacturer’s original sport-turismo model, the ST2 that debuted in 1998, the threevalve ST3 combines the best qualities of its two-valve predecessor with its current four-valve stablemate, the ST4S. Boosting displacement from 944 to 992cc while adding an additional intake valve and sparkplug per cylinder let the liquid-cooled, sohc V-Twin retain its trademark low-end power while boosting top-end considerably-it feels like an ST2 that just keeps on revving. That performance enhancement was verified on Of s in-house dyno, where the ST3 churned out 26 more horsepower and 13 more foot-pounds of torque than the old ST2.

Twist the throttle and that newfound power is immediately evident. The engine responds right now, gleefully elevating the front wheel in first gear and, with a little clutch-assist, in second. Power arrives early and stays late, and gear changes from the six-speed ’box are snick-snick slick. All accompanied by that sound, the glorious racket that can only come from a desmo Ducati-even one wearing its stock mufflers.

While the ST3’s engine garners most of the attention, that’s not the only news. Its upper fairing was revised so that it’s taller and more angular, with a stylish-yetbright headlight and faired-in turnsignals. Together with higher (and adjustable) handlebars and a softer (we’d say too soft) seat, this gives the bike a more-upright riding position that better suits long-distance runs. Handling remains classic Ducati, slightly heavy-steering but neutral and ultra-stable, and the fully adjustable suspension works fine for a solo rider.

If there’s a fly in the ointment, it’s the ST3’s lowspeed performance. You need a bit of finesse with the clutch lever or the high-compression pistons and light flywheels will conspire to at least make the ride herky-jerky, and at most make the engine stall. Either way, you'll quickly tire of banging helmets with your passenger.

A little clutch slippage is also desirable when downshifting entering a comer, as it helps keep the rear wheel from chattering-think of it as a do-it-yourself slipper clutch. As on most other Ducatis, the hydraulic clutch pull is on the stiff side, but it’s only really bothersome in stop-and-go riding, or while holding in the lever at a stoplight (which is what neutral is for, isn’t it?). Craw l through city traffic long enough and the dry clutch can start to feel grabby, again a situation that is exacerbated with a passenger.

The ability to carry a passenger is a big part of what distinguishes the Yamaha from the Ducati, because with its omnipotent R1-derived, 1298cc, 16-valve dohc four-cylinder engine, the FJR1300 never leaves you wanting for more power. It couldn’t care less whether you ride it solo, with a passenger, or with a passenger and luggage. Or which one of its five gears it’s in, for that matter. Lug it down to idle in a tight comer, then whack the throttle open at the exit, and the FJR’s spot-on fuel-injection lets it accelerate smoothly away. No herkyjerky, no clutch slippage required. The thing is a tractor!

DUCATI ST3

$11,995

Ups

Best V-Twin engine ever? Three color options include red, yellow or silver It’s fun to say “Desmotre”

Downs

New fairing “Intercepted” from Honda Could be more passengerfriendly Too maintenance-intensive for a touring bike

The Yamaha is a much larger bike than the Ducati-longer, heavier and with significantly less cornering clearance-but twist the throttle and all is forgiven. In spite of weighing nearly 100 pounds more than its rival, the blue bike smoked the red one by almost half a second in the quarter-mile, and posted a 7-mph-higher top speed. Now that’s powerful!

Range is a big consideration with touring bikes, and here the Yamaha comes out on top again. Based on our average fuel-mileage figures, its giant 6.6-gallon gas tank will let it go 238 miles-40 miles farther than the Ducati’s

5.5-gallon tank will let it go, in spite of the latter’s superior fuel economy.

The Yamafia is also more comfortable. While the ST3’s riding position is more livable than the old ST2’s, it’s still far racier than the FJR’s, which feels

more standard than sportbike. Passengers appreciate that because they don’t have to lean forward so far to hold onto the rider. The Yamaha also has a couple of convenience features that the Ducati doesn’t have, such as shaft drive, an electrically adjustable windscreen (larger now than on

the original ’02 model), plus a novel system that lets you choose between two spring rates for the rear shock-a real boon when switching from solo to two-up.

Our only real complaint about FJR is excessive engine heat radiating out the back of the fairing.

So, which bike wins? They both do. Like we said at the start, it depends on your definition of sport-touring. If you’re looking for a solo sportbike that you can take on weekend getaways, choose the Ducati. If you’re in the market for a two-up touring bike that can pull double-duty as a Sunday-morning canyon-carver, choose the Yamaha. You can’t go wrong either way.

YAMAHA FJR1300

$11,799

Ups

Smoother, faster, comfier and more likely to be on time than Amtrak Which MotoGP bike did they steal this engine from?! ABS an $1100 option

Downs

Are those my calves roasting? Are those the footpegs dragging? Aren’t there colors besides blue?