what is the riding position on a supersport like? is it as agressive as a superbike? is it close to halfway between that an a monster? how would it work out for shorter drivers? im looking at a 900ss and wont have the chance to ride one before i buy. how would you compare them performance wise to a japanese bike for handling and speed. (say compared to a f4i)
Congrats on the bike and welcome to the boards , I think that it is based on how you like to ride, personally at higher speeds (70+) I lean almost completely forward on the tank and low speeds I sit up like you would on a ST (I'm about 5'11). It is actually a very comfortable bike. Performance wise....it's a Duc, great acceleration,takes some getting used to at low speed, but they are at home in the twisties.
Depends if its the newer ie or the older Pre 1999 version. Older version is more like the monster. Newer version you lean much farther over. Both I'd say are very confidence inspiring and at home in the curves. Found myself scraping my toes on an on ramp (very tight turn) the other week and I didn't realize I was that far over. You'll find that the jap bikes have more high end but that you'll probably have much more fun with the torque anyway. (Oooops officer, didn't mean to have the front come up on me like that). More than once I've launced from a stop light (particularly going uphill) and found my front tire in the air.
I've been riding my 1999 Supersport for about five years now and no way would I ever tell somebody it is a comfortable bike. I'm 6'2" and the reach to the bars is okay but the overall riding position is just as radical as the 916 style superbikes, if not more so. The 999/749 superbikes are actually a lot MORE comfortable than the SS. I've never ridden a Monster so i cannot comment on that comparison.
One of the most common mods on the modern SS are bar risers to bring the clipons a little closer and higher.
I do not have bar risers and have managed 600+ mile days on mine but I felt it in my back, neck and shoulders for days afterward...
If you get one, don't get it for it's comfort value or practicality as an all rounder. It's a sportbike. Take it to a track or to the twisty backroads and it's character will be revealed to you.
Mines a 99 also but I guess it's each persons opinion on how comfortable it is. I am but a young lad so it probably doesnt bother me as much as it would older people. I feel more comfortable laying down then sitting up.
I own 3 Sportbikes and the Duc is without a doubt, the most uncomfortable bike of the three. The reach is far and the controls are less than stellar. But I knew that going in and changed it. I added a set of Superbike style bars to it and now it is a pleasure to ride. If you are 5'10" or less, you are in for a handfull. It is NOTHING like a monster.
The motor is sweet, simple aircooled Desmo with good power and torque. Has classic looks, but doing 400 miles plus a day can be brutal in stock form.
I would highly recommend you try one before you buy........resale is not exactly crisp on these and if it is gonna be your only bike, well you want it to be one you really like to ride. I like mine, but I have 3 and it is not my favorite, but do like it.
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2006 Husky SM610
2004 Aprilia Tuono
2003 Buell XB9R--SOLD!
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2005 Scorpa SY250
I'm a bike whore, but I live with it
I agree...definitly not a comfortable bike but a real thrill to ride.
I came from a CBR 600F4. The riding position on the Duc puts a lot more weight on your wrists than on the Honda.
truer words have never been spoken...trust me over 50% depreciation in 3 months and it still hasn't sold. BUY SOMETHING ELSE!!!!!!!
Not everybody has as bad luck as nickg, If you are truly serious about selling it, it will sell. True, you can pick them up for pretty cheap (paid less then 3500 for mine) but they aren't too terribly much new. Ride it and youll love it. And good gloves help with the wrists.
well i am definately going to have to see what its like. going to check it out thursday. im getting it used and not worried about it being my only bike because ill only get to ride it once a week. the roads around here are kinda twisty so i like that idea. how are they power wise? im not expecting to go 200 miles an hour but will the bike feel slugish at all? track days and sunday drives are what im thinking for this bike.
If it's a '04, it already has 10mm spacers under the handlebars from the factory.
After a few years on a Monster, I switched to a '99 900ss and a '02 750ss.
I can tell you for certain that comfort is not an issue on them when doing a track day, but as soon as the riding slows down, their ergonomics get nasty.
I've gotten into the habit of clamping the bike firmly with my legs whenever possible to take weight off of my wrists. I've noticed that at the ragged edge the bike is much more serene if I keep my arms soft anyway.
On my 96 SS I have Cycle Cat clipons but I think the risers are the same as stock. When i ride I have no weight on my wrists at all. I have a bit of weight on my pegs and grip the tank with my knees. The position seems perfect for controling the bike. I'm 6' and have never had my wrists get tired or sore = love it! Can't you at least sit on the bike before you buy it? Watch out for the fork stops at slow speed!!
I have never ridden an i.e., but sounds like they aren’t as comfy as the previous carb’d model which I find has a perfect riding position from me at 6’2”. So much so I once rode it from London to Florence (as you do!) with out an ache.
My Superlight has a single seat and that is harder, but the dual seat SS is really comfy. Try before you buy – I did and fell in love.
As for massive deprecation... fantastic ! Secondhand bargains to be had – essentially they are a good reliable bike, if well looked after will handle trackdays and high mileage in there stride.
ill definately sit on it before i buy it. it seems as if i have to definately sit on it actually. from what it seems here everyone loves the bike but nobody is totally comfortable on it. would the helibars make a difference or not really?
I love my '04 SS. It isn't a comfortable bike. I have really bad wrists, so when I ride it, I can't ride for long. What can I say, I have a Duc cause I'm a poser I will never get rid of this bike!! I have an SV too, and that is much more comfy!
I'd agree with the masses here that the '99+ SSs are sportbikes and not known for comfort. The belt drive carbie SSs are much better comfort wise, especially with a few mods (helis, seat). To put things in perspective, I had my '78 SS out last weekend, now THAT is an uncomfortable bike.
I must say the re-sale comments surprise me. I paid $8500 for my '96SS SP in 1997 and in these parts at least would still get around $5000. Not bad for eight years and 30K miles. Better still, my '78SS went for around $4,000 new. In good shape, you can get $12,000 plus for them.
well today i got it. a 2004 800ss. i dont know why i kept posting a 900ss but its definately the 800. i havent had the chance to ride it yet. have to get it insured and registered. im pretty excited. comfortable or not this is a cool bike!!!!!
new to the boards. 900ss riding position question
, I think that it is based on how you like to ride, personally at higher speeds (70+) I lean almost completely forward on the tank and low speeds I sit up like you would on a ST (I'm about 5'11). It is actually a very comfortable bike. Performance wise....it's a Duc, great acceleration,takes some getting used to at low speed, but they are at home in the twisties.
! Secondhand bargains to be had – essentially they are a good reliable bike, if well looked after will handle trackdays and high mileage in there stride.
I will never get rid of this bike!! I have an SV too, and that is much more comfy!
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