Ducati Monster Forum

My wife took the MSF Course about 1.5yrs ago with intentions to ride my 1999 750 Monster when I got my S4r.

She has been out on the Monster in some parking lots several times, but just doesn't feel comfortable enough yet to ride it. I think the brakes intimidate her most as I did upgrade to dual front rotors instead of stock single. That thing does have some nasty front brakes, definitely more powerful than my S4r. Also, she has problems with the friction on the clutch.

I've never really felt Monsters are good starter bikes.


So........


She wants an Enduro / Dirt bike style bike so I am looking for recommendations.

I was thinking maybe a DZR 400??


Looking forward to everyone's thoughts.

My wife is 5' 10', so seat height will not be any issue for her.

I'm 5'10" and I've been riding the BMW 650Xchallenge and Xcountry from my dealer. I can get onto the Xchallenge with a bit of practice and it's fun in the dirt. The Xcountry is lower. Both are light, easy to ride and fun. Also cheap to maintain.

a dark 1098

she'll love it

[laugh]   [laugh]   [laugh]

I know that putting adjustable levers on my 620 made a world of difference on the feel-not sure if your 750 has adjustables or not.

I've heard good things about DRZ's, but haven't ridden one. If it feels comfortable for her, pick it up. I'm sure they keep their value fairly well and will definitely be cheaper if/when it gets dropped.

Might as well start her out on a Streetfighter, that is if you're looking to get rid of her and have a sizable policy on her.......but seriously I'd look for a used one of these, http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250/2009/TU250.aspx?category=standard (http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250/2009/TU250.aspx?category=standard)      then keep it around for a city beater   they look pretty cool cafe'd

Wifey has an Xcountry and it's a great little bike.

A price range would help.

I've heard the DRZ is a good beginning bike for taller riders but not too good for the freeway.  No FHE.

I'm short so I bought a crf230L for my enduro play bike.  I commute daily on it, and for an air cooled bike, I can get up to 74 mph indicated (I'm also 215 lbs).  I commute on the freeway 5 days a week with a 35 mile round trip to school.  You can also get one, or a yamaha xt for 2K used.  Cheap to maintain too, no oil filter and it only takes a quart of oil, and I get 75 mpg!  Good luck!   

The XT250 is great for a rider seeking confidence.  I've had my '09 for about a month, and I love it.  The brakes are more forgiving than those on my 696, and the suspension is less punishing.  I like the bike so much it has changed my mind on what will replace the Monster.

i loved the DR line, although no experience with the DRZ. but it might be a bit tall if the is lacking confidence. also, i am 5'10", and the seat height on the DR line was always a bit high for me.

have you considered something like the TW200? (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/10/0/home.aspx)

another alternative is to grab one of the small japanese cruisers (rebel, older shadow,etc...)

Nothing wrong with the Ninja 250 or 500, Suzuki 500 (either flavor) or maybe a 400 bandit if you are able to find one.  Buy it used, and when it is time to upgrade, resell for the same price.

Thanks all for the words.


I would say price range is <3500$


I think that gives us some movement on lots of options.


This will NOT be a freeway bike.

A. I won't let her ride the freeway for quite a while
B. I don't think I'd ride the freeway on one
C. Freeway scares her on a bike anyway

thats a good downpayment on a dark 1098  8)

I am making my S4r into a real dark..........engine painted and all.

Therefore.......all my bike money is locked in that and of course a carbon swingarm. I could have bought a S4rS for what I am putting in to my S4r but there will be no other bike it around...........



Tiff Loves the Yamaha XT 125, but I'd rather get her a bigger displacement.

Came across this guy locally:

2008 Yamaha XT 250. Any first hand thoughts??

How is the price? Doesn't look like it will sell, so maybe I can lowball him as he appears to most likely be desparate.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Yamaha-XT250_W0QQitemZ120546186474QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_motorcycles?hash=item1c111cd4ea (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-Yamaha-XT250_W0QQitemZ120546186474QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_motorcycles?hash=item1c111cd4ea)

Now that I think about it, IMO, one of the best things to do is either go to the next moto show, or hit up the local dealerships, and let her sit on everything. Buy whatever doesn't feel intimidating and is a low price/power.

She has sat on dirtbikes / enduro style and really likes the feel of them.

That is why she is leaning in that direction of a bike to purchase

plus..........


I'll get to play with it too  ;D

Suzuki TU250.  Perfect starter bike. 
(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200810/suzuki-tu250_460x0w.jpg)

I test rode the xt250 before buying my crf230L.  The xt is better for on road manners, and, I like the styling better.  With that said, I wanted the 6 speed transmission of the crf and the Honda was a better off road trailie.  The xt250 styling is much more refined then the crf, it even has a digital speedo!  You can't go wrong with both bikes, and if you buy used, you can make much of your return on investment when and if you decide to sell.  Hope that helps. 

Low mileage.  Looks pretty good from the pictures.  I am in Canada so the price will be harder for me to figure out.  I think the '08 is identical to the '09 though.  Your wife is taller than me, but I think she would really like the bike.  It is a really fun bike.

there are so many one liners in this statement... ;D

I am going to call the seller once his auction closes and it doesn't sell.

I need to do some research about the seller.

He is claiming to charge 7% Sales Tax and 30$ Title Transfer Fee.


The only reason this makes any sense is if he is in fact a dealer, which I highly doubt.

First of all, if he has a dealers license, he is violating Ohio State Consumer Law on his Title Fee.

The maximum that can be charged is 15$.


Something doesn't seem right about the seller, but I can take care of that by speaking with him.

If this is a private sale.......you pay the 7% tax when you register it!
Yes, yes indeed after re-reading.

Kawasaki KLX300?

fixed it...you spelled Kawasaki wrong