advice on luggage

[Jabberwocky]

I recently started to commute to work on my Monster, at the moment I am using a rucksack which is not helpfull for visibility (when it is full I find it difficult to twist round.)

I thought about getting a Givvi top box but the shop could not find one that would fit my Monster (2007 695.)  Since then I have received advice from a friend that I could get a tank bag or even a seat bag, he is the one that introduced me to this forum and suggested I post a message to see if anyone has any advice.

I do not need to carry much (lap top, notebook, sometimes a gym kit.)

Any advice would be welcome.

Many thanks

[Billyzoom]

Hey...

I'm assuming by rucksack you mean backpack...haven't heard that term in a while...

Despite that, I'd really recommend a good backpack.  I have one that's designed for carryiing a laptop, so it has padding for the computer, etc. 

If you're having trouble turning your head with one, I'd say you may need to try a different one.  I have no such trouble even when mine is loaded.

I like this for several reasons:

It doesn't affect the lines of the bike, it doesn't risk damaging paint, I can get a backpack with high visibility without having to wear a dorky vest or something, if I crash I assume it may help just a tad with absorbing some force before ripping away, and it doesn't affect the lines of the bike.  Finally, it doesn't affect the lines of the bike.   

Joel

[stopintime]

What you plan to carry is actually quite a lot on a Monster, so it would mean
a large bag. Of course it's not really a large bag, but on a Monster it will take
valuable space from you and your riding.

The worst part of a bag is that it will be a hassle to take off/put on at least twice a day.
AFAIK, there are no click-click bags for Monsters.

So, +1 for a backpack when we're talking about a daily routine.
Kriega is a favourite for many.
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34411.0
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3961.0
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=11593.0

If you decide that a backpack is out of the question - take a look at Ventura
http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=161

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks for the advice, I have read all the threads on Kriega and I think that is the way to go (I was using just a standard cheap back pack hence why it was so uncomfortable!)

Many thanks

[muskrat]

OGIO is what I have and it's nice for a more "reasonable" price http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/6461/Exhaust/6461.html

[xcaptainxbloodx]

da kine has some fantastic lifetime warranty, waterproof, rip proof, laptop padded backpacks in a variety of profiles that are pretty great. also cheap at ~45-90$.

 chrome has some shoulderbags that could do the job, but I hear that their iconic seat belt buckle strap can be a PITA with a full face helmet. cost about 160-200$

I use a custom made shoulderbag by blackstar bags here in portland that is the best bag ive ever had (and ive had ALOT). after a ~35mph high side that had me sliding ON THE BAG for about 15 feet the thing still looks brand new. If you have about a month or two and want something that will last a decade+ and be made to your exact needs I would absolutely give them a call. price is very close to chrome bags (maybe 30-40$ more but may be cheaper depending on what pockets/custom work you want)

[sbrguy]

i would say the chrome bags with the seat buckle make it EASIER with a helmet on.

afterall when you want to take the bag off you just undo the seat buckle with a button, no taking off over the helmet, and putting back on is just as easy, no need to take or put on your full face helmet.  same thing with a bicycle helmet on.

[xcaptainxbloodx]

in that aspect they are awesome, what I hear is that the roughly 1 1/2" thick buckle sometimes gets between the helmet and shoulder/collarbone area and limits your head motion. it may have been from people wearing it incorrectly, cant say I have any FHE with them.

the blackstar bag uses a similar strap but has a heavey duty plastic buckle that is much thinner. it also has 2 D rings that tighten and loosen the strap easily and a cross strap to keep it moving around that can attach at two different points.

[Charlief]

I have one of these. Sits on a base attached to the gas cap ring and doesn't touch the paint.   Easy to mount and take off in seconds. Mine is the Daypak ll and is perfect for holding the small things and my lunch for work.

Check out the site for sizes   

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/451/

[zooom]

my vote would be for the Ventura Rack system...even if you only get the J bars and the Sport Rack and then attach your choice of tailbags to that rack without any issue...I used to keep a Tour Master Sport Pack attached to mine- which had more room than the Sportpack that Ventura markets, but less than their big hulking p135/p145 bags which can be a visual block if you had to crane your head all the way around to see or something...

I know mine is a more elaborate and expensive solution....but it gives you more freedom in the end and keeps any bags OFF your pipes and bodywork while still allowing you to have 2-up abilities and freedoms and keeping you from generally kicking your tailbag that is attached to the pillion portion of the seat when mounting/dismounting your steed.

[eyduc]

I'm thinking of the Ventura system too.   It looks like the L-Brackets are used for both the PackRack and the SportRack but it's not clear.   Do you know if the L-Brackets are needed for the SportRack too?   The L-Brackets look to clamp to the grabrail frames.  Anyone with FHE with it?



On second check, it looks like it may interfere with a TailChop and the turnsignals.

[emanon]

I had this same problem, instead of adding bags to my monster and altering the aesthetic, I bought a 2000 Buell S3T (comes with saddle bags) for cheap off of craigslist.

[Jarvicious]

I have one of these. Sits on a base attached to the gas cap ring and doesn't touch the paint.   Easy to mount and take off in seconds. Mine is the Daypak ll and is perfect for holding the small things and my lunch for work.

Check out the site for sizes   

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/451/

I'm really impressed with those Bags Connection bags.  At first look they look a touch overpriced, but for what you get it's really not all that bad.  As for the rear end, the old hard bags off my BMW are getting rigged up   Build report to follow.

[slowkitty]

My pick will be a simple backpack that you strap onto the bike using ROK straps.  An alternative is a magnetic tank bag (assuming metal tank here) that you can rest on at lights too

[Jumptship]

I'm thinking of the Ventura system too.   It looks like the L-Brackets are used for both the PackRack and the SportRack but it's not clear.   Do you know if the L-Brackets are needed for the SportRack too?   The L-Brackets look to clamp to the grabrail frames.  Anyone with FHE with it?

On second check, it looks like it may interfere with a TailChop and the turnsignals.

I have the Ventura system for mine.  Works great!  Easy to install L-brackets (about 20 minutes after doing it once or twice).  You are correct the right L-bracket secures to the grab rail but the left L-bracket attaches to the subframe under the left frame cover.  The same L-brackets are used regardless of rack installed, easy to slip one off to install the other.  Normally, I carry the small rack with me on trips for carrying (cough) supplies...LOL

I also chopped the tail recently but have the integrated tail light so blinkers weren't an issue.  I am sure you could come up with an alternative if you wanted to retain blinkers you would just have to have the brackets installed while measuring to get it right.  PM me if you would like a pic with the system installed.