I have a 999 Mono and use the Ventura kit on it...sits quite high but works very well. Its about the only option for carrying sufficient quanties on a Mono.

As far as tank bags, I generally hate the things but having no under seat storage on the Duke, I use a Oxford Sprint bag which just about carries a camera and passport but is small and low. It has a map pocket.

As for Sat Nav, I have just got a Garmin Quest. Works on the bike with just setting it inside the map pocket. The battery has enough life for a 12-14 hour day before needing recharged. You can get helmet speakers etc, but I don't necessarily like them so just work off reading what the screen says. If you want voice prompt you need to wire it into the bike. I have not taken the bike to Italy yet but am just back after spending the weekend in Italy and the Sat Nav worked really well...got me to the factory, Imola, Masino and the beech at Rimini without any wrong turns !

Guys, thanks for all the replies.

If I go I will be sending all my photographic equipment along ahead of me so I'll chuck a bag of clothes in the same package, therefore I hope I'll be able to just set off with my Krug rucksack and, I think, a thin tank bag to hold and view maps etc.

A friend of mine has just bought a Tom Tom gps that links to his PDA. This might be an option for me if I hold the PDA and Tom Tom unit in the top of the tank bag. Has anyone got the Tom Tom, and also were there strong reasons for some of you choosing the Garmin units?

Cheers,
Tom

A BACK PACK & TANK BAG WILL SPOIL YOUR RIDE:barfy:

I had a garmin because its solid and easy to read at speed, counts you down to the next junction (I do not use the voice when on the bike).

Fitted with a power cord there are no battery issues at all, mine has a 128meg card and that stored the whole trip from Cambridge to World Ducati Week at Misano.

Hope this helps

Tom, I am from Florence and I know really well most of Tuscany. PLEENTYYYY Place to ride - fast - and enjoy your bike...BUT ..with no luggage man!!!
If you want some tips/place/routes U2U me and I will give you a call.

As per radar detectors in Italy these are outlaw. They will confiscate it and you will get a fine. Only GPS are allowed.

I have a TOMTOM navigator that runs on my IPAQ3955 PDA and it is great. For just 140 or less you can buy the receiver, the program and the UK map plus Most of principal routes in Europe. It works perfect in London and in UK, I just haven't tried the rest of Europe. Anyway, I have not idea how you can manage to fix the system on a bike.. I don't think tank bag can be an option..as you will need a receiver and a cradle for the PDA..and if the PDA is not bluetooth..a lots of wiring..!!