rider height question

wmassey · July 12, 2008, 09:36:37 PM

I'm considering the purchase of a 696 but am a bit concerned about how my 6'2", 190 lb. frame. I've read a few posts that say it's an ideal bike for up to 6' riders. The Ducati salesman seemed to nudge me toward a Multistrada, but I don't much care for its styling. I would be using this only for casual weekend riding -- no commuting or racing. I would appreciate any feedback from taller riders -- pro or con. Thanks.

johnster · July 12, 2008, 10:25:14 PM

1st of all, welcome!!

2nd, If you'r not opposed to maybe grabbing a pair of rearsets you'd likely be OK. They would lower your foot position (if you want them to), thus making the bike more comfortable + rideable. I've heard of people up to 6'4" riding Monsters, and there are definitely aftermarket parts to help make it a more comfortable bike for taller people.

I say go for it, you won't regret it at all, guaranteed. Plus you get to talk Duc with a bunch of really cool people!!

Speeddog · July 13, 2008, 12:27:28 AM

I'm 6'1" and 165#, and I'm pretty comfortable on my S4.

Not sure how it would compare to a 696.... I sat on one, and it felt OK, but riding it is the true test.

AFAIK, there's folks here taller than you that ride Monsters.

Blake · July 13, 2008, 12:48:34 AM

I'm 6'5" and have no issue on short or long rides on my S2R. I've still got the O.E. rearsets. I know it's not a 696, but don't let 'em tell you you're too tall. If you sit on it and ride it and it feels and works well for you.....then that's all that counts.

Later

Blake

stopintime · July 13, 2008, 03:41:54 AM

That was my first question too. I'm 6'4". The 696 seems much more comfortable (leg position) than my S2R - at least that's the impression I got just from sitting on it. I don't know what the ride would be like, but I question how close the bars are and some have been complaining about sliding forward on the seat.

IMO, your height is not going to be a huge problem. Of course, there are bikes out there which are more comfortable, but probably not coming close on the fun- and cool factor

Try one and the decision makes itself

Raux · July 13, 2008, 05:30:52 AM

Although I'm only 5'10" my bud is 6'5" and tried out the bike. He's trying to decide between the monster or buell. He had no problem riding mine with the touring seat (add's about 1/2 to 1 in to seat height) but wanted a bigger bike (engine) since he's a nut!

stopintime · July 13, 2008, 05:58:27 AM

Quote from: Raux on July 13, 2008, 05:30:52 AM
Although I'm only 5'10" my bud is 6'5" and tried out the bike. He's trying to decide between the monster or buell. He had no problem riding mine with the touring seat (add's about 1/2 to 1 in to seat height) but wanted a bigger bike (engine) since he's a nut!

I believe we have established that the Ducati comfort/touring/gel seat is lower than stock - about 20 mm (8/10"). If that still is correct the stock seat would just make your bud's ride even more ok, though

Capt baz · July 13, 2008, 06:22:14 AM

welcome

test ride one & see how it feels. i demo'd one & i would think your size would be big for this bike. i'm 5'8" @ 150# & i think this bike is designed for smaller riders. imo

wmassey · July 14, 2008, 11:05:12 PM

Thanks for the insight. I will give the others in the Monster line a try, before making a decision. It seems like the S2R seat height is an inch taller and has the adjustable suspension ... not to mention the add'l torque.

zedsaid · July 15, 2008, 02:41:28 PM

I'm 6'3" 210lbs. I love the my M696. From sitting on the 695, and an SR it really is the most comfortable of the three. My thighs slip right into the tank cutouts, so i get a very secure tucked in feeling. The pegs are lower and more forward than the other monsters, so my knees aren't constantly folded like origami. (This is important because big guys tend to have bad knees)

The only issue my height has presented, is a very steep angle to the mirrors, rendering them useless for anything but checking my shoe laces (which my riding boots don't have).

I've asked friends if i look silly on such a "little" bike, and they've laughed at the question... apparently, not at all. Nothing but compliments on it.

stopintime · July 15, 2008, 03:45:36 PM

Quote from: zedsaid on July 15, 2008, 02:41:28 PM
............................

The only issue my height has presented, is a very steep angle to the mirrors, rendering them useless for anything but checking my shoe laces (which my riding boots don't have).

..................................

They are adjustable you know?

But seriously, are they not adjusting high enough to see backwards? Can you adjust/rotate the brackets they sit on?

zedsaid · July 15, 2008, 05:06:12 PM

Quote from: stopintime on July 15, 2008, 03:45:36 PM
They are adjustable you know? But seriously, are they not adjusting high enough to see backwards? Can you adjust/rotate the brackets they sit on?

I have a thread asking that very question.

It's on the "to do" list.

russelson · July 16, 2008, 08:47:43 AM

6'1" 190 -- feel completely comfy on mine. Mirrors aren't ideal, as zedsaid mentions. Adjusted mine all the way up and still don't have a great angle. First mod will likely be different mirrors.

BastrdHK · July 16, 2008, 07:20:11 PM

I'm 6'6 190lbs on an '01 m900. I feel completely at home on the stock pegs. I actually feel I can really man handle the bike. I did raise the ride height as much as possible, and plan on customizing a old stock seat to my taste.

If you love the bike it won't matter....just ride the

out of it!

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rider height question

Raux