Touring on a S2R 800

[MikeEsholt]

I plan to do some long trips on my Monster S2R 800.

Are there any touring screens that would make it more comfortable?

Also, am I better with a tailback, tank bag and rucksack or any panniers better?

Thoughts please

[stopintime]

Thoughts and experience - 130,000 km on mine - Alps, Italy ++ every year.

No screen: Least turbulence = low noise level, but works poorly above ~80 mph

Zero Gravity ST keeps me well protected, but directs the unstable air at my helmet opening. YMMV

Zero Gravity Corsa still directs air at the helmet opening, but is smoother and a less noisy. Again... YMMV

Small tank bag or hip/thigh bag for easy access to whatever...

Well strapped tail bag over unstable panniers. Compact (minimal) packing and good strapping is KEY.

Rucksack is practical, but I could never ride long distances with one. Kriega sacks makes it less painful.


http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l394/stopintime/Tour%202011/Tour2011020.jpg

[alan c]

http://s383.photobucket.com/user/alan_c_chelsea/library/Bits%20for%20sale/Bagster%20tank%20cover%20and%20tank%20bag


I have a tank cover and bag for sale, always found this good, can unclip rear and move to fuel up, also spreads the weight with tail pack on rear.

[holty]

Currently I use the Ducati Performance tail pack which fits the newer Monsters. It is a very good system, but only holds 18lts. It's too small for a week away, and you need dry sacks for your stuff because it is not waterproof. Thinking about getting a tail pack around 30/40lts but I'm concerned that it will be too wide, not secure, upset the bike and riding experience.

What's the current thinking?

[alan c]

I used a large roll bag when I went to the TT, no problem at all.

[jerry]

I tour with m750 and tank bag and throwover panniers in europe also use a strap on gel pad

in thailand and asia i use same system on an S4 works great for me up to 600miles in one day ...
just fitted a puig screen but is does not make much difference ..

[alan s4]

Zero Gravity touring screen for me - makes a huge difference to standard screen. Makes cruising at 80-100 mph perfectly feasible.

Another gratuitous monster shot.......

http://s7.postimg.org/lah7e2off/photo_5.jpg

[MikeEsholt]

http://s383.photobucket.com/user/alan_c_chelsea/library/Bits%20for%20sale/Bagster%20tank%20cover%20and%20tank%20bag

I have a tank cover and bag for sale, always found this good, can unclip rear and move to fuel up, also spreads the weight with tail pack on rear.

Thanks for the offer, but I have two Bag Connection tank bags - little and large, so I have that covered. Brilliant for accessing stuff easily.

I also have a tail bag - it makes getting my leg over more of a challenge, but it works well.

The issue is Screen or not and which one and Panniers vs Rucksack.

I have two trips in mind - North Coast 500 (Scotland) from Berkshire and a run over to the Alps and back.

For the Alps trip, I'll need camping gear.

Any views welcome

[utopia]

I dislike having anything strapped on my back when riding.
It could easily worsen the consequences dramatically in the event of a spill.
And you've got to carry the weight yourself.
And it disrupts the aerodynamics.
And it carries the weight up high.

That said, I do use one for local shopping and stuff because its handy, but I would not use one on a long trip where its easy to arrange an alternative.
I like to carry as much as possible on the tank, where the weight sits best in my view, and there is possibly least effect on the aerodynamics.
Can't use panniers cos of my hi-level cans, so the rest goes in a tail pack on the pillion seat, or on a rack behind that.
My mate has a rather handy looking set of throwover panniers made by Ortlieb ... I fancy they would be totally waterproof, given Ortlieb's reputation.

Big roll-top bag is handy for camping gear.
I got a huge one for a tenner from Aldi this summer, though they don't stock them at the moment as far as I know.
Maybe they will do so again next year though ....?

[Flip]

I agree with those that don't like the idea/feel of a rucksack- although convenient for popping to the shops they do get tiresome on long rides and landing on one in the event of an accident probably doesn't bare thinking about for too long.

I had always used a magnetic tank bag in the past but early last year I managed to get a new old stock DP expanding tank bag specifically for the early Monsters and have found it excellent but when fully expanded it is a bit of an effort to see the speedo or more importantly when covering the miles, the trip meter and fuel light but it will easily consume enough for a couple of nights away and it's very secure.

For longer trips I use a pair of old Oxford throw-over panniers which have served me well on a number of bikes (just put everything inside in plastic bags to keep dry in the event of a downpour).

If I really need to carry more then I fit a roll bag over the pillion seat or if camping, my tent in place of the roll bag and everything stays put just fine up to comfortable Monster speeds or a little more on occasion.

The only bad thing about Monster touring really is if you want to carry a pillion, there isn't much room- I did have a Rentec rack which fitted via the tea tray mounting points but once there is a bag on it, it obscured the rear light and so had to rig up another for peace of mind against myopic car drivers. It was more hassle than it was worth so sold it on.

In that vein I know a lot of people favour the Ventura luggage systems but I guess the best thing if you're thinking of panniers would be to try a few makes if possible to see how they fit with the single sided swing arm, but in my view are definitely the best way to carry stuff as they are just so easily 'on and off-able'.


http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag329/fluke900/Ready%20for%20the%20off_zpslsxrhy8a.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/fluke900/media/Ready%20for%20the%20off_zpslsxrhy8a.jpg.html)

[Bigxr]

Hi, I'd like to throw my thoughts out there,
I have an S2R, and have been doing more and more touring on it. I did the Stella Alpina last year camping and off road up the Alps etc.. and found that my solution of a small case bolted to a (wooden) frame and lashed to the back seat worked well. I also had a waterproof bag strapped to it all containing sleeping bag, tent etc.
The high exhaust on the S2R makes panniers an awkward proposition, so everything has to go on the back or in a tank bag. I have been thinking of changing to a MultiStrada, but I just can't bear to part with the S2R!! (and can't afford 2 Ducatis :D).

Tried to upload a picture, but failed miserably.. how does that work????? :dunce:

[slob]

I saw this neat Peli-case arrangement at Calais a few years back.

http://www.thelasturl.net/img/peli_S2r_1.jpg

http://www.thelasturl.net/img/peli_S2r_2.jpg

[Bigxr]

How do you upload the pictures? my arrangement is similar, but with one Peli case as a top box

[Dirty]

How do you upload the pictures? my arrangement is similar, but with one Peli case as a top box


Forum pics don't work so use www.postimage.org. It will resize them for you as well. It's very simple and intuitive. Just upload the photo you want then copy the 'direct link'.

Come back to UKMOC, click the little yellow square -> http://s28.postimg.org/yhfpnnpt5/yellow_mountain.jpg above the text box and paste the link in the box. Job done

[Bigxr]

This looks a little ungainly, but I had just offloaded a case of beer, some meat, and barbecue charcoal... so its not strapped down properly

http://s9.postimg.org/fo04u0cxr/loaded.jpg

[Darren69]

How do you get on and off?

[Bigxr]

:spin:
Same as you do on any bike with a top box, leg through the middle "kung fu" style!

:yoparty:

[Pedro]

Ventura tail packs are excellent, get enough in, doesn't upset the bike

[998]

I'm surprise that it has taken this long for anyone to mention Ventura.

It's a very flexible system which will easily carry 80 - 100 litres, although smaller options are also available.

I have one on my 998 and love it.