Kriega US20 review

[S21FOLGORE]

Let's face it. The words "Ducati Monster" and "luggage" really don't go together ...
Nevertheless, one faces to the situation, more often than not, that the pocket of the riding jacket or funny pack just isn't enough.

Enter Kriega US 20 tail bag (can also be used as tank bag, with optional tank mount base. And no, it's not United States 20, it stands for Universal System.)
There are some good reviews about Kriega back packs on this forum. But, surprisingly, there's no review about their tail bag series. Sure, you can find generic  review such as web bike world review http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-luggage/kriega-luggage/kriega-drypack-luggage-review.htm, but tail bag needs more bike specific review. (What looks good on BMW F800GS may not really work good on Monster, also this review was written in December 2010. There's slight change in the way the bag is attached to the bike. You can see it in Revzilla 's video review http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/kriega-us-20-drypack)
Anyhow, I decided to give it a try, and I'll be focusing on more of "Monster specific" review, things those other reviews (web bike world and Revzilla video) didn't really show you.

I bought mine through Revzilla, mostly because of "free shipping".  I could have bought it from Aerostich, or Kriega USA. It really doesn't matter which one you choose.

So, it's $139. Cortech sport tail bag (pretty popular here) is available at  $71.99 from Revzilla. At almost twice the cost, you want to be sure that the product works on Monsters. I mean, take a look at the video review here.
Kriega US-20 Drypack Review at RevZilla.com
  The bag looks like it's mounted waaay too forward. It looks awkward. I had to look long and hard before putting an order.



The bag arrived like this.


Top


bottom


Bag opens like this,





Compare the bulk and shape with Cortech Sport tail bag...




... And Chrome messenger bag.


The bag comes with one shoulder strap, one waist strap, and four sets of mounting straps (which are four mounting straps that go on the bike's subframe, four mounting straps that hook on to those ) Take a look at the photo.




Now, the exciting part, mounting the bag onto Monster.
Old Kriega US series used two long straps running under the seat pan. The new system use four short straps with loop  attached to the subframe, and bag straps hook onto that loop. Obviously the new system is much more secure, as old style is totally depending on the seat locking mechanism of your motorcycle. Just flip over your Monster's seat, and look at the tiny seat locking system. You wouldn't want to rely on that thing when your MacBook is in the bag. (although, as long as you are sitting on the seat, the seat wouldn't come off since monster's seat is a one piece... anyhow, the new system is much better).

Ok, if you buy this bag, I'd suggest to take your time to figure out the best mounting position, Be patient, it takes certain amount of time.

These are the straps for mounting.


So, this was my first attempt. Look at where subframe straps are attached.




Put the seat on, if the straps are like this, you won't be able to lock the seat down


... It must be like this in order to properly lock down the seat.




Then, put the bag on, and take a look.


It's way to forward. No, this is not going to work.

So I repositioned subframe straps, all four of them.


When I don't use the bag, just move the straps like this,



Close the seat.  No mounting base left on the seat, no straps dangling.




When I use the bag, pull out straps,


Place the bag on the seat,


slide the hook onto the loop,


buckle on, do this on all four straps,


while compressing the top of the bag, cinch down the straps,


Compare to Cortech.


Now, you may think the bag still sticking out toward the rider's small of the back, but in reality, during the test ride it never hit my butt. Not even once. When you actually use the bag, you cinch down the strap on the top center of the bag (which compress the back, effectively make it shorter than this photo).  On the other hand,  Cortech sport tail slides back & forth a little bit. (greatly depends on tightness of the bungee, and what you have in the bag, but it moves around anyway).

Well, due to the lack of free time, for now, that's all I can report.

Do I like it ? Yes.
Would I recommend this products? Yes, (especially) if you like your luggage to stay in place, not wobbling , sliding around on the back seat.

[Slim1899]

Very nice, I've been trying to decide between the US20 and US30.  I messaged Revzilla and the recommended the US20 for the Monster based on how large the US30 is, gonna have to pick one up I think.

Great review and thx! 

[S21FOLGORE]

I've been trying to decide between the US20 and US30.

One of the cool things about Kriega US series drypacks is the modular design.
Most probably, you wouldn't need 30 litter capacity every time you get on a bike. You can attach US10 (or two US 5) to get 30 litter capacity when needed.

The bag is really nice. What I really like is the mounting system. It is very simple and very secure. It's nice to know this is not going to happen.
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56954.0
When not in use, four subframe straps can be neatly tucked in under the seat, there's no ugly mount base or dangling straps left on the bike. 

[Slim1899]

One of the cool things about Kriega US series drypacks is the modular design.
Most probably, you wouldn't need 30 litter capacity every time you get on a bike. You can attach US10 (or two US 5) to get 30 litter capacity when needed.

The bag is really nice. What I really like is the mounting system. It is very simple and very secure. It's nice to know this is not going to happen.
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=56954.0
When not in use, four subframe straps can be neatly tucked in under the seat, there's no ugly mount base or dangling straps left on the bike. 

I agree with you, my initial hesitation had to due with the small $30 price difference for 50% more capacity.  I agree the US20 is expandable, I guess I was just trying to prevent the need to buy expansion pieces later and a much higher cost.

[Slide Panda]

Not as detailed as the above - but the US20 + 5 on a new gen monster
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34411.msg931803#msg931803

I'm currently using a US5 with the straps from a bigger bag as a 'tank' bag on my KTM. Handy for water bottle, snacks and some other random small items.

[Slim1899]

Not as detailed as the above - but the US20 + 5 on a new gen monster
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=34411.msg931803#msg931803

I'm currently using a US5 with the straps from a bigger bag as a 'tank' bag on my KTM. Handy for water bottle, snacks and some other random small items.

That does look good, and looks like the US20 is the perfect width to match the tail section 

[Ducatamount]

Looks like Anthony at Revzilla has some competition.Very good review with all the pics.Thank you.

[SteveO.]

I mounted my 20 up and really like it as well.  Mine's on a 2011 796 and I don't have the rear subframe for the mounting straps so I had to improvise a bit, but it's pretty solid.  I've got a 20 and a 10 and will probably pick up another 10  so I can carry a nights worth of stuff on the bike with me.  Right now I stuff the bag full of my ball gear and then wear my R25 on my back as well but find the backpack sits on the US20 and is kind of awkward.  I moved it back as far as possible but it still hits.  I found I can rest the bag on the US20 though and it takes all the weight off of me, which is kind of nice.  No way the 30L bag would have fit on the monster though.  Great bags though!