I started out with my 2001 cromo 12 years ago and still ride it today, but it's getting tougher to tour on it as I get older.

I bought a crashed 2000 m900ie a couple years back and rebuilt it for my wife, but she doesn't ride as often as she thought she would and she prefers to ride two-up on anything longer than a day ride.

We had been thinking of selling her monster and buying a touring Ducati, but would have had to finance anything newish and I hate being in debt. I would have loved a new multi, but it's a few years off yet.

Last week a fellow about an hour away had a 98 ST2 up for "interesting trade". I emailed him and asked if he wanted to trade for a 2000 monster. He replied that he thought he might and I rode out to meet him. We swapped bikes, went for a ride and shortly thereafter swapped titles.

The good:

32,000 km's
evolutionize clutch slave
CF clutch cover
upgraded headlights
bar risers
corbin seat (although I prefer sargent)
panniers

The bad:

It's been repainted. This would have been a good thing as I love ducati red, but the quality of the paint job is not very good. There is much orange peel and dimpling.

I will likely pull off the tank and plastic off over the winter and get it done right.

NICE!  Now that is the way to upgrade.  

Today I'm installing a set of rizoma bars and risers I had kicking around. Hopefully there will be clearance for the resevoirs.

I've also ordered a zero gravity windscreen and some stainless steel fasteners to replace the black bullet ones the previous owner put on.

I also have an order coming from California cycleworks for Belts and brake pads.

I could see riding this for a few years and then when I can afford a multi, turning the ST2 into a naked.

Nice!  Can ride those things all day and still have as much fun as the Monster.   

niice.

Sweet ride.  

It already has the most important upgrade, the Ducati Designs head lamps. 

We love our STs.  

Really the perfect bike that is often overlooked.

If you're interested in selling the windscreen currently on the bike, send me a PM.

take a look at the regulator and connector to it....if it hasn't been addressed already, then that is something you will want to get ahead of before it puts you behind the ball....

Zoom reminded me...

We have had issues with the upper wiring harness on both of our bikes.  Mine being replaced first thing this season. 

It tends to hold water in the large connector on the back side of the fuse array under the left dash.

Water, wire, connector pins.  No Bueno.   

Less of an issue if the bike is never riden/stored in the rain.

ST's are good machines, vastly underrated.

It would be worth getting the CaCW wellnut kit, chances are many of yours have perished, it makes dealing with the bodywork a royal PITA.

 What a great trade! Congrats!

"congratulazioni e buona fortuna!"   

Great trade. 

I test rode an ST4s a few years back... geometry just wasn't right for me.    I was seriously bummed, because it was a *fantastic* ride.  I still kinda lust after them.

Have fun!

Huge score on the headlight. They go for around $600 USD and make a huge difference.

I got a DP chip on e-bay for about $50 new (there are a ton out there). Best upgrade hands down for mine.

Been away for a few days, but thanks for all the suggestions and general good thoughts.

I've been out abou 6-7 times now and I like the bike almost as much as the monster and certainly much better on the hwy.

The monster will always be my first love, but the ST will give her a well earned break from hwy duties.