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.

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.

Any advice or experience with these two bikes??

**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

Originally Posted by bikerlou

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.

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.

Any advice or experience with these two bikes??

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

**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

**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

Originally Posted by manwithav8

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

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.

Dont get all serious i still love em.

**manwithav8** · 20th October 2007, 21:30

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

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

Originally Posted by 98tls

Actually mate after growing up with an old man addicted to Ducs..the real ones

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.

Dont get all serious i still love em.

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...