Ducati Monster Forum

Ok so if you read my post over the weekend you know that i bought myself my first ducati a couple weeks ago. And this seems to have put my dad back in the mood to buy a bike. He used to ride motorcycles casually so he knows what hes doing and how to ride. But he wants something so he can ride with me every once in a while. Something that can handle since we live in the rural country so we will be doing alot of twisties but also be comfortable for a 54 year old man. I told him to look into the hypermotard since he was always a big dirt bike guy. But im not sure if it will be a good fit. I could just be suggesting that because i wanna steal it when hes not looking  [evil] lol. But i would like to get some info from some people that are close to the same age as my father. So any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!

Multistrada or hypermotard or monster would be my suggestions, in order.

As a 59 year old man, I'd say there is nothing wrong with a monster for your dad. 
Of course it depends a bit on your dads physical condition. 
I sometimes find my pegs to be a bit high. 
An erect riding position really isn't that comfortable so my preference is more towards a sport touring position.
Maybe a Triumph Sprint, a Z1000, FZ1, or the new FZ8 

+1

My Dad is 52 and rides a Desmo, 1098S, and S4R. He gets a little stiff after a multi hour rides without any decent breaks but loves a sport bike setup. It would probably be helpful to go to a dealership that has demo bikes and see what fits him.

Don't ask us - Ask your dad what he wants.

I know a guy in his upper 60's who was riding a Ducati 916 from Pennsylvania to northern Georgia every fall. The only reason he sold the 916 is because he had a stroke. I once met a guy down in Daytona who was riding a CBR1100XX. He rode it from South Carolina to Daytona in a single day (9+ hours) and he was 74 years old.

When I got my first tattoo when I was 16, but Dad decided to get one as well.  Now that I have my Ducati, my Dad has also gotten the motorcycle bug.  I think he's more of a Harley person, though I gotta say I'm fairly scared of him getting a bike.  I know how much it sucks to crash and get injured, I'd feel really responsible if he had an incident at age 61.

On topic though, I'd think a Monster, Multi, or Hyper would all fit the bill.  I can see how there would be comfort issues for an older person riding a low postured 848.

Wow you said exactly what ive been thinking the past few days, i would feel so responsible.

My 60 something year old father in law has both a hyper and a multi.  I have ridden each a fair bit, but have way more mileage on teh multistrada.

I agree 100% on the multistrada, its way powerful bike, but a much more comfortable riding position.  Personally, I MUCH prefer my Monster, but the riding position doesn't work with his back and knees.  If i had to slab it cross country i would hands down take the multi - for some reason jsut doesn 'speak to me' on any level.

i do not think the Hypermotard is a good choice for what you describe.  It actually may be my favorite bike to take for a 20 minute romp, but i find it so light and twitchy that i am not sure if i were an older guy i woudl want it to be my only bike.  Feel like i am on my mountain bike, just with .

Just the $0.02 of a pretty inexperienced rider who has ridden all three bikes at some length.

YMMV

I don't suppose one of these would be any safer:

(http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2006models/2006-Ural-Retroa-small.jpg)


Though maybe it depends on how you ride it:

(http://www.blackletter.org/news/Ural-jump.jpg)

Multistrada my choice.

a slightly used dark 1098

A multi or ST.

BTW, 54 is not old.  ;)

If new is an option, have him hold out a couple of months for the new Multi. I seriously doubt that he would have many if any gripes.

I'm 63 and ride a Monster with clip-ons. 

+1

And neither is 59 or that age that I will be next year. 

Just wondering what are the benefits of clipons since you said you have them on your monster?

Lower, more forward/aggressive stance.

Generally considered less comfortable.


Basically, he's a 63 year-old badass.   ;D

If he's got the means, and can ride, he'd enjoy the new Multistrada 1200. No-brainer.

For a bit less, a Monster 1100s.

And for less again, a desmodue Multistrada, preferably the 1100 version.

Though I've also heard that clipons allow your spine to straighten out, and in the long run be more comfortable.  I've recently converted, still feeling it out for myself.

Just my opinion obviously, but I would give him your bike. (I read your first thread) That bike can rip your arms off. You would be better served with a bike that is lighter and more nimble, like a 695, 750, or maybe even an 800 Monster. That is unless you are a huge 18 year old.

Well I'm 67 this year and ride my retard and S4Rs and love them both to bits but if any one asked me what I'd recommend I'd have to say the 1100s monster in that its nice and light which as you get older becomes very important  [thumbsup]
Ho yeh I'd have to change the handle bars to the ones from rizoma as they are alot more comfortable  [moto]

 [coffee]

who taught all you old farts how to use these here internets?






(kidding, don't get grouchy, i didn't touch your fiber supplements and i'm not on your lawn)

good thing you're not on my lawn. ;D

ease up, Gran Torino [cheeky]

I think ill be fine, i have a clear head so im not doing anything stupid especially since the bike is new to me and im not used to it, and it also helps that im 6 foot and a solid 205.
Feet touch the ground flat no problem and im strong enough to hold it up no problem.

My dad loves to ride my 900 monster & he is 65 if that helps.I would say its all up to your dad start looking at craigslist

It's the DMF silver surfer's chapter don't you know,  [bow_down]and leave my lawn alone  :-[


 [coffee]

[clap]  Get me another beer, Dragon Lady, this one's running on empty.

I do find the clipons more comfortable, but that is contrary to the common consensus, particularly for us old folk.  No, I'm not bad ass, more likely half assed. 

clipons do put a bit more pressure on the prostate though.....however if you happen to have an s4rs, the fuel economy is so ordinary, there'll be plenty of pitstops along the way, so plenty of opportunities for a dribble if you need one.

For us older riders the prostate issue could be a concern and I'm glad that you brought it up.  Us older dudes don't like to talk about it.  There are times when I ride my duck when the combination of tight leathers, the seat, and riding position put pressure on my older and slightly enlarged prostate.  It is something I couldn't even envision when I was younger.  It is not something that I feel when my ride starts.  It takes several miles for the pressure to build.  I have aftermarket handlebar risers, yet the problem persists.  I put up with it and make frequent stops.  I enjoy taking time to smell the flowers.   

I've seen seats cut out in the center for ...ahem... "displacement", much like bicycle saddles... give the boys some room.

Something that some of you may consider for its benefits.

What's wrong with telling people to get off my lawn?  btw, I'm only 25.

i scream that at the childrens all the time. I see nothing wrong with it.

me too...

kids. [roll]




 [laugh]

Listen to whatever DP says. He's as old as Yoda, so he must be wise.

I am 52 with a broken back and loads of metal in my body and i ride an S4 an M750 and a 750ss,, yoour dad could easily ride a monster or Sport classic. i met a guy in Uk last year who was 82 and he was riding a 999 and his mate was on an MV F4 and he was 79.

He's lying. I saw Howie curb-stomp a guy who tried to cut in line at the Old Country Buffet. The man is harsh.

I'm looking forward to the point when I can yell "get off my lawn" and pump a shotgun.  No lawn yet though, but someday.

:o

Like I said, if you were 30 or 40 pounds lighter, I would have thought you wrong...

I've got the lawn but living in this sanitized country of ours (well it used to be ours) and being a good honest citizen  ;) ;) I'm not allowed to own such a wonderful it a kit as a pump action shotgun  :'(but hey I can always shout at the little B's.  [bang]

 [coffee]

I'd think the GT1000 might be an excellent option. I kinda dig those myself.

My old man is 66, 6'5" and about 250lb.  Bad back, dodgy knees, smashed ACL and a few other assorted football injuries.
For a few days last month, he rode through 4 states in 100+ degree heat, averaging over 500 miles per day.

Not a Duc, but he says that his Suzuki DL1000 (V-Strom) is as comfortable to ride on as a lounge chair.  He can get through twisties and keep up with all but the truly committed.  Has a nice thou twin sound.  Cost nothing to buy and even less to maintain.  He was thinking about the rich-man's upgrade - the BMW 1200GSA - but he can't find a good reason to get rid of the Suzuki.

So true. Not a Duc, but that V-Strom is one excellent machine. Nice motor, all-day comfort, etc. It's pretty tall, though, and ugly as sin. I enjoyed riding it, but not parking it or looking at it.