Long Distance Suggestions?

[Cuyose]

I haven't really seen a comprehensive thread on this. If you have or were to be heading out on a trip 1000 miles each way, forgetting about the luggage/pannier situation, what would be your top modification based on experience.

Based on reading, the windscreen situation seems to be #1, and the jury is kinda still out on that. It seems to be preference towards a modification taking the bigger is better approach to keep air off shoulders and head at the expense of aesthetics, or the minimalist shorty approach, getting you into clear air, but how draining is this over the long haul?

Next maybe the seat, although I find it pretty comfortable and actually have an air hawk to use if needed.

I have a throttlemeister. Still not sure what the problem is with a software update to get electronic cruise!

The last thing I could think of is the pegs. I would LOVE to get the DP adjustable pegs, but jebus they are pricey! If someone have sprung for these, do they make a difference. I do find that I am wishing for a little more leeway in moving my feet around on the longer trips.

Just figured I would throw this out to anyone who has done this already ad could provide some insight.

[w0mb2t]

gps - cant count how often i used to get lost , or stop multiple times figuring out where i have to go .

[Biker_911]

A set of Bark Busters to protect the fragile handguards in a tip over. I rode my 2011 S to Colorado from Florida last year (3,800 miles round trip).

While on the way back I took a low speed fall while pulling back onto the pavement. The right handguard is also the mount for the front brake reservoir. If you break it you're pretty much f**ked. I had to wire mine on with safety wire and ride around 600 miles over 2 days. After about 4 tries I finally got it to be pretty stable but it wasn't fun.

Oh yeah, Ducati gets over $100.00 US for the replacement handguard because they won't sell it separately from the LED blinker. In addition, it broke the right saddlebag mount where the bag inserts into the bodywork up top.

Total cost of a simple, less than 5 mph tipover? Over $300.00 for just the parts. The saddlebag wasn't really an issue since I didn't even discover the damage until after I got home and tried to remove the right saddlebag. The handguard could have put me on a wrecker.

[Toecutter]

I can't think of any real mods it needs but here is what I bring with some obvious ones:
1. Ear plugs
2. Bring your Airhawk for sure. With least amount of air so butt barely contacts the original seat.
3. I like the MRA Vario screen for longer trips.
4. Tank bag w/ map holder. I have the Bags connection City with quick release mount
6. Tool kit. I just needed a screw driver to tighten a leaking hose clamp and the standard kit didn't have one.
7. I bring a cheap GPS with 4 hour battery just in case. Carry it in the tank bag, out of sight while riding

[brianc]

The only thing you need is the time off to go do it. The bike is ready to go, as-is.

your concerns:
- The windscreen isn't perfect, but adjust it so it's not buffeting wind to your head. You don't need to buy a new one.
- The multi 1200's seat is consistently rated as the most comfortable stock seat on any motorcycle. Wear bike shorts under your gear and you won't get chapped ass. at the most, buy an airhawk. try it out locally before you go 1000 miles with it.
- Never used a throttlemeister, but the long-distance tours I've been on rarely have had stretches in a straight line / freeway over 50 miles. Sounds like if you've got one, you're all set.
- The stock pegs work just fine.

other tips:
- bring a small first aid kit
- if you don't have Ducati Roadside assistance, maybe sign up for AAA or another moto tow service (AMA members get MoTow in some areas)
- tire patch / plug kit is great...IF you know how to use it
- Pack rain gear, even if it's just a poncho or cheap rain suit to wear over your gear
- Make sure your tires and oil service are in good shape

Save your money on any accessories, and spend it on a nice hotel 1 or 2 nights out of your trip so you can get off the bike early and relax a bit. If you must buy something, a GPS is always nice, but a paper map works just as well for planning / following a route. The biggest investment you can make before considering a tour is to actually plan it and go do it - worry about the accessories and farkle after your trip, when you're sitting at home thinking about your 1000 miles and saying "man, it would have been nice to have had _____ on this trip". All you need is a working bike, a map (or a good sense of direction), first aid kit, small tool kit, and a change of clothes or two. Everything else is a luxury.


Go read Glenn Heggsted's "One more day Everywhere" for inspiration.

[GP1152]

We've done a few 2,500+ round trips and I can definitely vouch for the GPS being the key to enjoying both. I've always thought that, aside from the obvious, it lets you deviate from whatever path you've chosen without worrying about not being able to find your way back. Some people like the challenge of a map, but the research of finding good roads beforehand is just as challenging if you ask me.
Don't know how much time you have until you leave, but the other thing I would recommend is along the lines of earplugs. I had a pair of Westone earplugs made some years back and they're awesome. You'd have to get them thru an audiologist since the have to do an impression of your ear, but because of this they also provide 25 DB of noise reduction. These are similar to the in-ear monitors that musicians wear. They aren't cheap but these are by far one of the best investments I've made.

Tank bag: I used my tank bag as a camera bag to hold my DSLR and lenses. Search "wolfman tank bag" and you'll find my post that shows the setup. This made it so that I didn't have to get off the bike to take a picture (realized this was important after learning from the first trip).

Definitely make sure to have a small microfiber towel and a small plastic spray bottle (I usually put quick detailer in it) to clean off your visor and/or windscreen. The bottle is similar to what you'd have for glasses (can buy at the container store).

As far as tools, don't leave without a tire repair kit and a mini compressor. I also always took two small tool rolls with me. One has the tire repair stuff (plus pliers to pull whatever I might have to pull out of the tire) and other random tools. These pictures give you an idea of what I have in there. Its more than I needed but I figured I'd use whatever room I had in the tool roll. All this is stuff that will take very little room in your bags or cases but could definitely come in handy. (see pics)

Anyway, have a great trip. And another bit of advice....stay off the highway. Take back-roads and you'll get a much better feel for where you're traveling through. The highway will for the most part always be very similar anywhere you go. You'll be surprised how much less time and distance this will actually add to your trip.








Sent from my Motorcycle iPhone app

[oleary]

Steel Ducati 1098/1198 SF MTS1200 wheel nut socket

Unless you want some meathead to rattle gun your wheel nut off with the wrong size socket, take one of these.

In addition to a fairly complete tool kit I also carry a small compressor and tire repair kit.

[TimOz]

I think it goes like this:

1. Airhawk airseat (mmmmm comfy)

2. A screen that suits you.

3. A good GPS (mainly to prevent speeding tickets.

4. Full tool and tyre repair kits.

5. Wet gear.

Ride

[kma_jg]

CHAINLUBE!! Doing that kind of distance and the unforseen dirt road will require chainlube and you won't find it at just any normal service station.
I took a small 12v aircompressor with me on my last trip. Didn't have enough trust in the small air canisters.

[oz_johnno]

Originally Posted by kma_jg

CHAINLUBE!! Doing that kind of distance and the unforseen dirt road will require chainlube and you won't find it at just any normal service station.
I took a small 12v aircompressor with me on my last trip. Didn't have enough trust in the small air canisters.

spot on bloke, 4 canisters is only good for about 20psi in the multi's 190 rear tyre. I have a small compressor I got off ebay for about $20au (about $600usd). I used it last weekend when I picked up a rock in my 14,000km old PR2, pumped the tyre back up to 36psi no probs.

Nice Meeting you Johan the other weekend. Lets do it again soon bloke.

OZ