Ducati Monster 797
£8035 + 803cc V-twin + 74bhp + 193kg + 16.5-litre tank + 805mm seat + Miles so far: 879
FOR THE RIDE luggage challenge I decided to use my trusted magnetic tankbag from Held, which expands to a claimed 20 litres, along with a set of soft panniers. This should have put me well on the way to being able to carry more than enough.
I’d managed to snaffle the RIDE Recommended set of Qbags soft panniers after the recent product test and I’ve been looking forward to using them but alas, like the Oxford equivalents, I already owned, they proved impossible to fit on the Monster: they just wouldn’t sit safely on its minimal seat unit. They sagged underneath and would have fouled the rear wheel. I decided to see what Ducati offers and I should have looked here first, as they only offer a magnetic tankbag and a passenger-seat bag. To the rescue - my Kriega 20-litre tailpack, held fast to the pillion seat by its supplied straps.
It’s safe to say I didn’t match my initial prediction for placing in the results of the test. The expanded tankbag held loads of water and didn’t foul the steering but I could only just see the gauges and I wouldn’t want to ride too far in ‘camel’ mode. I’m still (almost) confident that I could fit enough clothing in the bag normally and with the Kriega tailpack I’d be happy spending a good few days away from home. CAROLINE BARRETT