Ducati for larger rider?

[rockgarden]

Hey all...I'm in the hunt for a Monster but I did want to ask if there are any "must do's" for larger riders. I'm approx. 6ft 3in and weigh about 220lbs. I really want a Duc but the after sitting on a Monster, Streetfighter and Hyper at a dealership the other day I have to say they all felt kind of cramped to me. Is it just the fact I'm used to offorad bikes? I guess therh are mods you can do to open the cockpit?

Thanks.

[herm]

probably partly due to being used to off road bikes.
have you checked out the multistrada?

there are a few tweaks you can do to increase the ride height on the monster, but not sure they will be enough for someone your size (perhaps another large monster rider will chime in)

[GregP]

I'm about the same size and the Monster will fit you comfortably enough.  My suggestion is to buy one that has fully adjustable suspension and maybe has been resprung for a heavier rider.  Non-adjustable forks are built for 160lbsers.

PS You will look like a "gorilla humping a fire hydrant" to quote a fellow rider on my appearance while riding the bike!

[NAKID]

Ask Mongo (aka Double Eagle)...

[brent9632]

I'm 6'5 230lbs and i love my s2r 1000. It took a bit comming from a Enduro to the Duc but i just couldnt live without it. I do need to put some heavier springs on it if i want to ride harder.

[causeofkaos]

I'm  6'2" 220-ish and my M1100 forks will have to be resprung for my fat ass rear is fine
i like "monkey humping a football as the most appropriate comparison"

[Duki09]

Did the Ducati dealership you checked the Monster and Streetfighter at not have a complete selection of all Ducati models that you could also check if you were comfortable on or not?
That is the only way you will know.

Do you just want to have any Ducati and don't care what model it is?

Try to figure what about the Monster or Streetfighter made you uncomfortable and if some customization could make the Ducati of your choice better for you.  Could a different customized seat make it more comfortable?  Having the foot pegs, shifters relocated? Handlebars raised or a different set of handlebars?

[DoubleEagle]

I ride both a S4Rs and 1098 R and with gear on I'm 6'4" tall and 280 lbs.

Just got to get used to it.

Dolph       

[Buckethead]

Coming from off-road bikes, it'll probably feel cramped no matter what you do. That's kinda the nature of the beast when it comes to street bikes.

That said, there are some things that you can do to make yourself a little more comfortable. In order of cost:

Longer bars and/or risers will make it so you're not as raked-out over the tank. $40 or so for risers, $70-80 for a taller bar. $100+ for clipons if you decide you want lower bars.

A new seat. Not sure what the new "Comfort Saddle" runs, but the old one was about an inch taller and was a relative steal at $220 or so. Seriously comfy, too.

Rearsets. I don't know details on those offered for the new Monster, but the old "standards" would give you about an ingh of adjustability for foot position. Expect to pay $300-600 new.

Some or all of these might make the Monster (or whatever Duc you set your heart on, I'm sure) more comfortable. The thing you have to remember, tho, is that this is a bike designed to be ridden on the street. If you haven't, I'd suggest going to your local Honda stealership and sitting on a CBR or something similar. The Monster or StreetFighter might seem downright comfy by comparison.

[ArguZ]

Wait for Milan and the new Strada 

[77south]

What about a Hypermotard?  wouldn't that have very similar seating to an off road bike?

[lwszabo]

Multi would work the best

[redial]

+1 for multi,

but im 6'2 and i love my 750 monster, i just have the bike raised a bit in the front, and a good bit in the rear

[yoreese]

Hypermotard or Streetfighter are both on the tall side so those would be good choices.

[monsta]

ST  2, 3 or 4?
I've got an ST3 as well as the monster..  its a LOT more roomy, has heeps of poke, and handle nice as well...