999 touring
 

Will be picking up a 999 next week and wondered what they were like on long trips.
Got a 2000mile+ euro trip in June so be nice to be forwarned.
PS I'm 6'3 and portly;)

Dont know about others but my ass is numb after 100 klicks, sort out a padded seat :)

After thought :- plan your fuel stops well in advance

sore wrists sore bum and thats just riding to the bottom of the street:lol:

I've just got back from a trip to the Nurburgring. Rode the 350 miles or so to get there & still felt fresh enough to get 4 laps in before hitting the hotel bar!
The poor tank range dictates regular fuel stops (start looking for a petrol station at 80 miles after filling up) & will give you a chance to stretch your legs.
Yes, the seat is no sofa, but on the motorway, the wind will keep the weight off your wrists. When you're on the twisties, you probably won't be sat in the same position.

It's no tourer, but I'm off to Lake Garda in July on my 749 & I can't wait :burn:

I'm 6'1" by the way.

06 999's have more comfier seat than 04 999's

Recommend you get heat shield under the seat cos it'll get toasty after a while.
Fuel range on mine is 100~120 depending on mood.

I've done one, week long, continental trip so far (approx 2000 miles). I'm 6'3" tall and haven't found it too uncomfortable (a bit less comfortable than my previous 900ssie on which I did a number of similar trips). I found that the other guys on the trip (riding non-ducatis) seemed to complain about lack of comfort!! I dont know if that's a reflection on me, the 999, them or their bikes!

Recognising the plank like nature of the original seat, I had the gel seat fitted soon after getting the bike. I now have a lightly padded plank like seat!

So far I haven't carried luggage on it, but I have recently fitted the Ventura rack so will be testing this out on a couple of trips this year.

Fear not - go for it and enjoy it!

You will find a 999 is more comfortable on a long trip than a748/996 models, you have a little extra room on the seat which enables you to stretch back and change position/ cheeks !! I have done it on both
I rode down to Italy/Austria twice last summer and had no problems exept looking for fuel in Belgium/Italy after 6pm and on Sundays.
5-600 miles depending on the type of roads/weather etc is easy and the fact you have to stop every 1.3-2 hours for petrol gives you a rest.
I can also recomend Conti Road attack for a mixture of long distance m/ways, A and B roads they give good milage and grip in all conditions
Fantastic roads on the Austrian/Italian boarders over the Alps - you should try some if you can, have a good trip

Also forgot to mention, I got a ventura rack for mine which means any heavy stuff can go on the bike and just the essentials in the back pack, also you could solve your pillion matter with the grab rail option also.
Does not look the prettiest thing (grab rail) but worker very well.
If you want any more info send a U2U and I can pass on other info

yep sort the seat out and they're far better than you would think, just try and stay out of large cities, ps I'm 6'4 and no stick insect, I have got higher bars but not by much but they help in the towns,
:flame::burn::burn:

Steve,

Come to one of our Pub Nights as Glenn has got a 999 and was discussing touring options, including getting a Ventura kit for it. I don't know if he's got one yet, but he'll be your man to speak to.

When is the next one btw?

Good point!

First sunday of the month is rideout.

Third monday of the month is pub night.

So you can work it out :)

Steve, as Antony said I have the ventura. I used it on a trip to the TT last year and definitly recomend it. I didn't know it was there while riding but found it a bit awkward getting on and off. I am 5' 11" so you should find it a bit easier. I also use a baglux tank bag which for me on the 999 is a bit too far to reach the controls when fully expanded. I didn't have this problem when I had one on my 748. Again I would think you would find it more comfortable being taller.
Wife and I are going for a 6 day trip to the Alps in July so we will see how we get on. I was trying to find an addition to the pillion seat to make it more comfortable but haven't found anything suitable yet. Probably resort to the non slip mesh again.

blue tack ???

I did a stint around europe last year (belgium, germany including the nurburg ring, the swiss alps, and france). I had no problems with comfort what so ever apart from when my friends decided they wanted to crawl up the alps.... I also used the ventura luggage system (only real option as my 749 is a mono). The luggage system in itself is fantastic, and so convenient once the frame's been fitted to the bike. Only problem I found was at speed, when the front end went a bit light, but I suspect I should have adjusted the suspension to suit. Have to say though, that this was at around 130ish and the luggage system says it's not to be used at such speeds, though i'm sure someone will correct me if i'm wrong, as I didn't pay that much attention to the instructions.