Should I bother trying to set up my Ducati Monster for touring?

[Radar Rider]

Here's the deal

I am in desperate need of the healing powers of a long-distance motorcycle journey. I'm sick of working for the man and ready to quit my job and just go ride

Thinking of heading out west through new mexico and arizona, hanging out with my friend in LA, take the PCH up to Vancouver, and ride whatever cool roads I can along the way.

My current bike is a monster S2R1000. I love it, and don't really want to sell it. But it's not the greatest distance bike around. I figure I could put some bar risers on it and get a more upright position and there are some aftermarket windscreens but they are still pretty tiny. It's pretty much limited to a 130-mile range too.

The bike is fun as hell, but I don't know how I'd feel after riding it 300 miles each day.

The other option I'm considering is buying a multistrada or ktm 950 out in cali and selling it when I get back... but then of course I have less $ for the trip. just not sure and the indecision is killin' me.

What would you do?

[nedodjija]

I used to have SV650 which is not as powerfull as your bike but I believe that the egronomics are very simmilar. I instaled bar raisers, deeper foot pegs and the windsheild to set it up for touring. One day I took 500 mile ride and I did not wanna get back on the bike. So I traded it in for more confortable up right position bike and never looked back. SV was great for shorter curvy roads, around town and so forth. But it lacked leg room, wind protection, seat confort and so forth. If I were you I would trade or sell my Duck and get something better for touring. Good luck with your choice.

[PassTheGravy]

I'm in the "ride what you got" camp. 30 years ago, we would have been in heaven if we had a bike like the S2R to tour on. Some bar risers, soft bags and a small windscreen and you're ready to tour. It won't be a Goldwing, but 300-400 miles a day should be easily do-able on it. You'll have to plan gas stops carefully or take some auxillary fuel supply with you.

[bomber60015]

ride it.

I KNOW you're not saying that you've never done a 300 mile day on your bike -- get some saft bags, saddle, tank and tail, and hit the road, jack.

Your monster is worlds better than the finest touring bike was 30 years ago, no comparison --

[Radar Rider]

Originally Posted by bomber60015

ride it.

I KNOW you're not saying that you've never done a 300 mile day on your bike

Haha luckily I'm not - I've done 3 so far... but that was more or less in stock form. I guess I could go for the bar risers and windscreen and do a short hop to test it out first too...

[Mista Vern]

Originally Posted by bomber60015

Your monster is worlds better than the finest touring bike was 30 years ago, no comparison --

No shit. Get a sheepskin for your saddle and ride. Most of the guys I know (me included) have ridden zillions of miles on naked bikes not half as good as yours.

[ACDNate]

Any bike will do it if your willing. I put a long trip on a Hyosung GT250, that's not nearly as comfortable as your Duc

[sjc56]

It depends on your tolerance for pain.

[earthroamer]

I agree with ride what you got.

I have a friend that rode his ZX10R from San Diego to Daytona Bike Week.

[a1fa]

Touring or enduring; that is the question? :)

[tordog]

Toured my old 93 all over western U S ...No problems at all..

[tordog]

Toured my old 93 all over western U S ...No problems at all..

[tordog]

I really only did it one time...

[gallinastrips]

I would ride it up here to New Mexico with the pink slip, and if it's not working out you can trade it for my 03 Speed Triple which is all set up for touring. Comes with tent, sleeping bag, dry bag, tank bag, tools, Laminar Lip, etc...Some pics from last week in Colorado

[Mista Vern]

Originally Posted by tordog

I really only did it one time...

You can say that again.