To be honest, when I first read the instructions from Ventura it did occur to me that the rack AND bag should be forward facing when there's no pillion - as per the supplied pictures above.
However, on my SS there's no way it will go forward facing due to the grab rail. The only way I could make it forward facing is to cut out some of the thin metal cross bars from the rack, which I am reluctant to do.
See a couple of pics here -
http://www.kapital-sales.co.uk/desmo/images/ventura/ One thing I will say as a word of caution is to be careful when slotting the rack into and out of place with the brackets. Within the first week I put three chips in my paint work as the rack slipped when putting it on or removing it. I learned pretty quickly how to do it, but if the fit is at all tight on yours make sure your hand is around the base of each rack stem. Better to pinch your skin against bike and rack than take chunks out of paint work.
Overall I'm quite happy with the Ventura rack. I ride to work every day and my back is surely thanking me for not having to carry a backpack every day!
Phill
[Edited on 12-5-2004 by phillc]