Trying a little touring on the new 1100

[ggemelos]

Ever since I started riding motorcycles in 2000, I have always lusted after the monster.  Since most of my riding is sport touring and dual sport oriented, I kept passing on the monster.  Well a few months back I decided I could keep a small dirt bike for the dirt and that the monster would be fine for touring.  The latter was more of hopefully thinking than proven fact.  So I bought my long desired monster back in February and just got back from my first long trip.

It was a 9 day, 4k mile trip.  I started in San Jose and looped through Lassen, Crater Lake, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Yosemite national parks.  It was a great trip done all on lovely, little used byways.  The bike was great.  The only hiccup was one cold start issue, see link http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41428.0.

Along the way I learned I really love the bike and am kicking myself for waiting so long to buy my first monster. Although the current Bridgestone B016 are fun, they definitely are not ideal for long trips.  Even whiling trying to hit every curvy road along the way, the tires flattened out pretty badly.  I think the next set will be Metzler Z6's.  I also learned that the seat needs to be changed.  My butt was killing me after a couple of 400+ plus days.  I was thinking of going down to Corbin and checking out what options they have.  As you can see from the photos below, I strapped my duffel bag down using the exhaust pipe mounts and the rear of the seat.  I am hoping that I can convince Corbin to install four D-rings into the rear of the seat, flush so that the cowl still fits, so that I can strap my bag down to them in the future.

The bike loaded and ready to go:


Crater lake:


Glacier:


Grand Tetons:


Besides all the gorgeous scenery in the national parks, I also came across some unusual sites at the Hot August Nights car rally in Reno.  This is one of my favorites.  Although you cannot see it, there is actually a rear view mirror embedded in the handle of the radio flyer:

[M1100]

Nice trip!  I have the touring seat (only one ride so far) from Ducati and it is pretty nice also.  That Corbin looks comfy.

Any desire to install risers on the bars?

[ggemelos]

I really did not have a problem with the bar height.  In fact, other than the seat issue, I really liked the ride position.  I had a couple 500+ mile days without any problems other than the hot spots due to the seat.  I was pretty surprised by it.   

[somegirl]

Looks like a great trip, thanks for sharing.

[John1454]

   Awesome trip!!!

     more pic's please




I like threads like these because it encourages me to not go out and buy an FJR. haha. I like touring. It can be done on a Monster.
I have been on one big trip (to the Appalachian Mtns), and I am planning a trip right now to Million$, Moab, Bryce Canyon, Devils Hwy 191, etc etc.

[justinrhenry]

i have a corbin for my monster and it's awesome.  i also have risers that i think make a huge difference. 

[ggemelos]

I have been on one big trip (to the Appalachian Mtns), and I am planning a trip right now to Million$, Moab, Bryce Canyon, Devils Hwy 191, etc etc.

I once attempted a cross country trip around Easter a few years back.  Decided to take a southerly route given the time of year.  Devils Hwy 191 is a great section of road.  Unfortunately, I ran into a massive snow storm on the way over the Rockies.  I never did make it across the country that year, but I did make it to a little Native American service station on the eastern side of the Rockies, in New Mexico, with the largest fireplace I ever saw.  Ever since I cannot go near 191 without a deep chill going through my bones.

Have fun on your trip.  Sounds like a nice set of destinations.  

  

[Raux]

i did Germany to Italy and back on the 696 Comfort seat. no issues

[pitbull]

great trip..................nice pictures.


I can't speak for comfort on the 1100, but I've done several coast to coast trips on my 01 900. The first trip was on the stock seat for over 6k miles. It was simply brutal, although I had the time of my life.

I bought a corbin, but after 20k miles, it was still like sitting on a brick....... and I'm no lightweight. I  I also had one on my triumph sprint rs and I can honestly say, I find corbin seats to be horribly uncomfortable. They are very well made, but contrary to the popular opinion, they don't break in significantly.

I bought a sargent and it's far more comfortable than the corbin .................like night and day. It's also much lighter. The only downside is that it's not comfortable for a passenger.

I can't comment on a dp comfort seat, but I hear good things.

[MendoDave]

That looks like a nice trip. Ive always wanted to do one like that on a bike but haven't.  My M750 is just too brutal for me to ride anymore so I'm selling it this weekend. Not really sure what to get next. So if I do make a trip like that it won't be on a monster.

[billruiz]

I've always wanted to try touring, but the size of "touring" bikes always stuck out at me. For a novice tourer like me I thought I would at least plan a route with affordable, but safe hotels and also plan for laundry stops to avoid carrying extra sets of socks, t-shirts and underwear. Now that I've seen a Monster on tour, I think I'll be okay. I'm still working overseas, but once I'm able, a few "warm-up" (2 weeks) trips then a cross country and back trek. Thanks for posting!

[darthmoto]

Nice adventure 

Ive been sport touring (with emphasis on 'sport') on my 696 since last year when I bought it.  Its got a little over 25k on it since last Feb, many miles of which were from commuting but also from 800-1000 mile weekend jaunts. It is a pretty comfy bike the way it is for me. I can see how small things may help alot though. Maybe a comfy seat if you need it, taller handlebars, etc.. Im fine with the way mine is. The only thing I kick myself for not doing yet is figuring out a luggage or rack solution. Just 2 weekends ago did a 1 day ride from Bay Area to Seattle wearing a messenger bag and a backpack on the tank..  It got old REAL FAST.  Im contemplating buying a Givi rack, but Im also considering fabricating my own. Most likely a bought solution I think I still have to ride down from Seattle and Im already dreading having to wear that bag..

[M1100]

These packs are comfy, just don't lose it!!  $$$

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/categories/84-Leather-Backpacks-SaddleBack-Bags

[seevtsaab]

Touring on the Monster looks very doable as long as you don't have to ride  slab all day.

You are on the right track to improve the luggage capability.
Wearing a pack is fine for commuting (I've got a Kriega that works really well) but no way would I want
to have that strapped on all day if I didn't have to.