Ducati for larger rider?

[rockgarden]

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions. I think I need to do some additional research on many of the suggestions and ask a dealer for recomendations as well. It sounds like it's doable...and to be honest...I think half the problem is my inexperience with street bikes. With dirt bike (have a KTM 300XC), it's realtively easy to set them up for larger guys like me. Sounds like that's a doable proposition for the Monster or SF as well. I'm leaning towards the Monster as it seems like a good first bike...simple, not to high performance, but definitely fun, plus the looks don't hurt. Agree also the hyper is very "dirt-bikeish" but I really want something a little less upright if that makes sense? At any rate thanks and I will keep informed.

[barkertodd]

Something else to mention (since you didnt explictly state it)... Make sure you know which of the new monsters you are looking at... The 696 is smaller/lower than the 1100... One dealership I know swapped the clevis from an 1100 to a 696 and then adjusted the forks to keep the geometry the same. this increased the ride height a bit for the buyer (and also provided them an 1100 that was slightly lower than normal as well). Point is, if you are looking at a 696, it will be smaller, but there are lots of ways to resolve this...

that being said, I'm 6ft 225 riding a Monster 1100 and it feels great coming from my Ninja 650R which always felt a bit cramped. Hope you find one that feels great to you!  

[Monstermonkey]

6' 190 naked here.  Rode an S2R1000 for almost two years and got used to it.  Just traded it in on a Hyper and couldn't be happier.  The position is very much like a dirt bike so you should feel right at home.

[Michael]

6' 190 naked here.  Rode an S2R1000 for almost two years and got used to it.  Just traded it in on a Hyper and couldn't be happier.  The position is very much like a dirt bike so you should feel right at home.

I agree with this guy (although, I in no way think someone who weighs 190 pounds can relate).

Rockgarden, from what you describe about yourself, I think you'll like the Hyper.

Don't waste time talking to a dealer, just test ride a few different models.

[kingbaby]

Don't waste time talking to a dealer, just test ride a few different models.

 I can not relate in any way to any of this (height or weight).

But may I ask where you recommend they do this?

[Nakedsuperbiker]

Next year the hypermotard will come with a 796 motor too.
I rode the 696 for a month until I could afford to get the streetfighter.
Much better handling on the freeway I was getting knocked around a bunch with the afternoon gusts the Monsters could use a steering dampener.

[LA]

I'm 6'2 and weigh 220 and fit well on my monster.  Like someone else said, ask Dolph - he's bigger than me and I've never heard him complain.

PS:  I just looked back and noticed Dolph already spoke up. 

LA

[Nakedsuperbiker]

Nothing is impossable it just costs more.

The lowering link for my F1098 is $400 and change plus labor the forks get dropped in the clamps but it changes the geometery.
I've been backing her out of parking spaces before hopping on the tip toes don't have as much traction backing up.

[scooterpower]

I'm 6"1' 180lbs and ride a 696. I'm too big for the bike. This was confirmed by the wife and my riding buddies. I sat on the Streetfighter, GT1000/SportClassic and thought they fit me better (after having purchased the 696 a year ago). The Monster 1100 is def a taller bike & if you are set on a Monster, then that is the better choice (new). My first 6 months of riding the 696 were painful, so I ordered the Ducati touring seat and 90% of my riding pain went away (some of that was adjusting to the bike too).

My opinion is that 6" and under can go 696 while >6" should go 1100 (or completely diff bike).

[Cloner]

OK.....I'm 6'0" and heavier than anybody else here has admitted.  (I ain't sayin'....I'm just sayin'   )

I currently ride a mid 90s Supersport and an '02 MH900e.  I can tell you without reservation that the MH was made for TALL PEOPLE!!  I have to tippy-toe when backing out of parking spaces, and I ain't no midget.  The riding position is biased toward a long torso (which I have), so it's actually quite comfortable once you get rolling.  I don't know where you'd test ride one (unless you want to visit Albuquerque and take mine for a spin), and the looks aren't for everyone, but it is a cool bike, IMHO.

As to the others you've tried, I think, as others have said, you just need to spend some time on several streetbikes before you form an opinion about Ducati in particular.  Go test other hardware (gasp .... blasphemy).  Ride the big 4, ride KTM, ride Aprilia, ride Agusta.  Some bikes just feel different (read "better"), and Ducati isn't for everybody.  Get a broad sample before you restrict yourself to a very narrow portion of the curve of possible choices.

That's my 2 cents,

Cloner
ABQ, NM

[BastrdHK]

I understand the concern.  I'm 6'6" 215 with gear, and I ride an m900.  It was my first bike so I adjusted to it and did not know any different.  I love the 900 and how compact it is, but I recently had the chance to demo several bikes and do over 700mi on an ST2 while taking over our local dealer's European brands (Ducati,BMW,KTM,Husqvarna).  We have HYM1100 demo and I think it is the best all around bike in the current line up.  The seat height of the Multi, upright ergos of the ST series, simplicity of the Monster, all while saving you from the type of trouble the 150hp Street Fighter can get you into. 

I've been seriously impressed by the Hyper's agility in urban scenarios, and it absolutely rips in the twisties.  I have done 2,000mi+ trips with two different Hyper's, and I would be lying if I wasn't jealous of it's versatility.

[cokey]

i guess i'll be good on a 696 at 5'7" 185-190 lbs?

[Nakedsuperbiker]

i guess i'll be good on a 696 at 5'7" 185-190 lbs?

Or the 848 Hayden.

[BastrdHK]

i guess i'll be good on a 696 at 5'7" 185-190 lbs?

Are you just beginning to ride?  The 696 has a lower stance than all of the other Ducs on the floor.  Very confidence inspiring.  It is great to throw the anchors out on both sides when things get a little out of hand....which they will.....lower seats means less weight to catch in order to regain control.

[vw151]

I'm 6'3" and 240lbs and ride an s2r1000,  pretty much any sport bike at your size you'll need to change the springs if you want it to handle right but I love my monster.  

Just so you know how much I love it I'll whore some pictures of me on it on the track.  I am pretty big on it





Having said that.  I test road a KTM 990 superduke a few months ago.  It was awesome!!!!