Duke Monster or Buell?? Help!!!

[98tls]

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...

[LardEmbargo]

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]

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]

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]

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]

...was always the endless clatter that pissed me off with ducs.Dont get all serious i still love em.

'Tis but beautiful music to my ears!!

[JimO]

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]

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......)