696 seat options. Help please.

[Luke D]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and to the Monster 696. I just bought a 2010 Monster 696. It's my third bike. My previous bike was a 2002 SV650S which I really enjoyed but it was time to part with (50,000 km). I am in the break in period so I've been doing my best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations by staying below 6,000 RPM. There are many things (most actually) that I like about this motorcycle but the gearing is absolutely horrible. i will be changing the sprocket when I get it serviced. My real issue is something I hope someone may be able to help me with. The seat.

I should mention that I visited this site for some time before making my purchase (and I thank you all for the information) and was aware that the seat, a.k.a. the nut cracker would be an issue.  But it's worse that I thought. So after all this here is my question. How much does the touring increase the seat height by? I am rather short and a one inch increase would make my life rather difficult. If there are any suggestions other that the touring seat that would improve comfort but maintain the same seat height I would appreciate them.

Thanks for reviewing. And hi if you missed my 'I am new here post'.

Luke   

[misterburns]

get the low seat.  I have both the low and the touring, and i use the low seat even though I don't need it.  I think it works as well as the touring in terms of not crushing of the boys.  The touring is better for rides over 300 miles, but I like the low set more for shorter rides (sit more in the bike, prefer that feel in the twisties).

[R2]

To me it felt like the touring seat was at least an inch higher.

I'm waiting for the 796 comes out so I can try out that seat, it looks like they reshaped it. I would imagine it fits the 696 and 1100.

If you scoot your but back a couple inches on the stock seat, it isn't so bad. You just have to get used to keeping it there.

[Povidius]

For me, my problem isn't my nutz crushing while in motion... its when I'm stopped with one leg down (cause I'm too short for both feet to be flat on the ground). Thats when my ballz get squeezed.  I recently sat on a 696 with the low seat and it makes a small, but noticeable, difference in sac comfort when standing still.

I too want to wait for the seat on the 796 but I can't wait that long and so I ordered the low seat.  It feel more comfortable than the stock seat, even though its thinner.   

btw, the low seat lowers the seat height by about 3/4 inch.

[R0CKETMAN]

I'm 5'8" and the touring seat made a huge improvement. It's not too tall and a perfect fit for me.

You can go to a Duc dealer and throw it on to check height before purchase...

[Luke D]

Thanks everyone for the posts. The issue is only when in traffic, which unfortunately for me is everyday on my way to and from work.  I took it out this morning for a proper ride and fell in love with it all over again. I'm going to see if my dealer will let me try both the shorter and touring seat for a test ride and then perhaps make my decision. Thanks again everyone.

Luke

[BReam31]

I hated my seat until it was broken in and after about 2500 miles I stopped sliding forward on it. My butt created its own low spot over time and at 3500 miles now I actually like it. I weigh 200 pounds. I was also thinking about strapping some softballs on the seat with a tie down strap to compress the foam but I never actually did it.

[Justo]

Maybe youre riding it wrong. No offence. Im 171 cms, about 5.8. Are you on your heals or ball of your feet. I bet if you get onto the balls of your feet you'll be sitting in a more controlled way, and when braking youll fint the pressure goes into your legs, not your scrote. As your on your toes, you'll also give yourself a few inches in legroom too and be able to sit off the tank a bit. I changed my riding style to similiar to this, and not only do I never have nut issues (just had a child, so theres proof right there) but I have also found my riding to be so much smoother and easier to control. Im no expert by any means but your riding should be all in your legs.

give it a burl, if no luck, best start tucking them right under.