Mini Monster For Mini Person

[Justo]

Hey all. Posting for a mate at work. She's fallen in love with the M400. But is worried about her size. Little Asian chick only 5’4” / 162 cm, 45kg. Wondering what you lot think about this? Any thoughts? Anyone know the bike even? Is there seat/suspension mods than can she do to make it more her comfort zone?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ducati-Monster-400-2000-Learner-legal-/280613791026?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item4155e2a532

Cheers Ju5to

[loony888]

i'm 5'3" and ride anything i want so it's not really an issue if she's experienced and used to the weight. i can only get the ball of one foot on the ground but i choose where i'm going to stop before i stop. there is a lowered seat (20mm) that can help but if she's a learner i'd suggest a vtr250 or something similar purely cause they're real easy to manage.

paul.

[monstermick58]

Geeze, if Pigmy was'nt overseas he could shed some light on the subject, cos we all know he's a giant amongst giants 




                             Mmick

[Jukie]

Yeah well I'm small in height and frame, I can now ride my s4rt after getting an adjustable ride height rod. Also have one on my 620 too can't live without one and I get nearly flat footed on both bikes

[Justo]

Good suggestion Jukie

She's not a learner but not far off them and after something a bit bigger than a 2fiddy. But not a seasoned veteran who's ready for or confident enough for a 600cc plus. She's coming from a cbr125.

What u think about the bike. Looks ok but the km's concern me. I think it's been clocked or wound back. Could be a full reco too....

Hmmm

[Jukie]

The m400 I think are a import so we don't really see many out here.  I did jump from a cb125 to the 620 and yes it was a bit of a jump and so glad I did change the rod

[Roaduser]

if memory serves me right the m400s are all grey imports, never sold new in aus and imported as used bikes. there does seem to be alot of them on bikesales and all going for more than the one you posted. i honestly thought 5k was a little high before i looked on bikesales and now i think its probably a fair price if it is a good bike. bikesales are always a little overpriced, if they werent they would be sold already!!

all i could really offer as advice is to go check it out and listen for stray noises and worn/sloppy brakes and controls. and look for the obvious signs of repairs and touch up paint on the frame.

hope it works out for you.

[craigo]

maybe a bit small? 

But seriously. Just makes sure it's LAMS and it says say on the rego sticker. From the RTA website, the only LAMS approved Monster 400 I can see is the 2002.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/downloads/lams_list_101213.pdf

[Mr.S2R]

if memory serves me right the m400s are all grey imports, never sold new in aus and imported as used bikes.

you are right - the ones that I have looked at in Peter Stevens have had the purple compliance plate and stated imports - and they are waayy overpriced IMO.  The only ever 400 I seen that was "proper" Australian compliance bike was a 400 super sport!  That was a few years ago (if my memory serves me correct....)

I am sure someone was deriding the 400 somewhere on this forum.  Personally for the budget I would be looking at 600 up to 750.  The only 400 I would consider would be of another make Honda RVF400

[Justo]

Thanks Gang!!!

[Betty]

Just to add to the above:

- The 400s apparently have similar (or more) weight than the 600 series ... so the only 'advantage' in that regard would be the 400 being less responsive
- Hoop rear-end may be harder to lower than the later models with the ride height rod. Apparently it is possible with the hoops but we don't have any first hand experience
- I'm assuming that bike would not be fuel injected ... others could probably provide more info + the ads and disads of each
- Chopped exhausts may raise questions about the state of tune
- $5k is the starting point so relative value is difficult to gauge
- Bike from Kenthurst 'loaded with carbon parts' ... is this a Carbondude bike?