Ducati Monster Forum

Many of you will know we have just returned from a little 5,000,000+ metre trip and I thought I'd note a few good things:

The Virgins*. My first impressions were how tight they were, quite slim and a snug fit but very comfortable once positioned correctly. Although they arrived to me in what could be deemed an 'untouched' condition it didn't take long to change things (sorry Big T). A bit of pressure in the right places and I soon had them nice and wet. Once they were wet it was not long before they were dirty and eager for more ... now they are starting to look a little worn out. Jukie's Corbin also performed impressively ... despite it feeling quite firm there were no complaints of sore bums.

X-Tech tyre repair kit. This was a Chrissy present for the Boss in readiness for Turismo and it was easily accomodated within the Virgins cavernous interior. The idea was 'if you carry it you won't need it' ... but things didn't quite go as planned. Jukie had the first puncture which required some expert reeming from Andy to make sure we made the boat and the second was for Betty which I managed to sort out on my own. Jukie's front coped with the mad dash to Melbourne then Launie where it was replaced. My rear has survived all the way from Tassie with the temporary sticky stuff in the hole.

Sidi Vertigo Mega Gore-Tex boots. I couldn't find these locally and they arrived just before we left. I have always had trouble with bike boots as I have fat feet and fat calves and short legs but the Mega provide that extra bit of room in the foot with the adjustable calf system. Three days of persistent rain on the way to Melbourne and then some more while we were in Tassie and there was no evidence of water on the inside.

Kriega R25 backpack. Luggage options are limited on the Monsters and I was continually discouraged from wearing a backpack but I rarely knew I was wearing this fella. It was with me for all 5,000,000m plus some walking in between. Generally it was carrying two sets of wet weather gear, two polar fleece jumpers, two pair of thongs and a bottle or two of water ... it doesn't seem to have caused an stress to my back, shoulders or neck.

Ventura rack/bag system. Although I couldn't get this to fit back on my bike with the exhaust, etc it is a very efficient system. Of course I made Jukie do all the carrying work (I need to try and slow her down somehow) and Andy and Heather (amongst others) had the same system with differing luggage options ... probably the best option for carrying 'stuff'. OK so it won't stop the Boss from complaining about carrying all that weight over the rear of the bike and talking up how it effects her riding and lean angles in corners ... but it could very well be all bullshit if the flogging she gave me up Falls Creek and (probably more relevant) on the familiar trip home on the Old Road are anything to go by.

Kriega US-10 tailbags. Well I ended up with tailbags everywhere and from what I can tell they are waterproof although the roll tops can be a bit of a hassle. I had one strapped to either side of the trellis and they don't seem to have caused any problems (unless you foul the throttle cable). The straps can be a bit of pain in the bum to thread through the frame so you don't really want to be taking them on and off all the time. They obviously don't have anywhere near the carrying capacity of the Ventura system though.

A Handy Andy55. A considerate travelling companion, calm in the face of adversity and a tolerant room-mate. Also an expert with a reeming tool.

Jukie. Quite simply there is no-one I would rather travel with. I know there are a few things which she will never let me forget but I reckon we had a pretty good trip.


* The Virgins are occasionally known as the Saddle Box seat.

Excellent words as always Betty.

Any pics of said items used in your 5 000 000 000 000 000 0000 0000 000 cm journey?
You know the saying, pics or it didn't happen and I know you have a camera to do so.

thanks for explaining The Virgins - and good review also - I did find Big T's photobucket set of them!

Never been on a Turismo - but will be looking to attend my 1st next year! [thumbsup]

Glad you made great use of the Virgins Betty.......  [thumbsup]

They have gone to a good home.....  :'(  :'(

sorry Trev they got a lot wet, and also had a few other males sitting on her too

Virgins will do that!

Obviously didn't happen then ;D ... links will have to do.

Virgins (but Trev has already covered this elsewhere much better than I could): http://saddle-box.net/EN/index.html (http://saddle-box.net/EN/index.html)

Tyre repair kit: http://www.mcas.com.au/_product.php?section=1&prodid=8959 (http://www.mcas.com.au/_product.php?section=1&prodid=8959)

Mega (fat bastard boots) - note I didn't buy from Kneedraggers: http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Sidi_Vertigo_Mega_GoreTex_Boots--632304.html (http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Sidi_Vertigo_Mega_GoreTex_Boots--632304.html)

Backpack (links not working to Aussie site at the moment): http://www.kriega.us/products/kriega-25l-rucksack-1 (http://www.kriega.us/products/kriega-25l-rucksack-1)

Ventura (I am sure you all know about these though): http://www.ventura-bike.com/default.aspx (http://www.ventura-bike.com/default.aspx)

Tailbags (links not working to Aussie site at the moment): http://www.kriega.us/products/kriega-us-10 (http://www.kriega.us/products/kriega-us-10)

Andy ... there are photos but not fit for general consumption

Jukie ... I definitely shouldn't be posting any more piccies

Alright a couple of luggage piccies:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4384607608_11663ae232.jpg)

The Kriega tailbags. A bit f luggage up front seems to have balanced the weight a bit better ... black on black is a bit hard to see though.


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4384607830_ce27769b40.jpg)

Yes that is the two big bags on the little 620 and no there is not a lot of room in the saddle.

Thanks, lucky Jukie is small in stature or those bags might have squeezed her up onto the tank.
So jealous of those pics, bikes packed and on a road trip.

Must do road trip in 2010.