Thinking about touring Italy on ST next year. Can anyone give me any advice on doing this? Best rides, places to stay that won't cost a fortune, bike rentals, etc ?

Italy is just wonderful on a moto!! I have ridden there many times and you will really enjoy it. You can fly into Bologna and rent a bike from Ducati. They have a few models on hand and some ST and Multi with bags. There is also a company called Moto Italia in Milan that rents and will pick you up at the airport.

I know nothing about the hotels. That will take real research.

See some pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/slocumjon/WPM2007Italy#

North Italy is wonderfull....

Really, Italy is all wonderful.
I'm a southern guy and the south of Italy has very many landscapes and historical sites.
In fact, on the south of Italy the ancient Greeks founded the first Italian colonies, so there you can see there the most ancient buildings and their beauties.
Let me know how long you can stay in Italy, so I can give you some advice.
Ciao

Not sure of the exact dates yet, but hopefully we will be there for at least seven days. Any good advice on wineries and riding would be appreciated. I plan on doing research on Italian history but that won't tell me where the best riding is. Thanks!

Seven days are really too little to visit Italy.
No matter, where you'll get in Italy? From north riding the bike or coming by ship?
Ciao