Struddle 620 as a First Bike?

**Mini Mo** · 13 Apr 07, 09:15 AM

I'm thinking of buying a struddle 620 for someone (not me) as a first bike but was just wondering whether it would be a good machine for a newbie?

All advice welcom.

Thanks

**Multimental** · 13 Apr 07, 09:32 AM

I don't know what the seat hight is on the 620 but on the 1000 it's quite tall. I'm 6'1 and I can get both feet down but with completly straight legs and I know Steve who is about 5'11 can only get his toes down. What I'm trying to say is that if the person that you are buying the bike for(lucky them) is at all vertically challanged then it wouldn't IMO be a great bike for a newbie.

**Multimental** · 13 Apr 07, 09:37 AM

Just had a look at the Ducati website and the 620 is 20mm lower than the 1000. Best to get the person to sit on a 620 and see if they feel comfortable.

**Steve** · 13 Apr 07, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multimental

I don't know what the seat hight is on the 620 but on the 1000 it's quite tall. I'm 6'1 and I can get both feet down but with completly straight legs and I know Steve who is about 5'11 can only get his toes down. What I'm trying to say is that if the person that you are buying the bike for(lucky them) is at all vertically challanged then it wouldn't IMO be a great bike for a newbie.

It's a great bike for a newbie as it's very forgiving although the throttle response at low revs and in 1st gear is lumpy. For this reason a change down to 14 teeth on the front cog would help massively.
As for height (thanks Mulitmental) I'm actaully 5' 9"

with a 30" inside leg but I manage ok, just about

.

**Steve** · 13 Apr 07, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multimental

Just had a look at the Ducati website and the 620 is 20mm lower than the 1000. Best to get the person to sit on a 620 and se if they feel comfortable.

Crikey, that's a very big difference, I didn't know that.

**zimbo** · 13 Apr 07, 11:35 AM

I'm 5'8 and 29" inside leg and I can manage a multi thou without too many problems, the 620 should be fine I'd say.

**Multimental** · 13 Apr 07, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimbo

I'm 5'8 and 29" inside leg and I can manage a multi thou without too many problems, the 620 should be fine I'd say.

The only thing that I'd be worried about is the confidence of a new rider while being relatively high up.

The guy who i bought my bike off was probably a bit shorter than you Zimbo to be fair. When the front wheel slipped out from underneath him he couldn't hold the bike up and it fell on his leg and broke it in three places.

**Steve** · 13 Apr 07, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multimental

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimbo

I'm 5'8 and 29" inside leg and I can manage a multi thou without too many problems, the 620 should be fine I'd say.

The only thing that I'd be worried about is the confidence of a new rider while being relatively high up.

The guy who i bought my bike off was probably a bit shorter than you Zimbo to be fair. When the front wheel slipped out from underneath him he couldn't hold the bike up and it fell on his leg and broke it in three places.

That's a fair point. I've been riding a number of years and sometimes I do struggle a little depending on the terrain when coming to a stop.

**Paivi** · 13 Apr 07, 11:56 AM

Would it be for Connie? The Numpty would probably be a better riding position for her than the Monster, is that why you're looking at it? You getting ready to go touring, then?

**zimbo** · 13 Apr 07, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multimental

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimbo

I'm 5'8 and 29" inside leg and I can manage a multi thou without too many problems, the 620 should be fine I'd say.

The only thing that I'd be worried about is the confidence of a new rider while being relatively high up.

The guy who i bought my bike off was probably a bit shorter than you Zimbo to be fair. When the front wheel slipped out from underneath him he couldn't hold the bike up and it fell on his leg and broke it in three places.

True, a fair point and one you tend not to consider if you're used to sittong on / supporting bikes!

**Mini Mo** · 13 Apr 07, 01:43 PM

Thanks. Sounds like a sure thing then. Height shouldn't be a problem.

Just been told the one I was looking at has been sold though

Back on the hunt.

**spike748** · 13 Apr 07, 03:45 PM

That 20mm difference in height suprised me, thought they'd be the same.

As far as riding position goes, I like the upright position...it suits my aged bones!! Lets you see over the top of traffic better to help you plan your ride, road placement etc. IMO I would think it would be a great first bike.

**nogaromill999** · 13 Apr 07, 05:14 PM

You can always re sculpt the seat as we have done for Harrie, and fit a lowering kit if its that bad.......

**Triple9** · 13 Apr 07, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogaromill998

You can always re sculpt the seat as we have done for Harrie, and fit a lowering kit if its that bad.......

Not a lot of padding in the Multi seat to start off.
Besides,if you take too much out,the seat get wider,....which splays yer legs out further,...kinda defeats the object.

**nogaromill999** · 13 Apr 07, 07:33 PM

Take your point Triple9, and my stupid fault for being dense...stupidly, I assumed the 'struddle' to have been a Monster, which IS an ideal bike for a shorty, then of course it dawned that a Multistrada was the bike in question.....never mind, next time I want to mention a Duke I'll call it a Honda and no one will be confused ! Lol!