Ducati Monster Forum

Hi,
I am planning on going for a ~2000 mile round trip roadtrip with some close buddies that I grew up with. We are planning towards beginning of April and about a 7 day trip. I have never gone further than 80 miles on my monster and thus am a noob to the open road and planning/packing and other general knowledge. My first step in preparation for this trip is acquiring saddle/tank/tail bags. Anything else I should know? How/what to pack? Riding formations or riding techniques?
I will make a journal and post my experience and pictures afterwards! Thanks!!

Rest often. Hydrate often. The wind sucks all the moisture off your skin.

Only issue with saddlebags is that if you load them up heavy and they sag, they can rub the tires. This may not be noticeable until you get on the bike yourself. Usually this isn't an issue though for most.

Tank bags add weight higher up. Personally, I prefer a higher center of gravity but most people agree it is harder to control at slower speeds.  Mine attach via magnets since I have a metal tank. Some people don't like how tank bags get in the way of steering. I like how it blocks some wind and I can rest on them.  

If you are going to hotel it, I would just bungee a small duffle bag to the back since the bag is being removed daily. Or use a tank bag

Highways get boring pretty quick. Stay off them when possible.

I did 9900 miles last summer over 4 weeks. Lots of memories and lots of fun.  Enjoy.

Also pack fuses, duct tape, and zip ties. And other tools, but they can be shared.

For this trip...

Packing considerations:
Credit card or tent camping? (hint, credit card camping has showers and a bed you don't have to lug)

either way, the monster really likes weight over the tank as opposed to weight hanging off the rear.  I've done it both ways, and tank panniers with tank bag are far more enjoyable.  If you are credit card camping and don't plan on doing much except for riding, don't pack anything you won't need.  

Riding techniques:
I'm not really very experienced in riding with others, but I tend toward a more anarchist set up.  Over a long distance, I prefer regular (or impromptu as necessary) rally points to rules about speed, order, or formation.

2000 miles in 7 days is pretty easy.  Be flexible about end points each day.  If you are too tired to enjoy it, you should probably take a break (nap, snack, water, dinner, whatever).  That in mind, start going on longer trips between now and then.  You should be pretty comfortable doing s 300 mile day before you plan on a week of 300 mile days.

Plan gas stops every 100 miles.  That ends up being about every 2 hours, and is well within the range of most monsters (except SBK ones with plastic tanks and hooligan riders).  

Wear riding gear (pants and jacket).  That way you only have to pack one pair of jeans.

Under your riding gear, wear padded bike shorts.  You can rinse them out at the end of the day for a mild refresh and let them hang dry over night.  When you "camp" at a hotel with laundry on day 3, you can throw them in the wash with your other 2 pairs of underwear.  (note: 7 days = 1 pair bike shorts, 3 pair underwear, 3 t-shirts, 1 pair jeans, 1 pair swim trunks if you can hit laundry on day three.  add 1 camel back bladder (lose the backpack or get one without), some energy squeezy things from the sporting goods store, and a selection of allen keys and open-ended wrenches, you can pack most of that in a tank bag and a tail bag.

there's more I'm forgetting, but that should give you a start.

sweet thanks! I really appreciate the tips thus far!  keep them coming!

Ive done a few long distance trips here and abroad on a bike and i still haven't perfected my equipment package, mostly its because it changes depending on the nature of the journey.

But....

1. be prepared for wet and cold weather. IT WILL FIND YOU! Sometimes together.

2. what ever you end up packing, leave half of it at home, you always bring too much.

3. Take lots of pictures, once its over thats all your going to have left.

4. Tell us where your going and crash with random DMF'ers along the way.

5. When you feel tired riding, push yourself another 100 miles, then you'll know what tired actually is and never do that again.

6. Just because those little bottles of Jim Bean are on sale, don't drink 750ml worth.

7.  Keep your extra cash somewhere besides your wallet. (you never mentioned which country you were in)

8.  Never run an open tab for your table, the local prostitutes will add their drinks to your table. (again, which country)

9. Plastic bags = waterproof socks.

10. They only like you because you have a US passport, you are only "financially handsome" (hmmm maybe not much of an issue in the US)

11. Learn to fix your own flat tires, or at least have the tools and a Vietnamese interpreter.

12. Oil is not an optional accessory.

Since your only going 7 days this advice will get you through, if you were going longer, i got a whole other list.

Get a tire plug repair kit and CO2 cartridges You can get these at lots of places but I always carry one under the seat. I use this one:

http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/category/Stop_and_Go2 (http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/category/Stop_and_Go2)

You will never regret having it along

my 2 rec's are this...

make sure you have a comfortable seat...if the stocker wears your ass out after a 2 or more tankfulls day of riding...you should invest in a more comfortable seat!

learn how to stretch while on the bike...whether it be your legs in taking them off the pegs and stretching them out or standing on the pegs or whatever...if you want to minimize your stops a bit, doing this will help greatly!

Monkey butt powder or preparation h.  The latter is in the absence of the first

United States! starting in California, planning on looping through Colorado and back to cali

Carry extra gas.  In many interesting parts of the Southwest, gas stations can be further apart than your range.

Good sized tank bag. Rainsuit, extra gloves, water, a few tools, light.
Better too big, and full than too small and overstuffed IMO.
You can find a nice tailbag, Coretech looks decent for Monster.
Yeah your ass is gonna hurt. Work on that.
Slab travel on a Monster is somewhat pointless, avoid if possible.
Back roads rock, so plan on shorter distances. Know the shortest range in the group
and plan accordingly if traveling together (I recommend).
We ride staggered, please don't do that side by side shit, unless your're riding with clowns.
Hydration is easy to ignore, and be sorry.
Get a few rides ~200mi in - so you'll know what'll hurt. Wrists will take some acclimation.
Be sure you can stay warm, stay alert & safe and enjoy! Pics or it didn't happen.

All good tips.
I would add a throttle cruise control (Throttlemeister) or at least one of these -

http://www.crampbuster.com/ (http://www.crampbuster.com/)

 Turn down your spakers and click here to see the "Go Cruise". (http://www.2wheelride.com/throttle_pro.html)

Annoying website but a really cheap, simple and effective throttle-stop for grabbing a bit of 'wrist rest'; I've got one on my long-distance Connie and love it.  Get the regular black one.  Super easy to set without taking any hands off the controls (use your right index-finger); just roll the throttle forward and it's "off".


Can't agree more about the seat / butt issues already mentioned.  You're gonna be in a hurt making the instant transition from short rides to days on the bike.  You don't mention your normal riding outfit (hopefully ATTGATT), you might consider getting a pair of lined bicyclists shorts to wear under to help your butt.


Ride your PACE (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=117.0) and have fun!

 I've only done a few weekend trips to the Cali coast. I've noticed that I take too much stuff,( clothes for my destination, tools, layering for weather). I use a large tank and tail bag.
 I've bought better touring gear so that I don't need to bring many extra layers. I also realized that I'm traveling with equally smelly guys so I don't need to bring so many extra "fresh" clothes and wear them over again minus the socks and under ware to save space.
 Go over your bike from end to end and check/ tighten all the fasteners you can. I've had zero problems/leaks with my bike but when I rode to Laguna seca this July, my oil cooler hose began to leak at the radiator and I did not have a large enough wrench to tighten it. I usually carry an Allen wrench set, locking pliers and zip ties.

Awesome tips, I ordered a cramp buster and will being taking longer rides on the weekends!

WILD HOGS: Road Hazards Clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg52C-no-C4&feature=related#)

Ear plugs!  Get a couple sets of ear plugs (just the cheap foam kind), they cut down on the wind noise and not only protect your hearing but will prolong the fatigue setting in on long trips.  Proper riding gear will also help with preventing fatigue from setting in prematurely...

As mentioned, some basic tools.  Get with the others that are going and divide and conquer a list of must haves.  No reason for everyone to carry a set of wrenches...but take zip-ties, duct tape, ziploc bags (big/small), allen stocks, screwdrivers, a leatherman type tool and some metric wrenches in common sizes.

For luggage I love the Ventura bag I have for my Monster!  It has been to IndyGP 2 times from South GA and was able to pack all I needed in that and a magnetic tank bag.  Bag is good size and is easy to install/remove during nightly stops, just undo locking screws and take bag and top brackets into hotel/tent.  Link - http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56198.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56198.0)  and rest easy, it will still work if you have a tail chop.

If you can plan your ride try to get to the best bits of road (twisties) not in the early morning when your tyres are cold
and your mind is not switched on or late afternoon when you are tired.

Tank bags are great as you can rest your chest on them and relax
keeps all the first need things at easy access.

Earplugs ! Earplugs !!!
Couple of disposable type cloths in zip lock bags one dry the other soaked in window cleaner for your visor
Two visors one tinted one clear

Liquid tears to wash away road dust from your eyes.
Small spray can of chain wax use every night while the chain is warm
If you don't have wet weather gloves buy a pair of XXL rubber gloves big enough to fit over your normal ones with comfort
A pair of thinsulate light weight gloves to ware inside your leather ones

I use a back protector (the kind separate from the jacket) one for safety two it helps support your back over long rides
Check your engine oil level every other day its amazing how much more you use over long sustained speed runs
Everyones cell number you are traveling with

Neck roll or balaclava they help keep a lot of wind and noise out.
I found a well fitting soft cup helps keep the boys happy from not slapping the tank

See if you can beg borrow or buy a tank cover keeps stone chips away from your tank and a tank bag is easier to attach
I put a couple of layers of protective clear adhesive sheets over headlight fork uppers and cowl to fend of chips

If its going to be cold get some heated grips on, there cheap on ebay and easy to install

Try to keep the pace in your comfort zone , dont worry about keeping up with fast riders have turn point meeting stops
listen to your mind/body for fatique and stop have a break and drink of water and stretch .
And most impotant have fun.

No ear plugs enjoy the sound track to your road trip and bring a tank bag and cash.

I've done a 10,500 mile trip to Alaska plus three 2500 mile trips through the Southwest and Mexico, all solo on my S2R. I think all the previous posts have you covered pretty good. Here's what I have to add:

Earplugs- The moldable silicon kind are the best, you can get them at any drugstore.

Tank bag- Is great to rest on and to block the wind. As long as you're not putting multiple bottles of water in it it won't affect the weight distribution that much.

Camping- It'll vastly increase the amount of stuff you have to carry if you decide to camp out (tent, sleeping bag, pad, food, etc). Also, it's hard to know ahead of time what exactly you'll need. I'd say for your first long trip, don't camp out. Stay in motels. Most of the time you don't need to call ahead. Your credit card is king.

Saddlebags- Soft ones will probably sag so watch out for contact with the rear wheel.

Rain gear- For a seven day trip through the Southwest you might be able to get away with not having any, but if you're going to take that risk check the weather ahead of time. Also, insert a trash bag into the saddlebags before you pack everything in, because soft saddlebags will leak rain cover or no.

Comfort- I've used the stock S2R seat this whole time and it's never given me any trouble. You might want to consider handlebar risers but depending on how resilient your back is, you can do without them on a seven day trip. You'll also want a darkly tinted visor and good sunglasses.

Other stuff- Plug tire repair kit, chain lube, maybe a 1 gallon gas jug. A multitool would be useful, as well as a flattened aluminum can for the sidestand on soft ground (put it in your tank bag where you can reach it without getting off the bike). Eye drops are nice to have. A small container of rubbing alcohol is useful for many things (cleaning your visor or bike, disinfectant).

Tips- Always carry one more bottle of water than you think you might need. Also check the weather the night before for every place you might be in the next two days. It's never too late to adjust your route to avoid rain.

Things to avoid- At dusk, as the sun is going down, avoid the urge to rush to wherever your stop for the night is. Do. Not. Rush. The lighting is bad, other drivers can't see as well, animals come out, you're tired and your judgment is poor, shit happens. I can't count the number of times I've nearly crashed or killed myself when I didn't follow this rule.

Try to find out ahead of time if the place you're stopping for the night is particularly popular that night. There's almost no worse feeling than rolling into town, finding out that all the motels are full, and having no backup plan.

Taking the interstate will mean missing a LOT of things. A state route or smaller back road will take longer but will be richly rewarding. Avoid letting other people dictate your pace too much. The point is to have a good time, not make good time.

And in the end, experience is the best teacher. Fifteen months ago I was exactly where you were. You'll develop your own list of what to do and bring, far better than any list you read that somebody else wrote.


That being said, go out and have the greatest time of your life!  ;D

Looks like most is covered.
I find that after a trial pack of gear, you can find a way to eliminate half of it. Then get rid of another half of whats left.

Do this a few times and you get the idea of how little you can carry and still enjoy the trip.

One set of clothes to wear on the bike, and one set for evening activities is enough for 2 weeks.
Carry as least as possible and you will enjoy it more.

Some essential tools, and a mobile phone. I have a 56litre ventura bag, and if i cant fit it in that bag, it gets left behind. Lately i have added a 5 litre gas container on the outside. 2 or three garbage bags to weatherproof stuff and you are done.

Annual trips with the boys are 8000 to 10,000 klm per week. B and C roads only, no highways if possible. Good bits get done again.

Check out the ironbutt site: http://www.ironbutt.com (http://www.ironbutt.com)

Re: clothes.
Old trucker trick, throw out stinky socks,underwear and t-shirts and buy new cheap ones to save carrying space.

Extended elevated noise levels are shown to promote fatigue - not to mention goin' deeef

Great write up on building a compact tool kit
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57895.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57895.0)
And not quite so compact - but still bike ready
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262998 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262998)

I don't think that anyone has mentioned getting a Spot
http://findmespot.com/en/ (http://findmespot.com/en/)
You're going to be in areas with no cell coverage at all probably. Don't rely on your phone working.

Another thing that I don't think has been mentioned is physical conditioning. Take time to prep yourself. Improved cardio capacity and core strength will do a lot to help you not feel like paste after a couple days in the saddle

Do NOT wear jeans.  They give no protection in a spill and the crutch is a V shape. (This can / will bunch up and hurt like hell)  Leathers have better protection and the crutch is a U shape.  If your butt gets sore on the Monster, have piece of sheep skin rug to cover the seat (cut to shape and tied on)....  It will breath and give more padding.   I have had a sheep skin cover on all of my bikes going back 40 years now and when I ride I can do 500 to 600 miles in a day. [thumbsup] Ventura bags are also good on the Monster  [thumbsup]  But most of all enjoy and  [Dolph]

EAR PLUGS!!!!   Seriously.  Not only for a long ride, but ALWAYS.  Try them once and you will never ride without them.  I started using them in 1980...

If you cant afford a new seat or a seat pad, might I suggest padded bike shorts?  Granted, may not work for everybody but they sure as hell work for me.  I recently  rode 700 miles over a weekend..one day with and one day without the shorts to compare directly.  Easily good for twice the miles with the shorts.  I recently purchased a pair of Zone Performance riding shorts, but honestly cant tell the difference between them and the much cheaper "cheap" padded shorts I bought online for $20.

(I currently ride a Bandit 1200 which has an awful stock seat.  Previously rode a Monster with Ducati Performance seat which was pretty good even for a moderately long ride)

Oh yeah!  I forgot.  If you are doing long spirited days, take the tools to re-tension the belts.  You might not have to, but mine seem to stretch a bit before the first oil change such that the slapping of the belt sounds quite alarming at idle.  It's a pretty easy hotel parking lot fix even if you keep the covers on.

Credit card.





...................with lots of room on it.

A back brace always helps me out on really long rides.  Also ear plugs help cut down fatigue.

awesome, thanks again guys!  [thumbsup]  now, anyone know of cool places between orange county and colorado??

This guy hit some good roads on the way to denver:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=51053.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=51053.0)

I just re read the title



Take the whole tab  [laugh]

I done many weekend trips with rear seat bag +/- panier's; like many good suggestions previous; [popcorn] what I've found helps

pack 2-3 days before hand; remove all contents and look at it; and ask youself what is necessary?  and just take whats necessary; your ride will be more enjoyable with less stuff to keep tract of and weight you down.  Lighter = more fun on the bike and easier to control.  Then if possible pack evething and set it on the bike; it will take a while the first time and adjust straps so nothing rubs (especially on moving parts or hot exhaust)

Double check that all zippers are closed; straps and clips are connected and covers are tight. (you'll be surprised :D)

I prefer panier's due to lower center of gravity and have a saddle bag thst goes over the seat; on top of the panniers if I have alot of stuff; and you have to keep an eye on stuff if its parked unfortunatly; so park in busy spots;

also like to lay on the tank on long straight stretches with no traffic around; try it you'll love it; monsters were made to be more arrowdynamic;

beware of being upright; windy and high speed corners; your front end gets light and you can drift. (monster problem); lean forward and get weight over the front wheel in these conditions.

stop; take breaks and lots of photos expeciaslly at scenic spots.

lightweight nylon rain pants and coat are nice along with shin high waterproof boots and extra gloves... plan for it to rain (here north of NW on BC Can.

If its dry I find I get dry throat and sinuses combined with exaust / dust; so a small bottle of water helps used at every stop but not too much then your stopping to pee befor the next break ... see at breaks tahe a leak.

... all seems obvious; but you'd be surprised.

oh ya; also check fluids ( break & oil)and tire air pressure after the bikes loaded befor you go 2-4 lbs extra tire pressure is good for extra weight; bring and use a tire pressure gauge.

On longer rides I find I get sore in funny places; neck;wrists if Im leaning on the handle bars too much and or sore back or sometimes cramps in calf /hamstrings/ outer hips (hip flexor muscle?) o; you'll notice more on day 2 and after when you sit on the bike; asides from being saddle sore ;)

Enjoy; ride on.


[Dolph]

depending on when and where you go in April, I might ride with you for some of it.  A plan is coming together...