| Author | Message | ||
     Kootenay |
A friend of mine told me recently he's looking at buying a new bike. He currently rides a Ducati M900 Monster; the reason he's looking around is he's in his 60s and is finding the Monster a bit hard to swing his leg over (he's short like me, too). What I want to know is, is the Lightning any easier to swing a leg over than a Monster? How about an XB12Scg? BTW, the bike he's currently looking at is a Moto-Guzzi Breva 1100. Any other recommendations? (no cruisers, please!) | ||
| Edstevens |
Kootenay, I am 57yrs old, 5'3" and ride a XB9SLow with a seat height of 28.6in and I manage just fine. As for the the regular XB9 well I can't even tippy-toe one with that seat height. I see Ducati will introduce an early 2007 Monster 695 in June with a 30.3in seat height. It might work if the bike had some sag with the rider seated, but my XB9SL doesn't seem to sag at all. I hope your friend finds the bike that fits him. As for me I couldn't be more pleased with XB9SL. | ||
| Norrie |
Well I have a Buell XB9S and my better half has a Ducati Monster 600. The Buell is much taller than the Ducati and heavier to move around. I don't think there's many bikes smaller than the Monster. Norrie. | ||
| Deuceman |
I agree with Norrie. I used to have a 750 Monster and a my current XB9R at the same time. You will probably not find anything smaller than the Ducati Monster. The Buells are much taller. | ||
| Blake |
Suggest you try the low versions offered by Buell. They'll likely fit you fine. Best to simply go to the showroom and try one out though, even take a demo ride on one if you can find it.  | ||
| Kootenay |
Thanks, guys. I know the Firebolts are taller--I have one--was just wondering if the minimalist rear and lower height of the Lightning might help this guy get on and off the bike. His problem is that every now and then he experiences pain in his hips, and can't swing his leg up and over. He told me yesterday, though, that he'll probably keep his current Monster--it's a 900 with high carbon pipes, a very nice bike--it's currently at a shop getting a good spring going-over. (Message edited by Kootenay on March 07, 2006) | ||
| Chadhargis |
I've got a Ulysses and a Monster 900. I did however, test ride a Lightening before I bought my Monster. I thought the Monster had more legroom and was more comfortable for my 6'5" frame. Of course, I found neither bike tall. I'd say the Monster is a little lower. | ||
| Michman |
I have both Monster S4 and XB12 Firebolt. I actually find the Buell to be easier to swing a leg over and maneuver with feet on the ground. I have a 29 1/2" inseam and am 50+. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
I am 5'2 and have a 27" inseam, just got the lightning 12scg and it's perfect, I had a 9sx and it was just too tall for me. | ||
| Buellin_ri |
Angel- What happened to the rino-lined bike? You Just got it done!  | ||
| Fullpower |
Koot: my wife rides a M620 ( all 5 foot 2 inches of her) we put an adjustable rear suspension link on the bike, dropped the rear an inch and a half, then ran the fork tubes up the triples half an inch. fits her pretty well, seems like a toy when i climb on. with the leo vince high pipes her monster weighs 405 pounds full of fuel, very easy for her to move around. that lowering link will fit all the monsters, look on the ducati monster list for sources. | ||
| Kootenay |
Thannks, FP. I'll mention that--could be a help for him. |
