View Full Version : Monsters and Short People
Desmondo
06-May-2005, 11:56
Hi people, I don't normally venture in here but was wondering if you could swing some advice my way. My girlfriend seems quite intersted in passing her test and getting on a motorbike. My obvious choice is to stick with a Duke. Now, the problem is that she's small, as in 4'11" AND A HALF (the half is very important :) ) and she weighs only 7.5 stone.
So, would the Monster be a good choice? I've not ever sat on a Monster so not sure about seat height etc. Also would it be too heavy to push around?
My plan would be to get a 600 for me to use on the road (I only use my 996 on track) and then when she's ready she could use the 600 whilst I go for something a bit more potent, probably the S4R.
So, just general thoughts on little people and monsters really :D
antonye
06-May-2005, 11:59
So a foot taller than you then?
Get her to try one, simple as that. As you know, once you're used to a bike you don't need two feet down to ride it.
I'm sure there's an abundance of Monsters around here she could try, if only you two could stay out of bed long enough to attend an event...
Desmondo, we need pictures to really appraise her suitability for a monster ... full length would be best ... preferably standing up but I know that may cause you an issue ......
:lol:
Desmondo
06-May-2005, 12:05
Trust you two to pipe up :lol:
I'll see if I can find a suitable pic just for you Dibs.
Oh and Ant, you'll probably be seeing a lot more of her soon enough (no, not like that) :)
Desmondo, so you mean that she's never had a monster betwee....:devil:
Seriously, I've never ridden one, but I have sat on 'em and the seat height is pretty low. Low enough for my stumpy little 30" legs by quite a long way. On my ST, I'm on tiptoes, on a monster my feet are flat on the floor and my knees are bent. I think you can get an even lower saddle for real shorties and if that's not enough you can lower the suspension a bit as well.
Desmondo
06-May-2005, 12:12
Jools, I'd never expect a comment like that from you. The Rodent maybe, but not you :lol:
Dibs...how about the "ready for work look"? :frog:
http://www.desmo.plus.com/odds/skirt.jpg
The seat height on my monster (prior to mods) was quite low but I'm 5'10"
You are just going to have to try it methinks.
I've tried hard to resist all the monster hanging low jokes ... aarrgghh
I'm not going to comment on what work ..... !!!!
nice boots mate, bet they mark the headboard ........ ;)
Originally posted by Flanks
Nice pussy mate!
you can't say that ....!!!!!
antonye
06-May-2005, 12:19
In all seriousness, the monster seat is quite low and they've been built to be very stable at low speeds (low CofG, which is why all the DD racers are dropping the forks through the yokes!) so they actually don't feel like they're going to fall over at any point.
You can change stuff like the rideheight on them too, and as Jools says I think you can even get a shorter seat. If not, you could always spend about 50-70 quid and get the seat repadded to make it shorter which is another popular way of making the seat lower.
The bikes can feel heavier than something like a CG125 that you start with, but they're pretty confidence inspiring little machines and feel like a big bike. And they're plenty fast enough!
But I'm sure we're talking a few months away as yet until she's had some lessons and passed her test anyway.
Originally posted by Desmondo
Hi people, I don't normally venture in here but was wondering if you could swing some advice my way. My girlfriend seems quite intersted in passing her test and getting on a motorbike. My obvious choice is to stick with a Duke. Now, the problem is that she's small, as in 4'11" AND A HALF (the half is very important :) ) and she weighs only 7.5 stone.
So, would the Monster be a good choice? I've not ever sat on a Monster so not sure about seat height etc. Also would it be too heavy to push around?
My plan would be to get a 600 for me to use on the road (I only use my 996 on track) and then when she's ready she could use the 600 whilst I go for something a bit more potent, probably the S4R.
So, just general thoughts on little people and monsters really :D
A mate of mines G/Friend has a monnie 600, she's slightly shorter than Welshie. She could only fit the older 600's, as the frame changed at some stage. She had tiny legs mind. 3x lowered the backend couple inches, so she could flat foot as such.
Originally posted by DIBBLE
Originally posted by Flanks
Nice pussy mate!
you can't say that ....!!!!!
I did! So i must be able to!
[Edited on 6-5-2005 by Flanks]
Hiya, we got my missus a 620 Monster. Not sure about different models, but be aware that the frames changed throught the years with some being the ST frame I beleive.
The one we chose was a 2003 M620Sie, because the S model that year came with an "independent ride height adjuster". They might all have those now, but I'll let someone else correct me.
Kirst is 5'2 3/4" (I know just how important that 3/4" is!), and she has the ride height adjuster down on it's lowest. Not sure if that really affects the handling .. feels fine to me when I get used to the change from the 749 to the Monnie.
Bottom line is, she can just about get her feet down enough to paddle it about. The Monster is not a lightweight bike, but carries its weight slung low (like me! hehehe) so it's not really an issue. She says she is very happy with it anyway. The bike I mean.
If you are going to be the BMF then hunt us down in the DSC tent where Kirst's "Bloo Dook" will be on display. Your good lady is welcome to sling her leg over and see if it suits her.
;)
(love the ready for work look, btw)
[Edited on 6-5-2005 by HW]
This thread is just ripe for the picking!
Originally posted by TP
I've tried hard to resist all the monster hanging low jokes ... aarrgghh
OK .... I didn't try hard enough I guess.
:smug:
Originally posted by TP
This thread is just ripe for the picking!
bit like Desmondo was at the school gates ........... :lol:
Desmondo
06-May-2005, 12:25
Cheers for the (serious) input from some of you guys :lol:
Nah, this won't be happening for a fair few months yet and maybe not until next year. But I was just wondering how viable an option it would be. There's plenty of Monsters we can take a look at and sit on so I'll go from there when the time comes.
Originally posted by Desmondo
Hi people, I don't normally venture in here....
You don't? Nearly 3500 posts says otherwise! :roll:
[Edited on 6-5-2005 by HW]
Desmondo
06-May-2005, 12:33
The Monsters section :)
My other posts are just random crap and abuse spread about the rest of the forums :D
Originally posted by Desmondo
My other posts are just random crap and abuse spread about the rest of the forums :D
Funny how you build up a mental picure of people on here.... THAT much random crap and abuse eh! :smug:
In all seriousness, I was speaking to a vertically challenged monster rider at Woods a couple of weeks ago. She has had the seat changed and various other mods including easy reach levers all done by Woods I believe.
Lady was from Shropshire area and had just arrived back from Holland trip on monster. Worth a call to Paul or Andy at Woods for prices?
All the Monsters could be described as having a low seat height,although the newer bikes are higher.
The older bikes with the 888 derived frame are lower.('94-'01).That includes the 600,750 and 900.
The later bikes have an ST derived frame and are an inch or so taller.Does'nt sound much,but when you are as short as my missus,(5'2") its very important.Of the newer bikes,it is only the 620 Dark that retains the low seat.(No rising rate rear)
Ducati also list a lower seat in the DP catalogue that takes off another 20mm.Alternatively,I'm sure that "Master of Upholstery" Glyn could copy that for a lot less money!;)
Jamie,
My daughter is also same size as your young lady:)
she cant reach to 'paddle' my bike about, nor could she with my M750ie.
However, with my cut down seat, it is just a possibility, but she isnt too happy, as she can only 'dab' on one side or the other!:o
All the monsters with the later frames - the 888 ones, will be too tall, without mods - or a nice Ohlins which you can adjust the ride hieght with - just like Fatbloke in the UKMOC does (he is a short-arse too :lol: )
Becca neatly fits all the older bikes, including the m900, as they are all so much more adjustable on the loop arm.
Good luck,
C:)
How big is that cat??? :o
Desmondo if it helps, I'm 5'5" with a 26" leg. I sat on His Lordships bike at cadwell when it had the std seat on. I still could not put both feet down:sniff:
snagger
08-May-2005, 09:56
Hi, I'm new to the site.
My girlfriend passed her test last July and bought an M600 Dark ('01 model), with a 33hp kit.
She nevey gained confidence and had a couple of 2mph spill's, these were partly down to the bulk/weight, lack of steering lock (making manouvering very awkward) and snatchy low speed running (particularly when cold).
She is about 5'4".
Five weeks later had a nasty spill, smashed the bike up, broken elbow etc....
The thing is she had loads of confidence on the CG125, we've now bought a Suzuki DR200 Dejabel, which despite being tall, she can manage a treat.
I'm running the Duke alongside the TRX (and 400/4...), hoping with a little experience she will be able to confidently manage the Monster.
Hope this help's,
Regards Phil
Henners
08-May-2005, 11:21
Welcome Phil - hope you have more enjoyment from the Monster.
Desmondo
09-May-2005, 11:46
Cheers for all the input guys and girls.
Phil, we came to the same conclusion this weekend. Maybe spend a year or so on an easier bike to handle and then maybe move to a Monster if she wants to at a later date. Still....shouldn't stop me getting the S4R at some stage :devil:
clockwork orange
09-May-2005, 21:41
If it helps anyone - I sat on a new Cagiva Raptor 1000 at the weekend. Same designer as the Monster, the pedigree is obvious, TL1000 engine. The seat height is..... wait for it..... an impressively loooow 725mm. Thats a full 2" lower than the M620 Dark !!!
Desmondo
15-May-2005, 10:30
Well we took a trip over to the newly opened Ron Parkinsons yesterday and she chucked a leg over a new Monny 620. wdWith the bike upright, she had both feet on the floor although this was on tiptoe. With a bit of seat and suspension adjustment and proper boots I reckon we're game on :D
Rattler
15-May-2005, 10:32
Originally posted by Desmondo
Well we took a trip over to the newly opened Ron Parkinsons yesterday and she chucked a leg over a new Monny 620. wdWith the bike upright, she had both feet on the floor although this was on tiptoe. With a bit of seat and suspension adjustment and proper boots I reckon we're game on :D
Excellent - get that DD entry in the post toot sweet!!!! ;)
Originally posted by Lily
How big is that cat??? :o
She's only ickle really :lol:
I found sitting on the Monster quite comfy ! :D ... Can't wait to get myself all sorted now and get on the road :)
Welcome Welshy - we've heard so little about you :D
Get your card behind the bar and I'll have a Crown Lager - ta.
When you going to get the bike?
Thanks Mr TP :D
/pours pint ;)
I think we are looking at early next year maybe ? .. I'm not sure :)
Heres my better half on my S4 which is fairly tallish monster ie st4 frame. Shes only 5'4" Just about tall enuf to ride it. Oh and her names Caroline whom I hope will be coming on meets a lot with me.:D:D:D
[Edited on 16-5-2005 by Albie]
Desmondo,
'bit late in the day, but sadly we are selling one, speciaaly set up for short folk.
It's a 620 sie in red, 2002, mint condition, carbon cans, fsh, 3045 miles.
It was lowered by the dealer from whom we bought it and the even shortened the sidestand to suit.
We have also got a lower seat in addition to the standard one.
Give us a shout if you're interested.
Gaz
phoenix n max
11-Jun-2005, 00:03
I'm 5'2'' and I race my 600- Best decision I ever made was buying my Monster. Hope it's something you consider or will do in the future:)
vBulletin v3.5.4, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.