View Full Version : Duke Monster or Buell?? Help!!!
bikerlou
20th October 2007, 08:27
Hi guys, Being 5ft 2 is a challenge at the best of times but I have found a Buell which is a slightly shorter version and a Duke monster which is a lower seat hight too.:2thumbsup
Now I dont know which to go for :(
Buell build quality I have heard isnt great but the Duke electrics is renowned for being dodgy.:buggerd:
Any advice or experience with these two bikes??:blink:
98tls
20th October 2007, 08:30
Both great bikes.....dont believe theres any problems with build quality on the later model Bs but there certainly was on the older ones.
bikerlou
20th October 2007, 08:37
Buell is 2003 plate.
Monster is 2001
Ocean1
20th October 2007, 08:44
Hi guys, Being 5ft 2 is a challenge at the best of times but I have found a Buell which is a slightly shorter version and a Duke monster which is a lower seat hight too.:2thumbsup
Now I dont know which to go for :(
Buell build quality I have heard isnt great but the Duke electrics is renowned for being dodgy.:buggerd:
Any advice or experience with these two bikes??:blink:
Buell is an XB? Build quality wasn't up to scratch on the early ones, they did get their shit together after a couple of years though. The bikes might be spec'd similar but they feel quite different, in the long run the biggest deciding factor will probably be how each feels to you. For me I love the huge torque from my XB12, makes for great fun in the tight stuff and the handling is just about the best you can get for that.
bikerlou
20th October 2007, 08:49
XB9S
Havent test ridden either bike yet .........just thinking about my options. Had a 600 Hornet a couple of years ago as my first big bike (touch with one toe!!). I havent ridden for two years so a bit nervy about making a choice that I can live with for a long tim:2thumbsup
Ocean1
20th October 2007, 09:22
The build quality issues were mostly nit-pickin' assembly faults, an '03 XB9 should have had any problems sorted. They are a very low maintenance machine for their class, no valve adjustments (hydraulic lifters), no coolant system to worry about, no chain (belts last much longer than a chain). Really just gas it up, check the oil, ride it, clean it, repeat. They're also quite light and very short, so they're quite flickable. Some bitch about the 14.5 litre tank capacity but I don't think it's an issue in NZ, it's an easy 250K. Couple of things to watch for, the front disk can get unevenly worn, usually at about 20000 K, causing it to pulse under braking. It's fixable without replacing the disk though and the front brake is normally bloody good. They are very sensitive to rider weight, if you test ride one make sure it's set up for you or it could feel completely wrong. Wgtn motorcycles usually have a couple, they should be able to set one up for you in 10 min.
Shadows
20th October 2007, 10:47
I've ridden the old tube frame Buells, very high seat height on those. Not sure about the newer ones.
That aside I'd take the Buell over a Ducati anyday, Buell's handling is magic.
MVnut
20th October 2007, 13:49
Ducati.......tutte bene
Eurodave
20th October 2007, 14:36
When I test rode a Buell S2 Thunderbolt I went away very much a sceptic & came back a true believer!!
Glorious low revving,punchy motor, 6 pot caliper & BIG single disc very powerfull stoppage, sweet handling & 100 mph fell like 100Kph
If Ida had a spare $10,000 Ida bought it there & then :2thumbsup
Motig
20th October 2007, 19:09
Cant say I've ridden either bike but if I had the dosh I'd go for the Buell but thats just my preference. Would expect the Buell to be a lot cheaper for upkeep, servicing costs tho which is an advantage if your going to have it for a while.
manwithav8
20th October 2007, 19:36
The monster has a low seat height and is fully adjustable in the rear making it perfect for you with minimal work.
While people think that maintaining a Duc is expensive is a myth, with servicing every 10000k instead of 5-6000k. The major service comes up at the 20000k mark with new drive belts and velve clearance, apart from that they are a little cheaper not requiring oil changes so often.
I can't speak for the Buell but the ride height looks to be rather high.
I do however like the thought of belt drive instead of chain though, oh and hydraulic lifters rather than valve clearances...
I would suggest to test ride both and make a descision when you have a clear winner...
I do love my monster though. Does bloody well two up too, plenty of power and to be honest, you just can't beat the Ducati boom that comes out of the cored cans.. MAJIC!!!!!!!!!!!!
hospitalfood
20th October 2007, 21:22
love my buell, standard xb is high but I'm guessing your looking at a lowered one ????
buell make the stuff to do this I hear.....
I use my bike to commute daily in auckland plus rides in weekend, no trouble so far.
the ducati maintanence thing is a myth, or the truth depending on what year you are looking at and who you are asking, have not had a duke but my impression of them is great handling and motor/power performance, but from what I hear most models seem more suited to open road, not good around town or commuting.
98tls
20th October 2007, 21:28
I do love my monster though. Does bloody well two up too, plenty of power and to be honest, you just can't beat the Ducati boom that comes out of the cored cans.. MAJIC!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually mate after growing up with an old man addicted to Ducs..the real ones:bleh:as in bevel drive ss and owning a few myself i can tell ya that ride a real v-twin with a wet clutch they sound way better,was always the endless clatter that pissed me off with ducs.:msn-wink:Dont get all serious i still love em.:rolleyes:
manwithav8
20th October 2007, 21:30
love my buell, standard xb is high but I'm guessing your looking at a lowered one ????
buell make the stuff to do this I hear.....
I use my bike to commute daily in auckland plus rides in weekend, no trouble so far.
the ducati maintanence thing is a myth, or the truth depending on what year you are looking at and who you are asking, have not had a duke but my impression of them is great handling and motor/power performance, but from what I hear most models seem more suited to open road, not good around town or commuting.
Ducs don't like around town riding due to them being geared too tall.... Easy fix though, change out the OEM 15T front sproket for a 14T one and your good to go. Best bang for buck mod on the monster by far... I have yet to do mine but it will get done... Open road cruising is great and the power is there for a bloody good squirt to keep up with the 4's if needed..
manwithav8
20th October 2007, 21:32
Actually mate after growing up with an old man addicted to Ducs..the real ones:bleh:as in bevel drive ss and owning a few myself i can tell ya that ride a real v-twin with a wet clutch they sound way better,was always the endless clatter that pissed me off with ducs.:msn-wink:Dont get all serious i still love em.:rolleyes:
That clutch chatter is so hot... Animals run away and small children think the metal monster is about to eat them.. Off to mummy crying they run...
Gives you the feeling you are riding a true monster... Everywhere I have taken it strangers on the street make an effort to come and ask what kind of bike it is and what is that awful noise.
hahahaha I love it...
98tls
20th October 2007, 21:38
That clutch chatter is so hot... Animals run away and small children think the metal monster is about to eat them.. Off to mummy crying they run...
Gives you the feeling you are riding a true monster... Everywhere I have taken it strangers on the street make an effort to come and ask what kind of bike it is and what is that awful noise.
hahahaha I love it... :banana::2thumbsup
LardEmbargo
20th October 2007, 22:25
hiya - so was that the XB9 Low I saw lurking in the corner last time I was down at Wellington McMotorCycles? I'd only seen them mentioned on Mr Buell's website before, never in the metal. Looked like the seat was quite a lot lower than standard (which is probably like 800mm or something and hence most likely a bit tall for you - though I don't think they're too wide which might help) but it was wedged in behind things and since my yellow L-plate of shame prevents me from riding one anyway I'd've felt bad asking to drag it out so I could try sitting on it and making vroom noises.
Only having bikes for short(er) people to choose from makes it tricky - I'll run into the same thing when I'm finally able to fool them that I'm safe enough on the road to let me upgrade. I like the look of the Monster. And from what I've read in various posts on KB the Buells sound like they're different enough and go well enough for people to really fall for them - I don't know how well they age or anything though. Maybe someone else can help with that.
Also I guess some bikes can be lowered (if they haven't been already) although I expect you'd want to find out by how much, and how much $ you'd need to part with to have it done properly. And maybe you can change the seat, or have it cut down a bit to get you closer to the ground? I think there are places that modify seats professionally for you but I don't know how much that might cost.
You're probably going to have to go and try them out anyway, and see what feels best in terms of reaching the tarmac as well as the all-important zoom. Have you looked at anything else, or just choosing between these two? I hear the ER6-N's not too bad from a short-person's perspective for instance - fairly low seat and narrow too, although might not be your kind of thing (the looks seem to divide people a bit)
SDU
23rd October 2007, 12:59
Wow a Buell low enough to test ride - you have to do it & the ride the monster too. Take a few different bikes out & see what feels right for you.
I have heard the monsters can have a bit of a front end shake from time to time which can catch out less experienced riders.
I've test ridden a monster which was fun, it reminded me of my trail bike sitting over the front so much. I always wanted a monster but after riding a V11sport well..... it's history now
Happy hunting!
vifferman
23rd October 2007, 13:02
What about a Cagiva Raptor 650? The vifferbabe (who is also 5 foot 2) sat on one a couple of years back and could touch the ground, no problems.
Ocean1
23rd October 2007, 13:49
I've test ridden a monster which was fun, it reminded me of my trail bike sitting over the front so much.
That's the usual comment when someone sits on the Buell. Fark! where's the front gone?!!
idb
23rd October 2007, 14:52
...was always the endless clatter that pissed me off with ducs.:msn-wink:Dont get all serious i still love em.:rolleyes:
'Tis but beautiful music to my ears!!
JimO
23rd October 2007, 15:09
What about a Cagiva Raptor 650? The vifferbabe (who is also 5 foot 2) sat on one a couple of years back and could touch the ground, no problems.
the 650 raptor puts out slightly more kws that a 900 monster, the 650s and 1000s are pretty much the same bike with a bigger motor, i had my 1000 out for a spin yesterday first time for ages and it was great
Duc
23rd October 2007, 15:32
If you need to ask others what bike you should ride...neither will be right for you.
Let your heart rule or let your head rule but you should know for yourself when it comes to motorbikes (women, boats, sport, beer etc......)
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