Luggage Tips

[Miky]

Can anyone recommend luggage Solutions please?
When I was looking to buy mine I saw a few monsters with luggae rails over the seat cowl which looked idea to strap a weekend bag too, but I’m not sure the best place to buy one. Also keen to know if they are removable?
I don’t really want to use a tank bag so I’m looking at a tail bag of sorts and possibly a 20/25 Ltr backpack.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanks guys.

[rollo22]

There are a few options.
Ventura luggage system.
Kriega system.
Ducati panniers.
All on Google....

Hope this helps

I personally use Kreiga either a rucksack or the Tail Pack System.

[SteveG]

Hiya

I went the Givi soft bag route. Worked a treat on the back of the 1200 on the Lands End Coast to Coast last (very wet) summer-kept all my spare clothes dry, loads of space and secure at speed. Have not used it on the 900 yet but as the pillion is bigger wouldn’t expect any issues. For that reason worth a look.

https://www.givi.co.uk/soft-bags/Tail-Bags/XS316

They do a wide range of other sizes too.

[DukeSixNineSix]

I'd have to recommend Givi too, fair prices and great construction too.

I've got the 30L dry bag (if you're looking for a cheaper option) then bought some bungee strap and lash them to the exhaust hangers. With that and my Kriega bag, I've got about 55 litres of space.

Worked well enough on a camping trip to France for a week.

<a href="https://ibb.co/do6og6"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/j6Bzom/Whats_App_Image_2018_01_09_at_09_48_24.jpg" alt="Whats_App_Image_2018_01_09_at_09_48_24" border="0"></a>

[Ron1000]

I'd have to recommend Givi too, fair prices and great construction too.

I've got the 30L dry bag (if you're looking for a cheaper option) then bought some bungee strap and lash them to the exhaust hangers. With that and my Kriega bag, I've got about 55 litres of space.

Worked well enough on a camping trip to France for a week.

<a href="https://ibb.co/do6og6"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/j6Bzom/Whats_App_Image_2018_01_09_at_09_48_24.jpg" alt="Whats_App_Image_2018_01_09_at_09_48_24" border="0"></a>

Dukesix,
Did you have problems with the luggage cracking your rear light?

[Ron1000]

I know this is monster based but does anyone have a scrambler and if so any luggage suggestions.

I can go full kappa or hepco and becker but they are both eye wateringly expensive.

[Miky]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Plenty to look at!

[Flip]

I've used both Oxford (Lifetime Luggage) and Givi (EA101B) panniers on my Monster and both have done several thousand miles (the Oxfords more than the Givi's) without issue but to be honest each have their advantages and disadvantages.

The Oxford pair I have had ages and have used them on lots of different bikes from FZR's, GSX-R's, a Thundercat and even a Yamaha T-Max and on all of them I could still carry a passenger if I wanted.

The Givi pair are very similar in that they are semi-rigid but on both the inner and outer sides which can be both good and bad.

For example, when they are not very full they stay in shape and place a little better than the Oxfords whereas when a tad over full they tend to push the contents inwards putting more contact against the bike and will wear the paint off the grab handles if not protected.

However, it is the opposite case with the Oxfords which are rigid on the inside face only and so when very full there is some 'give' on the soft outer side relieving pressure against the bike.

Both sets secure on the bike in the same way with over-the-seat straps along with additional bungee cords utilising the bikes' natural securing points i.e. footrest hangers etc. to ensure they stay where you want them while at speed.

The Oxfords I have are closed using full length fold over Velcro which is both very secure and shower proof. While Givi choose to use a 'U' shape zip on the top which is secure but even in a shower will allow water to get in.

Both sets come with waterproof 'shower caps' to cover them in the event of a downpour but to be on the safe side I place all my clothes etc. in heavy duty plastic bags to ensure everything stays dry.

With either set there is no chance of being able to carry a pillion on an early shape Monster but admittedly it is not an ideal pillion bike at the best of times but they are a great bike to tour on solo once you find a way of loading everything you need to take with you.

I complete my luggage with a tank bag as they make it easy to access things like passport, cash for fuel or tolls, phone, camera etc. along with having a map pocket for that old fashioned way of navigating and personally I am not a fan of having a rucksack on my back for long trips and definitely wouldn't want to fall off wearing one- the consequences don't really bare thinking about.

The Oxfords:
https://s20.postimg.org/9wihfklbh/IMG_4137.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/f7xe0a7e1/)

The Givi's:
https://s20.postimg.org/hchr1eblp/IMG_7346.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/mb59fxfeh/)

[DukeSixNineSix]

Dukesix,
Did you have problems with the luggage cracking your rear light?

The bag sits entirely on the passenger seat, so it clears the number plate. indicators and brake light.

Hope this helps.

[Darkness]

A simpler solution is one of these:

http://www.mossman-trunks.co.uk/en/

You send it ahead with your valet.

[Mr Gazza]

+1 for the Oxford Lifetime throw-over panniers.
Black Bob on here gifted me a pristine pair and I wouldn't be without them now.

I improvised my own straps at the back to make sure they don't slide forward.
http://i66.tinypic.com/296cd9k.jpg

Never needed any more capacity yet, but they expand to nearly double their size anyway.
Only problem I have had is not wanting to leave them on the bike when I go out of sight of it.... Carried them round Donnington all one day as I couldn't find a helmet park.. Didn't like that much!

[Miky]

I like the small bunggy Gazza! What did you use to get that together?
I don’t think I’d be happy leaving luggage on my bike unless they were lockable panniers similar to a BMW GS where they clip to the structure. Or the new multi for that matter

[Nottsbiker]

I've got a Givi rack mount kit to go on my 900 but not found a top plate yet but in theory have the capability to mount a top box (puke!). To go with this monstrosity what are peoples opinions on the Mandarina Duck set of clip on bags you used to be able to buy?

If I chucked a small tank bag on as well would the top box and MD bags provide enough storage for two people (x1 female!!) for say a long weekend / week away?

[Mr Gazza]

I like the small bunggy Gazza! What did you use to get that together?

They're suspenders... Thought you would have recognised them?

I had to endure weeks of pop up ads for lingerie, after I bought them!!

[Flip]

I've got a Givi rack mount kit to go on my 900 but not found a top plate yet but in theory have the capability to mount a top box (puke!). To go with this monstrosity what are peoples opinions on the Mandarina Duck set of clip on bags you used to be able to buy?

If I chucked a small tank bag on as well would the top box and MD bags provide enough storage for two people (x1 female!!) for say a long weekend / week away?

Rather than get a top box why not try and get a good sized tail pack to fit on the Givi rack mount?

As for the Mandarina Duck bags that were available for the early bikes, I think they were originally intended as a city bag to go on the 'Monster City' and therefore not have a mass of room compared with other soft bag options.

They also require the bike to have standard foot rest hangers as the frame work mounts to them I believe although I am not if they fit in a way that allows room for a pillion to sit on the bike with them in place which is the case with most other throw over type panniers.

I think Ursa has a pair on her bike so perhaps she will be along to verify or put me right on them.

As for being able to carry enough for a weekend or week away I'm sure it's do-able depending how light you (and other half) pack. However, as great as a Monster is for touring around solo I'm not so sure if that will be the case two up.

Conversely my old GSX-R750WT was excellent for two up long weekends away loaded up with my (Oxford) panniers, a tank bag and a tent bungeed onto a Rentec rack, which just goes to show just because a bike isn't a sports bike it doesn't automatically make is easier to fit luggage to.

[garry]

ive tried all of the above over the years, best system so far is ventura.. ive got the small tail rack, the huuuge bathurst rack, and a selection of bags to suit any trip, all i need is L brackets (or rails) if i change bike.. as such, my monster L brackets are for sale... but the rest of the kit is a definite keeper..

[Doggy]

I've used Kreiga on several weeks trips across Europe on a few different bikes, always been perfect . 100% waterproof, totally stable on the bike and takes seconds to fit/remove .

Mate I go with has always used ventura and he swears by that too .

[Miky]

I had to endure weeks of pop up ads for lingerie, after I bought them!!

That old excuse for questionable browsing history ;-)

[Miky]

I managed to pick up a bargain on eBay with a US20/10/5 set so I’m quite pleased with that.
That being said Flip mentioned wear on the pillion grab handles which has me thinking a Ventura mount wouldn’t be a bad idea unless I wrap the handles in something suitable?

[350TSS]

My luggage solution for continental trips was to take one reasonable set of clothes and everything else was the dregs of my wardrobe. Each day my luggage got less as the worn clothes were simply binned, after 3 days getting to Italy by the green scenic routes the bags had enough room for her new purchases and if I ran out of clean "good" clothes I simply bought some more

[350TSS]

One other tip, if you chose a rucksack make sure the zips finish at the bottom not at the centre at the top. I was blatting down to see my mate near Toulouse on the S4 - we were late and doing around 120mph on the toll motorways and I was following my mate on his Tuono and when we stopped for fuel it became apparent that the rucksack zip had not been able to withstand the wind pressure and most of my "wardrobe" was somewhere between Le Mans and Bordeau

[Nottsbiker]

Rather than get a top box why not try and get a good sized tail pack to fit on the Givi rack mount?

As for the Mandarina Duck bags that were available for the early bikes, I think they were originally intended as a city bag to go on the 'Monster City' and therefore not have a mass of room compared with other soft bag options.

They also require the bike to have standard foot rest hangers as the frame work mounts to them I believe although I am not if they fit in a way that allows room for a pillion to sit on the bike with them in place which is the case with most other throw over type panniers.

I think Ursa has a pair on her bike so perhaps she will be along to verify or put me right on them.

As for being able to carry enough for a weekend or week away I'm sure it's do-able depending how light you (and other half) pack. However, as great as a Monster is for touring around solo I'm not so sure if that will be the case two up.

Conversely my old GSX-R750WT was excellent for two up long weekends away loaded up with my (Oxford) panniers, a tank bag and a tent bungeed onto a Rentec rack, which just goes to show just because a bike isn't a sports bike it doesn't automatically make is easier to fit luggage to.

Thanks for the detailed response!

I've got Race Supplies rearsets to go on my bike but as I'm running low level pipes (dont like hi-level) I'm having a pair of brackets made that fit behind the rearsets and allow for rear pegs and to provide silencer mounts so will potentially have somewhere to fit MD panniers. To be fair though I did guess that the MD panniers would be small.

Longer term the GF will have her own Monster so this would not be an ongoing problem and if I dont get made redundant this year I may just treat myself to an early Multi....

[DukeSixNineSix]

For those who've used the Ventura luggage rack, will it fit my monster if I've got an R&G tail tidy on? Not sure where the locating bolts go to.

Thanks