Turismo 2010

[heatherp]

Don't carry backpacks - they are a pain (literally) to ride with.
In 2 weeks you will be able to do some washing somewhere, even if it's just handwashing in the motel bathroom sink and hanging up on a balcony or in the bathroom so pack a bit of washing powder and obtain a pegless clothes line (from camping/hiking stores) so that will cut down on some clothes.

Pack thin layers of clothing - nothing bulky. Again hiking stores have loads of this stuff in differing price ranges. Also dries quicker after washing. Being Tassie you will need thermals too.

Roll clothes tightly don't fold.  I don't know why but you can fit more in.

Decant bathroom products into smaller bottles - no point taking large bottles of shampoo if you only have to take the leftovers home - or use the stuff provided in the motels.

Back when I used to travel two up I always found that female clothes pack down smaller - always amazed my partner that I could take more clothes than him. Even though he was a skinnier than me!   This is just a point for Jukie - I am not suggesting you cross dress for the trip 


I have a bagster tag bank but I find it gets in the way so won't be using it this trip - ventura for me.

[Betty]

I am not suggesting you cross dress for the trip 

Its the mo isn't it ... its all I've heard since Thursday night

Heather your packing tips seem similar to our trip to Italy its just carrying it all on the bike I am worried about.

Thermals in Feb has me worried ... and I am becoming more worried about backpacks and tank bags.

I have never been a fan of the tank bag but I am running out of options ... is it the hassle of re-fueling or just getting in the way while riding?

I have been reading a lot on the forum and so many people have advised against backpacks ... is the pain a gradual thing over the course of the trip? I have done days of say 500km without a problem so figured the issue must be accumulative ... any idea?

Also we have an odd tail on the Monsters ... any viable options there?

[wayne800]

Hey Betty

Have you looked into the Bags-Connection Racepack as suggested by stopintime in the below link:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=23853.0

Not exactly pretty (what luggage is?) but looks like you could fit a kitchen sink in there without the worry of a tank bag.

[heatherp]

Haven't seen the mo Betty so can't comment.

My tankbag sits pretty tall on the tank and I'm only little so yes it gets in the way when I'm riding.  I would only use it on long trips to lug gear to a common base and leave it there whilst I rode twisties unencumbered.

Yes the backpack is a cumlative thing.  All that stress on your shoulders and neck is not a good thing.

If ventura type racks are definitely out, I have seen bags that fit/strap to the pillion seat but I'm not sure who makes them, could be Andystrapz.  Anyone else here know what I'm talking about?

Thermals in Feb has me worried ...

As opposed to Vic having four seasons in one day, Tassie can have 8!  I have suffered hypothermia at Xmas time in Tassie whilst getting sunburnt 3 days later!  It pays to be prepared. Tassie guys - tell me I'm wrong 

[Betty]

Thanks Wayne I am a bit worried about that Racepack as my high mount pipes are higher than most. I had been looking at those Givi brackets that Stoppie had also linked to ... but it is something I think I would need to see in person and size it up to the bike ... plus I'd need to re-mount the pillion pegs (not a biggy).

Heather I will trawl through the Andystraps website ... there is a lot of generic luggage options there it would seem. But just quickly back to your tank bag (sorry to be a pain) do you think a short one (less high) would be that much of a problem?

I have suffered hypothermia at Xmas time in Tassie

Shit! Don't tell Jukie that I've already paid for the boat!
(and who is going to carry all my luggage then)

[heatherp]

Ask away Betty.  The more info the better and whatever you come up with could well benefit all our touring experiences.

A shorter tank bag would help yes.  Depends on how long your arms and torso are.  But I did have a much taller friend ride it with this setup and he wasn't very impressed.  It's not dangerous or anything like that.  It just detracted from the fun somewhat. Matty has the same tank bag set up so Matty if your listening could you maybe add your 2c worth.

[Yellow Meanie]

You're right H, the weather can, and does change pretty quickly down here. I've noticed the weather in Hobart to be a little more fickle than Launceston. I think Mt. Wellington tends to generate it's own little system over Hobart, producing instantaneous showers/squalls/snow even when it's fine and clear elsewhere.

Saying that, I still don't yet own any proper wet weather gear. I just pick my days to ride  
February should be the warmest part of the year, but I would take a set of thermals just in case. They wont take up much room. I have a thin "polar fleece" type jumper I wear under my leather jacket, again, it would roll up pretty small when packed.

The only long trip I have done on the bike was Brisbane to Tassie, when I first bought her.
I had a fairly large tank bag that didn't seem to get in the way too much. That was with "city bars" though. Now that I have clip-ons it would be next to useless.
I love my little tail bag. It does expand, but I think it may be a little small for a trip this long.

Luckily for Betty and Jukie, they will be able to cut down on and share some of the essential gear. Tools, chain-lube, puncture repair kit, shampoo, soap, toothbrush etc...

[mostro900]

I have never been a fan of the tank bag but I am running out of options ... is it the hassle of re-fueling or just getting in the way while riding?

A couple of comments on the tank bag option. If it's not over stuffed and not too big, it can be quite useful to have on the bike - for long trips I used to rest on it sometimes - especially if you are just chewing miles to get somewhere. Secondly I felt it sort of balanced the bike a bit having some weight up front(probably psychological & not really making any difference, but...). Good to keep a few items in it that you might need in a hurry - eg. rain pants, spare gloves...
Mine is magnetic, so no big hassle when refuelng.

...apart from that i highly recommend getting a sherpa! 

[Betty]

...apart from that i highly recommend getting a sherpa! 

Well I've got one, but like I said I have to be seen to be trying.

Any issues with rubbing or scratching paint using a tank bag ... s'pose the same goes for any tail bag options but at least you have the option of removing the cowl (I probably won't get far without the tank).

[craigo]

Hey Betty,


I did tail bag + tank bag to WSBK @PI in Feb and I didn't have any problems whatsoever.. One of the guys I went down with only had a backpack on a he is still seeing a chiropractor. 



I had both the tail and tank bags zipped into their smallest size (they can get way larger than in the pic) and I managed to fit in everything I needed for 6 days. I still had plenty of room to spare.

The tank bag could get in your way if you were really fanging, but like Mostro mentions I found it handy for leaning on. The tail bag pretty much means you have to take off your rear cowl.

If you want me to bang both the bags on the bike and meet you up PITS so you can check it out over the next week or so, let me know.

[goldFiSh]

I had both the tail and tank bags zipped into their smallest size (they can get way larger than in the pic) and I managed to fit in everything I needed for 6 days. I still had plenty of room to spare.

But you should have smelt him by the time we got to Eden on the way back (joke Craigo!)

[Betty]

But you should have smelt him by the time we got to Eden on the way back (joke Craigo!)

Luckily I am ahead of the game with questionable personal hygiene and fashion sense.

Craigo thanks for the offer I will send a PM.

[goldFiSh]

On a more serious note, I'd agree with everything that H has said, and she should know about travelling on the bike!

Don't carry backpacks - they are a pain (literally) to ride with.
In 2 weeks you will be able to do some washing somewhere, even if it's just handwashing in the motel bathroom sink and hanging up on a balcony or in the bathroom so pack a bit of washing powder and obtain a pegless clothes line (from camping/hiking stores) so that will cut down on some clothes.

Pack thin layers of clothing - nothing bulky. Again hiking stores have loads of this stuff in differing price ranges. Also dries quicker after washing. Being Tassie you will need thermals too.

Roll clothes tightly don't fold.  I don't know why but you can fit more in.

Decant bathroom products into smaller bottles - no point taking large bottles of shampoo if you only have to take the leftovers home - or use the stuff provided in the motels.
.......

[techno]

I'm not brave enough to tell you to leave your thermals at home. I once camped at Cradle Mt in summer and damn near froze my arse off. I suspect we will be riding up that way this time due to the announced route.

Sorry it doesn't help with the packing.

As for tank bags, I've got a low one that doesn't get in the way at all except when you go to refuel. Plastic tank means you need a strap-on. (No, not what your thinking).

[trinity]

I have the same tail bag as craigo, it's made by Ventura; holds a fair bit when expanded, just zip it down & it carries all you need for day trips  Not sure about carrying enough in it for 2 weeks but if you pack conservatively, take quick drying items & can do some washing every now & then.....or pack it full of body spray & deoderant 

Last Jan it snowed in Wilmot 2 days before we rocked through, so you really do need to take the thermals. Having said that we were there for 2 weeks & I only wore my thermal pants 3 times, when we had early starts. It drizzled on us for about 5 mins in Zeehan otherwise we had blue skies & sunshine everyday, twas glorious & I can't wait to get back there  [moto]