New Girl on the block

[Ladybird]

Hi Guys,

I new to this site and I would value some advice from you oldies with all the experience.......

I lookin to take up biking again on a duc (babies, family etc, all done now!!)

[BDG]

Bonsoir and welcome to the board.

You'll get lots of advice,general banter and even Mickey taking here so don't take some of the stuff too serious.

What sort of advice are u after? What type of Ducati are you interested in, sports/supersports/monster/tourer/multi?

There's something for everyone and an absolute goldmine of information here

[Ladybird]

thanx BGD, my 1st reply- I really on here!

I just love the sound of the Ducs and they totally look the biz. I need a bike I can man (or woman) handle as I am 5ft 3 and weigh 8 stone so its a size thing!.

Help...

[Ladybird]

PS what you doing in the water?

[Iconic944ss]

LOL - Welcome Ladybird - sadly, a bad start calling everyone 'Oldies'

:D:mad::D:mad::D:mad:

I imagine the ladies could advise better - but for your height I guess you would be looking for a Monster of some sort ???
(Cue various responses ;) )

Good luck - Frank

[skidlids]

Hi Ladybird
Not sure if I qualify as a oldie or not as I'm younger than some on this site and older than others.

I got into Ducati ownership a few short years ago and have never regretted it. I say go and get one but at 5' 3" it may have to be a monster, though I'm sure a 748/749 and a like can be altered to suit. We lowered a 600SS for Senna3's wife a couple of years ago which would have suited somebody of your height.

[Ladybird]

opps sorry , I suppose I went for the opposite of 'new' - didnt mean age as in 'past it' but time on this site.

shall i quit now??

[Ladybird]

Thanks Skidlids not much chance of geting a custom lowered job.... seems strange to consider something called a 'monster'

[BDG]

Sorry Ladybird, been wandering round the board having a beak at all the other posts.

Mmmmm! can't comment to well on the size requirement as i'm double your height and one stone heavier, or possibly double the weight and one foot taller.

First guess would be a Monster witha low seat height but equally so i'm not sure of peoples height but some of the ladies ride 996(Redruth) or 750ss(Kwikbitch) and CK will tell you all about Monsters. So i'm sure you'll get loads of advice there. CK's the only one i've met and from memory she's about your height.

I would say that with your size a Multistrada or an ST2 or ST4 are probably not the best choice.

What am i doing in the water? I'm into dirtbikes and offroading and it was just a bit of fun

[Edited on 13-8-2004 by BDG]

[BDG]

|Good evening Skids ya young pup;)

[skidlids]

Lowering the 600SS was just a matter of repositioning the forks in the yokes, fitting a softer spring to the rear shock and getting the seat cut down and recovered.

[Ladybird]

good pic but I cant see your face BDG. Sounds like you a big boy too!I off to Cadwell next week so I gonna take a good look.... at the bikes aswell..

[Ladybird]

So you a 'young pup' skids? Did I start an 'age' thing??? LB.

[BDG]

Originally posted by Ladybird
good pic but I cant see your face BDG. Sounds like you a big boy too!I off to Cadwell next week so I gonna take a good look.... at the bikes aswell..

I'm scared of fast bikes and tracks, but don't want to admit it in public, so i had to come up with a plausible excuse for not being there. Therefore i'm doing a charity ride from Lands End to John O'Groats next week taking in the longest possible route away from any race trackl, as long as the Monsoon season finishes in time of course.

[skidlids]

Originally posted by Ladybird
So you a 'young pup' skids? Did I start an 'age' thing??? LB.

Young pup.... I wish
All given away in my profile

[TopiToo]

Hello Ladybird,

Welcome to the board, some would say you are at the right place to meet oldies . . :lol:

regards

TopiToo

[psychlist]

Hello and welcome to the mad house!
height in itself wont be too much of a handicap , but if you've a short inside leg (less than 30"?) you'll find it a stretch on any "standard" Duke except a 600 monster, which have smaller stance anyway. Kev's idea of "cutting down" a bike to fit will work but may affect the bikes handling. Get yourself down to your nearest dealers and try some out for size, if you can barely touch the floor with your toes then you'll possibly get away with just cutting the saddle down, otherwise it'll be a case of careful adjustment of the forks in the yokes and lowering the rear ride height until the balls of you're feet (in biking boots!) are firmly on the ground.
Lots of people "get by" with tip-toeing around on a bike thats too tall for them and feel quite happy, I'd want a bit more security in having a good "dab" available, especially after last night eh Mel :o

[Redruth]

Originally posted by BDG
Sorry Ladybird, been wandering round the board having a beak at all the other posts.

Mmmmm! can't comment to well on the size requirement as i'm double your height and one stone heavier, or possibly double the weight and one foot taller.

First guess would be a Monster witha low seat height but equally so i'm not sure of peoples height but some of the ladies ride 996(Redruth) or 750ss(Kwikbitch) and CK will tell you all about Monsters. So i'm sure you'll get loads of advice there. CK's the only one i've met and from memory she's about your height.

I would say that with your size a Multistrada or an ST2 or ST4 are probably not the best choice.

What am i doing in the water? I'm into dirtbikes and offroading and it was just a bit of fun

[Edited on 13-8-2004 by BDG]

BDG. If you are really 10'6" (which I have to say sounds a little implausible) then you can be forgiven for thinking those of us of average all look pretty short. However, if you are within the normal range (up to 6'7) I suggest you get an apology on here pretty damn quick - before CK sees you've suggested she's about 4" shorter than she actually is.

Ladybird. Welcome. I'm 5'6, and I'm mostly riding a 996S but haven't found any bikes I've ridden needed seat adjustments (Yamaha 600, Bandit 600S, Ninja, Daytona T595, R1, R6, VFR 750, CBR 600, 400). Too wide sometimes, too heavy, too slow, but not too high. I have a friend, however, who is exactly your height and she really struggled to find a suitable bike. She made the mistake of buying one that was too big and every time she stopped, she thought she would drop it, so it ruined her confidence. Luckily, she lives in Milton Keynes so she could get out, do loads of roundabouts, and not have to stop for traffic too often.

Being able to plant both feet flat on the ground when you stop is a major consideration. The more upright position, eg Monster, I think, gives you a feeling of greater stability. Having said that, apart from one rear end shunt, the only time I've dropped bikes is when I've stopped and put my left leg down where the road was sloping away from me. Where abouts are you based? I'd be happy to come out 'bike shopping' with you if it's anywhere within striking distance of Hertfordshire.

PS Early days on the board can be a bit daunting. Stick with it. In spite of what you might think on occasion, you're not really upsetting anyone. We're all just 'avin' a laarf'. :roll::sing::bouncy::lol::lol:

[AK]

Hi Ladybird - and welcome to the nuthouse!:devil:

From one 'oldie' to another.......

To dispel all comments, I'm 5.4 & a half, and ride the M1000sie - but have the ducati cut down seat, to ride comfortably. (20mm lower than std). having the monster makes me keep the upper speed levels down a bit.

For the life of me, I cannot touch the ground on a numptystrada - ask Ian - there is about 4 inches of 'air' on each side when sitting on the bike!!:o
The 1000ss is also rather too tall too......
Can just about cope with 749/999 - but only on tippy tippy toe, so if having one - would need to make some adjustments.

Have fun :D

Charlotte

[baylissboy]

Ladybird

Welcome to the board! As it's already been said,i'll second(or third) the "don't take it too seriously" statements!! You'll get used to the pi55 taking & general banter!!:lol:
You'll also get loads of good advice & help!!

[Redruth]

Originally posted by CK and AK
Hi Ladybird - and welcome to the nuthouse!:devil:

From one 'oldie' to another.......

To dispel all comments, I'm 5.4 & a half, and ride the M1000sie - but have the ducati cut down seat, to ride comfortably. (20mm lower than std). having the monster makes me keep the upper speed levels down a bit.

For the life of me, I cannot touch the ground on a numptystrada - ask Ian - there is about 4 inches of 'air' on each side when sitting on the bike!!:o
The 1000ss is also rather too tall too......
Can just about cope with 749/999 - but only on tippy tippy toe, so if having one - would need to make some adjustments.

Have fun :D

Charlotte

Were you wearing stilletos last Sunday? :lol::lol::lol:

[Henners]

Hi Ladybird and welcome. Something I know one of our lady members Sue Worthy has had done (5'2" rides a 998) is have the soles and heels of her riding boots made deeper and that seems to work well. Might be an idea to talk to a cobbler and see what can be done - your local saddlery supplier will be able to help, have a look in Yellow Pages.

[ali]

Welcome on board! Monster would definitely be my choice if I was under 6' as I've always loved them. S4R if you can afford it, as it'll keep up with most bikes assuming you can hold on! :D

And don't believe a word Ruth says, she's actually a cross-dressing 6'8" hairy-chested (so rumor has it...) 996SPS-riding biker called Chuck. She's just very good with make-up.....
:lol:

Cheers,

Ali

[KeefyB]

Hi Ladybird,my wife is 5'2" and really struggles on anything other than her Monster.Its not riding the bikes thats a problem,it moving them around in tight awkward spaces.
If you would like something that looks a little more sporty looking then go for the carbed SS range.The later injected bikes have a much taller seat.MrsK.B had both a 750SS and the 900.We cut the seat out to make it easier for her to manoeuvre.Nothing fancy,just peeled the cover back and attacked it with the carving knife!:D Eventually got it done proper by someone in the trade.I dare say Glyn could help out here.

[Redruth]

Originally posted by ali
Welcome on board! Monster would definitely be my choice if I was under 6' as I've always loved them. S4R if you can afford it, as it'll keep up with most bikes assuming you can hold on! :D

And don't believe a word Ruth says, she's actually a cross-dressing 6'8" hairy-chested (so rumor has it...) 996SPS-riding biker called Chuck. She's just very good with make-up.....
:lol:

Cheers,

Ali

Morning Ali. Thanks for that.

Ladybird, might be worth U2Uing vman.. Go to Member's List and do a search in the box at the bottom of the page. His lady, Prim, is about 5'2" and has no doubt had to make adjustments to her bike. Can't remember off hand what it was but she looks damn hot on it!

Oh, excuse me, that would be the 'hairy-chested' masculine side of me talking. :lol::lol::lol::lol:

[AK]

Originally posted by Redruth

Were you wearing stilletos last Sunday? :lol::lol::lol:

nope Mrs, I wasnt!!:o

Am def that height, as measured that last week!!!!:P

It's the short fat leggies I have to hide....:(

As KeefyB says - its not the probs with riding a taller bike - its the flipping manouvering about that isnt achievable safely
- for me anyway......

C

going bike shopping again after Rocky....:o:cool:

[AndyVR6]

Hi Ladybird,

I have a friend your height who is currently having the ride-height of a new 749 altered by ProTwins in Surrey to suit (easier than on a 748 apparently). Also, have another friend of your weight who finds her 748 too firm for Essex backroads; Maxton the suspension specialist have an answer for this, a 'revalve' at both ends, mostly to reduce the compression damping (I'm thinking of having my 916 Maxton'd this winter for similar reasons and I'm 10.5 stone)

Andy

[BDG]

Originally posted by Redruth


BDG. If you are really 10'6" (which I have to say sounds a little implausible) then you can be forgiven for thinking those of us of average all look pretty short. However, if you are within the normal range (up to 6'7) I suggest you get an apology on here pretty damn quick - before CK sees you've suggested she's about 4" shorter than she actually is.



Ruth,

evrything i say is implausible, but i was only a little bit out this time and whats an inch and a half between friends:lol:

[Gill]

Hi there - I'm 5'4" and my 749S (RIP):sniff: was setup by Woods Motorcyles on its lowest suspension. They also sold me a pair of Daytona Ladystar boots which made me at least an inch taller - might be worth a try for you.

Good luck with whatever you get.

[TP]

Good luck working this out and welcome to the board.

Mine's a Long Island Iced Tea today ... must be the hangover ...

[kwikbitch]

Hi Ladybird...
I'm 5ft 7 ish...(could be 8!)
I ride a 750ss that I lowered slightly by 1cm. I still can't plant my feet firmly on the floor and have dropped it 3 times (stop s******ing you lot...I can hear you!)
On a more upright bike...the hubbies turareg I can't touch the floor AT ALL there is about 3 inches of hovering...the bike is lighter so I could easily hop from one side to the other, lean it more and it is more upright. NO WAY could I do that with the duke.
If you really are unsure...test drive a monster...CK manages perfectly and phoenix has just bought one. You are more upright and feel more stable.
Actually where about's are you...
Went to power sports at Clay cross yesterday and they've got a Loverlee little monster Dark 600...it's on at about £1,500. Bargain if you ask me AND they have a sale on this weekend...
I can't seem to find the web address but I'm sure someone on here will have it.

Oh and if you're buying mines a Large drambuie thanxs
Lisa

[Edited on 13-8-2004 by kwikbitch]

[Jewell]

ya read the small print ladybird?

all female users must stick a picture up of themselves.

so.......

Welcome,im the youngest here.

[BabyDuke]

Hi Ladybird

I'm 5"1 and I've just bought an imported SS 400... which is titchy! I have sat on it with normal shoes on rather than boots and can get both feet flat without a problem. :) Good luck with whatever bike you buy!

[phoenix68]

Hi Ladybird,

Welcome to the board.

I'm 5ft 2 ish & I've got a 620 monster, I can get both feet down on the floor, not quite flat but nearly. You should be OK depending on the inside leg with any of the Monsters upto the 1000 as they all are around 770 seat height.

Best suggestion I could make get round a dealer and try them, the other thing you'll find is that the 'pre-loved' bikes are usually lower then brand new so that could make a difference.

Enjoy,

Dawn:burn:

[Mark]

Originally posted by Ladybird
So you a 'young pup' skids? Did I start an 'age' thing??? LB.

I'll barge into this thread, bit late, but i have been in a very sunny and hot Spain. But calling Kev a young pup has just made me spit coffee every where (sorry mate), That appealed to my warped sense of humour!:saint:

[Mark]

Oh, and welcome Ladybird.

[Mark]

Now for the serious bit.

Friend of mines wife has a monster 620. She's about 4ft summat. Rear has been lowered to suit her ickle legs, but there was the option to do this to a SS 750. But as this was her first bike she went for the smaller cubes.

[everton]

Originally posted by flanker
Originally posted by Ladybird
So you a 'young pup' skids? Did I start an 'age' thing??? LB.

I'll barge into this thread, bit late, but i have been in a very sunny and hot Spain. But calling Kev a young pup has just made me spit coffee every where (sorry mate), That appealed to my warped sense of humour!:saint:

Don't talk when you're drinking then :P Got sun stroke or summat............btw............I'm off to sunny Greece tomorrow. Look out for me in the 100, 200 & 400 metres relay :smug:

[Ladybird]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and all the advice. Am hoping to get to a dealer this week to sit on a few... Wish the weather was a bit more friendly tho...

[desmojen]

Nice avatar Ladybird, do you ride that one as well??

I am 5ft 4 and a bit porky, I currently ride a 748, and before that I had a 750ss ie.
Yes they were a bit tall, no they were not lowered and I didn't have a problem. You need to get off to roll it around tho! I just sit over to one side a bit and only put one foot down! :sing:

[Road Runner]

Welcome aboard Ladybird
I am old and short:(:(:(:(:(:(

[Ladybird]

No chance I will get a fly in the Sally B- I have had the pleasure of climbing aboard at a show, its really something! I am one of the much needed supporters of the Sally B, so hopefully she will keep flying.

Maybe next year I will be riding to the show....if ever it stops raining!

[desmojen]

Sally B supporter eh?

I am a technician here at Fast Albert Airways! :sing:


[Edited on 27-8-2004 by desmojen]

[Ladybird]

oooh nice, yours is bigger and fatter than mine...........:bouncy:

[desmojen]

I get to fly in them too!!

But usually only to hot sandy places :(

[dickieducati]

Originally posted by weeksy
welcome Ladybird,

i'm a motorbike racer... forget the rest.. they only dream of being me ;)

thats what i like about this site.....the amazing sense of humour the members have. :lol::lol::lol:

[Rocker]

Hi Ladybird I can only echo the welcome that others have given you. I'm sure whatever Ducati you decide you will enjoy it.
BTW Having seen your "mood" I wish it to be known that I shall agree with everything you say:lol:

[Ladybird]

Rocker, U my kinda biker!..

[mutley64]

Hi ya and welcome! I havent been on for a while but saw your post.

I ride a 748 that has had the suspension lowered front and back. As far as I'm aware it hasn't altered the handling I have great fun on her.

I am 5'2" and 8 stone and dont find any probs riding, I do watch where I park tho, just in case. I ride with a lot of Milles and they are all great guys and help out if needed with sarcasm at all.

If you haven't ridden for a while maybe a good idea to get a 600 monster first to get back into it.

Most of all have fun riding the dukes are ace!!!!

:sing: