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Ducati monster owners, are passengers an option?

D

dazed1

Its just me
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Location
Oakland
Moto(s)
08 Ducati M 695
Name
Mayur
Hello there :)
I've been looking at getting my first bike after 10 years of not riding, and I've been "looking" at older Ducati monster's (2004-2006) 620's. Reason: I'm short (5'7-5'8). I don't want something too big, and too heavy.

I'm only looking because it takes time convincing the wife :rofl

Keep in mind, I've not yet sat on one, or since I started looking at them seen them in person up close :eek:

Looking at pictures of the seat, it doesnt seem that a passenger can ride on the rear. My wife is petite, ~100lbs, would this create issues? Position does seem off.

Thanks :)
 
The reason it looks like there isn't room for a passenger is probably because you're looking at bikes that have the seat cowl attached. It comes off with two thumb screws under the seat to reveal the passenger part of the seat. Here's a picture of an last-gen monster without a seat cowl:

3620136170_240fe2b2b4.jpg


Compare it to a last-gen monster with a seat cowl:

3620136144_94de55b5fa.jpg


That said, a monster is not an ideal two-up machine. It's much better than most sprotbiles, but not anything remotely like a sport touring machine or a 'busa.
 
Thanks :)

Yes, I thought as much that the rear cowl would come off to show the seat, but I wasnt sure that even with the "seat" how much real space there is.

My wife wouldn't be on the bike too many times, but I don't want it to be a factor of "Oh, why buy it if you cant even take me on it" :eek:
 
probably true, but I've owned 5 monsters and my gf has never complained about any of them, and she said it's alot more comfortable than the drz i rode for a bit
 
You can definitely take her on it, but she'll divorce you if you try to do a 300 mile day with her on the back. An aftermarket seat makes a big difference, both for rider and passenger.
 
I'm your size with a wife about your wife's size. You can definitely ride 2-up but it won't be for pleasure IMO. (But my wife rides much better than I so most of that is knowing she's rolling her eyes behind me as I ham-fist my 96 Monster m900. :mad)

Usually I ride 2-up with her because of convenience.

It's MUCH better than my RC51 was (duh), but no where near the comfort of my cb400f (those older CBs are really comfortable 2-up IMO). And imagine the street cred of rollin a 400f... Booya!

Look at the angle of that rear seat... that's just not very inviting.

It's possible but not preferable.

If I were to look for a strict 2-upper....hmmm. Goldwing?

Basically, both of you go sit on some bikes. You'll get a better response from her if you involve her in the purchase. clink clink
 
my gf rides with me as much as we can. But then again, we dont do long miles. There is plenty of room back there, but one thing to keep in mind- Many bikes out there have a tail chop. The riders cut off the rear mini "fender". The bike looks hot as hell with that mod, but mentally your rider may feel uneasy that if she slip back, her butt is going to kiss the tire. If you can, pick up a S2R 800 or 1000. Probably the best monsters ever made. Air cooled, 2 valve simplicity, plenty of power/torque. You can also mod the seat or suspension to make it a bit lower to your needs. To make riding more compfy, esp with your g/f, put on some bar risers, or "pro taper SE ATV high" bars.
 
Yeah, when she sits, will be very very occasional, and definetely not 300 mile rides. just a few miles.

Yes, it does look extremely uncomfortable, hence I was curious.

I used to ride a CB 400 R, mid to late 90's, Asian model. Basically an inline 4. I'm looking at getting something thats either similar or an upgrade. Although I rode that 10 years ago. I think either the 620ie should suffice. When I completed my MSF, I was told that I rode well for being on a bike after 10 years, but that doesnt mean that I want something too big :)
 
Get your wheels back under you and few miles under a new monster before going 2up again. It's been a while and you owe it to yourself and your wife that you get back into the swing of things. You really have to get used to the torque (it's not an inline 4 by any means) and become smooth or your passenger may not enjoy the ride.

The monster is not ideal for long rides but totally doable. Since most of my passengers are bigger than I am (I'm 5'2, 110ish) this usually involves a suspension tweak. Get yourself an adjustable penske or ohlins and it will make the ride outstanding for you both.
 
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EjGlows said:
Get your wheels back under you and few miles under a new monster before going 2up again. It's been a while and you owe it to yourself and your wife that you get back into the swing of things. You really have to get used to the torque (it's not an inline 4 by any means) and become smooth or your passenger may not enjoy the ride.

The monster is not ideal for long rides but totally doable. Since most of my passengers are bigger than I am (I'm 5'2, 110ish) this usually involves a suspension tweak. Get yourself an adjustable penske or ohlins and it will make the ride outstanding for you both.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice :) I plan on riding a lot of inner city roads and to where the MSF course is in Alameda to practice before I even venture outwardly. Wife will be a few months before she rides.
 
It's not a couch but still more comfy than on a sport bike, where it's like your wife sitting on your neck. It's great if your wife sports a good rack :boobies otherwise you can wear a small backpack as a cushion. Both of you will be thanking me for it.
 
Oh, I almost forgot. Drop the front down to a 14t sprocket and it'll make it much...much....much....smoother. Especially if you want a passenger.

You need to practice through twisty roads to get a feel for how much engine breaking these things have and be able to smoothly pull out of a corner without whacking the throttle and throwing your cupcake* off the back.

I always have the problem of my passenger falling into my seat. Have her put her hands on the tank and you won't lose your nuts.

*Pet peeve of mine. NEVER would I ask anyone to ride bitch. Especially of the female persuasion. "Cupcake" is the preferred 2up title. :thumbup
 
monsters are awesome (perfect in fact - as i've said many times), and a 620 has plenty of pep for one light rider - but for 2 up, regardless of the ergos, it would be a bit of a slug. go for an S2R or an S4R. i think you'll be happier. my :2cents
 
I take my husband on the back. He's about 5'-10" and 180 lbs. I just turned around and asked him--His response: Yeah, it's fine, but it can be a little precarious when you gas it hard because the seat slopes down a tad. If I take someone who's 120 lbs. or less I almost forget they're back there. No complaints... I have a 944 engine. It's wasted when it's just hauling me around, but it's awesome when I'm carrying an extra booty on the back. I've done it with a 620 and it's pretty anemic. A 750 or an 800 would be my cut-off.
 
I had the 620 for a few years and it's kinda gutless. I sold it to my buddy as his first bike and he loves it. He has ridden my TT600, F4i, and the gsxr750 and he thinks they are all way to powerful and they don't fit his "image" (gaRy)... Him and his wife 2up all the time... he is 160+ and she's maybe 120+... I never rode with passengers so I have no actually advice to give other than the 620 is a five speed and it SUCKS arse on the highway
 
Cupcake? Cupcake? Hahahaha! Hadn't heard that before! (But I do like it better ;o)

Damnit though. All you monster peeps are making me reconsider getting one of a couple of currently available 750's instead of just a motor for my current bike. :x *Sigh*
 
dazed1 said:
Arent some years or models of the 620 6 speed?
Click to expand...

Yes. IIRC, the '03 "S" model (but not the dark) and everything from '04 onward is a 6 speed.

Actually, the 5 speed is just fine on the freeway. If you drop down to a 14 tooth front sprocket it can be a bit buzzy, but that's true on the 6 speed as well.
 
2004-2006 is "older"? :|

Shit, my 900 hauls ass with or without the extra ass on the back of the bike. Just remember if you're riding solo to install the cowl. The bare seat looks weird.
 
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