620vs.695vs.S2R

[missmalloy]

Ok people, I just started riding. I have my heart set on a monster. First let me say, I have read all the posts prompting new riders to get a starter bike and I can't bring myself to get anything other than a monster... i know, i know, you can roll your eyes at the newbie. So with that out of the question=) I would like to know the ride difference between 620 695 and 803cc. Ideally I'm going out and getting an S2R, reasons I should go for the smaller cc's?
next question, I'm 5'3" and learned on 27" seat... just curious as to what seat heights anyone about 5'3, 5'4 feels best riding at? Assuming I'd be ok getting a corbin and having it shaved a bit??
thanks!

[ajosephb]

I was in the same boat. Between those 3 bikes.

I'm a larger guy than you. 6' 200lbs and I am happy as hell on my 695. Being a new rider, I simply couldn't imagine the ride getting any better.

I was contimplating getting a used 620, but I'm the type of person that just has to have new. S2R was a little out of my price range and perhaps too much power for a first bike.

Kinda like little red riding hood. The 695 is just right for a new rider.

Anyhow, IMHO ... get a 695.

[KKT]

Caveat: I know nothing first hand.

However, my fabulous mechanic says he loves the 695 'cause they have a plastic tank.

Plastic tank = no dent when you drop it.

He's seen a couple that were dropped and was really impressed with how they came through.

Nice starter size, too.

Lots of discussion on this board about dealing with height challenges. I'm long of leg, so the whole platform boot thing is ??? ??? for me.

[missmalloy]

ok so is it pretty much a given that s2r is too much power for a first bike?
... stick with me on this as i am new to the bike world, but what are the problems of too much power?

[aprilmaybe]

Originally Posted by KT

...However, my fabulous mechanic says he loves the 695 'cause they have a plastic tank.

Plastic tank = no dent when you drop it. ...

I don't like the plastic tank because it makes a tank bag hard to use.

They are all good bikes.
I'd recommend the 620 because its easy to get a good condition used one. As for getting bored with it, I have 20 thousand miles on mine and I'm not bored.

One of the main reasons that smaller bikes are recommended for new riders is that fast powerful bikes do exactly what you tell them very quickly. New riders will make mistakes and basically tell the bike to do the wrong thing at the wrong time. It isn't simply a matter of respecting the throttle.

None of the three bike you are looking at are crazy bikes. I'd rather see someone start on an S2R than a 600 supersport.

[made2corner]

After much research I also decided on a Monster as my first bike. I have an S2R 800 it seems to be a good middle of the road starter for me. I compared to a new Honda F4i and in the end it was the same price, but the Ducati was more aesthetically appealing to me. I went with the bigger motor just so I would not have to switch it up as I get more advanced. I find it to be pretty forgiving and I have learned a lot on it over the past year. I ride with mainly liter bikes and manage to keep up just fine.

[scoby2duc]

all three bikes are great bikes. 695 vs S2R ?(i have not shopped the 620). both have that one of a kind Ducati look but. my first question is what type of riding are you going to do?
wife's first bike is a S2R 800 she loves it . she is not a aggressive rider yet > but she is learning and the 800 is a easy bike to ride. the S2R800 front end is the same as the 695 as far as brakes and forks and the 800 is heaver so braking might be better on the 695 (I am no expert this is all coming form my memory from when we were looking) the SV good bike my roomy has one and he is d**n fast on it. the only thing I have noticed is it dose not have the top shelf parts that the ducatis have but it works just as well anyway. I find the ergos on the Ducs better you can ride it longer but this is all just my .02$

[cierralisette]

I've decided to get a 620 as my starter bike. I'm 5'3" as well and 125 pounds, so it's good for me. A lot of people buy 620's as a starter bike and get a bigger one 6 months to a year later. That's my plan anyway, so I'm right there with ya! Go for the monster!

[s4girl]

i really believe that the lighter more forgiving bike is the way to go...you will not be aware of any power difference as a new rider and you will learn at a faster rate. i started on a 750cc honda spirit...once i started dragging parts on it i moved to suzuki bandit. once i got better on that i moved to the monster. now i'm dragging parts at the race track on the monster and am looking for a new bike that would work well for the track to. give yourself time to learn and you'll be better off for it...besides your first bike shouldn't be your last...trust me the addiction is strong! i say get the 695...don't mod it (if you can stand it >) so you can sell it stock in a year or two without any further financial loss and move up to a bigger bike.
god luck!

[mangeldbug]

I was also set on a Monster when I started riding, but knowing that as a new rider I would make mistakes, I got a good starter bike. The Monster is just too pretty to be dropped while learning. Monster was my second bike. Im so so glad I didnt get a Monster to start off on. I dropped my starter bike more than once - since I am short I dont have the leverage of taller riders when the bike gets a bit off balance - and made a dumb mistake once and hit some gravel at low speed and went down. Learned a lot though and after one season of riding I had graduated to my Monster. I also sold my starter for more than I bought it for.

I am 5'2"