Monster vs SV?

Wifey and I thought we'd do a quick bike swap this morning. Mine's a 2002 curvy, hers is a 2001 Ducati Monster 600 Dark. She climbed on mine, went to reach for the bars and decided she didn't want to ride anything with bars that low. I had a quick couple of miles on the Monster; nice and light to manoeuvre with the higher, wider bars but a surprisingly large turning circle and horrible fueling at low revs - really felt lumpy and a very on/off throttle. Oh, and the front brake felt very sharp, but that might just mean that mine needs tightening up a bit!

OK, my question is this - is it worth getting Wifey to look at a naked SV, which I believe has higher wider bars than the faired version, once her Italian bike has gone the way of all Italian motor vehicles?

As I have a pointy and a 2001 600Dark, I think I can add some constructive comments. Perhaps if the opportunity arises to try an SV with the "comfort" kit top yokes her opinion could be altered.
That year monster benifits enormously from changing the front sprocket to a 14 tooth worth a try for the £14 cost, it totaly transforms the low speed fueling/gearing compromise of the standar 15 tooth, the other thing to check or have checked is the carb float level, Ducati recommend 11mm but the standard user upgrade level is 14mm.

JOHN

[mikerj]

What did you think of the performance of the monster? They are a fair bit down on power compared to an SV.

Correct lower performance, but very resiliant to abuse, as I'm an oldie I prefer the riding position of the Monster and seat height (also a shorthouse) they seem to be the choice of many ladies, due to their lower weight + the preeceding comments.
In respect to the Monster turning circle are the steering lock adjusters limiting too much, easily readjusted with an allen-key and 13mm spanner.

Originally Posted by mikerj

What did you think of the performance of the monster? They are a fair bit down on power compared to an SV.

Definitely not as quick as my SV

Originally Posted by Icanopit

Correct lower performance, but very resiliant to abuse, as I'm an oldie I prefer the riding position of the Monster and seat height (also a shorthouse) they seem to be the choice of many ladies, due to their lower weight + the preeceding comments.
In respect to the Monster turning circle are the steering lock adjusters limiting too much, easily readjusted with an allen-key and 13mm spanner.

Bizarrely, Wifey has longer legs than I have, so it isn't a height issue. I will admit though, the Monster seat is soft but way comfy. Thanks for the steering lock adjusters tip - I shall go rummaging for a 13mm spanner and allen key tomorrow.

[yorkie_chris]

What a gutless bag of melting in the rain w*nk they are. I've worked on and test ridden 2 of them. Dear god, the pain.

I'd take a naked SV any day. If needed, you can lower the SV. It will still handle better than monster even lowered.

i just wish i could get the wife on a bike, let alone swap bikes.. even if it is just on the back of mine, she doesn't know what she is missing!!

Originally Posted by aaron020873

i just wish i could get the wife on a bike, let alone swap bikes.. even if it is just on the back of mine, she doesn't know what she is missing!!

Oh, that's a real shame. We seem to have gone from a no bike family to a 3 bike (well 2 really, Wifey doesn't actually ride the VanVan any more) with both kids happy to pillion. In the space of 15 months!

Wifey has just suggested that it might be easier to convince her to go pillion first on a friend's bike rather than behind you. That is not a reflection on your riding by the way, just that sometimes you trust strangers more than people you know. It isn't logical, but it is true. Funnily enough, first time I went pillion was behind someone I'd only met the evening before (not as naughty as that sounds!).

i will keep working on it then! LOL

[sv4me]

Originally Posted by aaron020873

i will keep working on it then! LOL

Don't lose hope, it took me 3 years to finally convince my other half to come away with me for a few days on the bike. She loved it little tip, I know they look tres chic and everything but a topbox is great in these situations. Made her feel a lot safer and gave me the peace of mind that I could give it some without her falling off the back. Which is always good