If I was stupid enough to take small passengers once in a while what would be most suitable a 888/851 over a later 998/996 ? Multistrada would be best option, but they don't stir my loins.
My ducati's only have one seat but looking at the models on google images side by side i cannot see any difference between the models
Multi would be the best The other two would mean them hanging on for dear life From an SS pillion versus multi Saying that I was happy cuddling up to the rider on the SS the multi is a sitting upright position Are we talking youngsters
When I was a lad (9 is) I went on the back of my sisters boyfriend bike, lord knows what, but my mum tied me to him round the waste with a long scarf.
I can't comment on the 998/996 but I had a '92 851 (which obviously is the same as a 888 bodywise) and it was a really good pillion bike. I took my wife out on the back of it and she liked it. The seat was big and comfy, pegs a sensible distance below the seat, the dual grab rails/handles work well and are big enough for gloved hands, the suspension was stiff enough it didn't even need adjusting when she came on it etc. However, she's 5ft4 and around 9 stone so a larger pillion might find more issues. The pillion is exposed to the elements though as the rider is so far forward (basically it's like being on a naked bike for them), and it's a bit of a climb to get on, but other than that I'd say it was good. Also has the advantage of being much more exclusive than a 916/996/998 and much, much better looking! Finding a 2-seater can be tricky as most have been converted to mono. (My wife did hate going pillion on my 1959 AJS 500 though......but I've still got that......).
I would say the 888 would be better than the 996 Little ones make sure they grab you rather than grab rails
"Love Handles", I have a set that I bought when intending to take my daughters out on the back. Along with leathers and helmets for both of them that I'm likely to be flogging on eBay this spring as they've outgrown them all. Youngest went out a couple of times and eldest didn't come out once in the end. Money down the pan
Very good point Bumkin ! The lack of audience participation could also be a problem for me. Might borrow/hire something suitable & test waters.
Was going to suggest trying on for size if you were close and sizes seemed right. The leathers I have were for my two bean-pole daughters. Purchased when they were 12 and 14. Only have leathers here, and maybe one pair of gloves (xs). The rest, helmets (one used twice, the other unused) and one pair of ankle boots, are at marital home (pending divorce). Leathers are Dainese; set for 14 year old were bought used but in good condition. Ones for 12 year old are effectively new. Bought after she'd been on the back and then never did again... Larger set of leathers were for then 14 year old, now 17; Imatra jacket in red and black, jeans are regular Dainese without sliders; Jacket is Dainese 44 and jeans 46 (continental sizes). Very good condition; clean leather, no marks, scuffs. Smaller set is a two piece suit, black with minor silver accents (lettering), very smart and, as said, in effect brand new. Also size 44 but is actually a touch smaller (slimmer) than the separates above. Was for my then 12 year old, almost now 15. She's taller than her sister. Will be doing some photos in the next few weeks and will post them for sale on the appropriate section of this forum before resorting to eBay. Not sure on pricing yet, but will be commensurate with condition and the fact that they are decent bits of kit. Always difficult buying leathers from afar, have in the past bought kit and had to resell it as sizing is rarely as you expect...
