ok... newbie is lost here

[hydra]

I would have to disagree about the slipper clutch being a factor in the decision over which bike to get. I think it would be in your best interest to know how to use a conventional clutch for at least the first few years of your riding experience. Most bikes don't have slipper clutches. I would suggest trying to master downshifting and using proper gearing for engine braking (as well as acceleration  ). These are things they'll teach at the MSF course but you'll have to really get the technique down to become a good rider. Just my .02.

I think until you're more advanced will you truly appreciate the benefits of a slipper clutch.

So having said that,  starting on one of the 6xx monster's would be best IMHO.

Good luck

[somegirl]

I'm 5'2 when I have boots on and I ride an 800. She's not gonna be able to flat foot the 600, 620, or 695 either. If she's got the experience and likes the style, get the 800 and get a shallow seat like I did. Her height will be a factor no matter what.

I highly recommend that she start on as low and light a bike as she can, such as a used Ninja 250.  It will build her confidence and skills very quickly, much faster than if she started on a bigger bike.  I guarantee you will not have difficulty selling a Ninja when she is done with it.

Personally I think even a used 620 or 695 is a little bit much as a starter bike for someone with no experience whatsoever, but these are probably the best choices in the Monster range. 

Chances are highly likely that the first bike for a brand new rider is going to end up on the ground at least once, if not more.  Best to start with something that won't break your heart when it happens.  Again, a good starter bike is easy to sell when you are ready to move on.

[jdubbs32584]

I highly recommend that she start on as low and light a bike as she can, such as a used Ninja 250.  It will build her confidence and skills very quickly, much faster than if she started on a bigger bike.  I guarantee you will not have difficulty selling a Ninja when she is done with it.

Personally I think even a used 620 or 695 is a little bit much as a starter bike for someone with no experience whatsoever, but these are probably the best choices in the Monster range. 

Chances are highly likely that the first bike for a brand new rider is going to end up on the ground at least once, if not more.  Best to start with something that won't break your heart when it happens.  Again, a good starter bike is easy to sell when you are ready to move on.

I agree, that's why I included the whole "if she's got the experience" bit. If she doesn't, definitely go with a beater. You could both learn on it.

[psycledelic]

Yea a MSF course is on my list. 

I really enjoyed my class at the HD dealership.  Nothing like tearing the clutch out of a Buell.  It was really worth it.

Also again.. racing my mtn bike I have learned a lot about traction.. low siding.. high siding and all that fun stuff.  I AM NOT SAYING ITS THE SAME AS A MOTO

Oh yea, don't forget that they put the front brake lever on the wrong side.  Pulling in the clutch doesn't do much for stopping power.

[erik822]

Found this link. Lists monster models, specs etc, but only up through 2003. Might be helpful if you're trying to find one with a lower seat hight for your wife.

http://www.ducatimonster.org/faq/faq_model_comparison.html

[juddmyers]

She has lots of experience.  She grew up on two wheels.  Had her license at 14 and has had many motos.

[juddmyers]

ok...headed to the local Ducati dealer today to sit on one and see if it's really what I am looking for.

[stopintime]

ok...headed to the local Ducati dealer today to sit on one and see if it's really what I am looking for.

..... and?

[Slide Panda]

..... and?

And then he has to explain to his wife how:  'One ust followed me home.  There was nothing I could do.  Really...'

Hope the trip goes well.
Regarding your wife - based on all that experience, I'd expect her to be just fine.  The one thing she might find off putting is the seat height - but on the other hand the light weight of the bike vs a sport will mitigate that factor.  If she does get a monster and wants the saddle a bit lower there's lots of good info on that here.  There's a number of board members who are about your wife's height - they are a good info pool when that time comes.  Also - in the local clubs section of the board there's a dedicated womens section.   If she wants some 1st hand thoughts from other female riders about Monsters you should point her there.

[somegirl]

Regarding your wife - based on all that experience, I'd expect her to be just fine.  The one thing she might find off putting is the seat height - but on the other hand the light weight of the bike vs a sport will mitigate that factor.  If she does get a monster and wants the saddle a bit lower there's lots of good info on that here.  There's a number of board members who are about your wife's height - they are a good info pool when that time comes.  Also - in the local clubs section of the board there's a dedicated womens section.   If she wants some 1st hand thoughts from other female riders about Monsters you should point her there.

Great advice.  Here's our Short Rider FAQ.

[juddmyers]

Well just got home from the dealer.  It went great for me.  I think it is exactly what I am looking for.  I really like how it felt sitting on it.  The wife is another story.  She was on her tiptoes.  She really liked the weight but the height wasn't good for her.  She is having second thoughts... afraid we will get her one and not be able to get it low enough and comfortable for her.  I told her I would research that.

Looks like I am on the right track.  I need to buy two helmets now and schedule my MSF course.  I have about everything else gear wise.

[hydra]

cool...but which bike did you sit on?

[juddmyers]

Sorry... I sat on two S2R's.  The 800 and the 1000.  My wife say on a 696.

[Ddan]

Well just got home from the dealer.  It went great for me.  I think it is exactly what I am looking for.  I really like how it felt sitting on it.  The wife is another story.  She was on her tiptoes.  She really liked the weight but the height wasn't good for her.  She is having second thoughts... afraid we will get her one and not be able to get it low enough and comfortable for her.  I told her I would research that.

Looks like I am on the right track.  I need to buy two helmets now and schedule my MSF course.  I have about everything else gear wise.

If she's already able to tip-toe it, shaving the seat should get her to a comfortable height.  I don't know about the 696, but  with the older Monsters narrowing the seat was almost as important as lowering.

[zLoki]

I think until you're more advanced will you truly appreciate the benefits of a slipper clutch.

+1

Been getting lazy on my 696, plenty of times when I downshifted and thought, that would have been bad without a slipper.

Dont forget to save a few grand for all the mods you'll start doing.  You dont think you will, I know, but trust me, YOU WILL. 

[moto]