I've never before thought of a Ducati as I'm 'vertically challenged' and need a seat height of 800mm or less. However to-day I sat on a 'lowered' Hyperstrada and found that it wasn't too bad, and with a lowered seat (dropping it a further 20mm) I reckon I will be able to get both feet flat on the ground with a good riding relaxed riding position. Having ben riding for 60 years(I'm slowly getting the hang of it) I'm not as physically strong as I was so when my Honda CBF1000 gets too heavy to push around, I'll be looking for a lighter bike capable of touring (and some scratching, but I don't admit that to anybody) and the Hyperstrada looks very promising. So........ as I haven't ridden one yet, does it have lowdown torque (I'm spoilt by my bike), and how have other owner's found it for touring as well as 'performance'? Any further thoughts? Many thanks.
I appear to have transmogrified to Rev Dave whoever he is! Don't tell me there is another 'Rev' who is misguided enough to ride a Duca.... oops, better say an Italian made motorcycle....
Just what the forum needed, a theist in the mix. The Diavel (strada version) is the natural choice for the cloth I'd have thought. That said, it's a tad heavy if you're concerned about weight but the seat height must be a lot easier. Top work being up for a Ducati at more advanced years and going touring
Rev - you need to by my number plate 'BL51 BUB' and get Ducati Diavel - seat height should be good too ;-)
Try a Monster. Plenty of short folk in the UKMOC. In fact, try an 1100evo in black.....you'll not find it lacking (or tall, or heavy) and you'll grin an awful lot.
I second the suggestions of Diavel or Monster if you're worried about seat height. The Diavel has the lowest seat of any Ducati I've sat on - I'm 5'2 1/2 with short legs, and test rode one last year. The other half is buying one and I'll be able to ride it, no bother. If either weight (although the Diavel feels lighter than the 1200 Monster) or cost is a concern, go for a smaller or older Monster. My 696 is fine - I don't have a lower aftermarket seat, although have adjusted rear shock ride height.
I'm surprised at you, don't you know he came 'in' (a misprint for 'on a' ) Triumph. I'll look at a Monster, but I'm not sure if the riding position will suit me - still I'll take your advice - I think a Diavel is probably outside my budget as the collection plate isn't as full as I would like....
