Making short rides to your job or local supermarket and riding several hours long are totally different things. When the final point is not far from the starting one, all you need is general comfort, but in long hours “iron butt” rides many small things you may have not mentioned previously become particularly important.

If you plan to ride for 20 or 30 hours, there is a series of questions you may ask yourself. First, is your bike good for that? If you are not feather-light, you know how inconvenient smaller sport bikes are. You simply won't get rid of the feeling you’re too big for this bike. On the other hand, too big and heavy bikes are not a great decision either. I saw many riders larger and heavier than me, who stopped their heavy bikes at parking lots and dropped them due to exhaustion. Determining “your” bike is not that difficult – just visit any big retailer or motorcycle exhibition, sit on each bike and imagine you will remain in this position for many hours. Will it be a convenient ride?
I think Ducati Monster is the best choice for touring long. It’s big enough for a comfortable ride, but it’s not incredibly heavy, so you won’t have just one desire – to make a stop and have a rest.

If you plan to make a long ride on your Ducati, I’d recommend you to make some preparations and modifications. Your aim is to feel absolutely convenient while riding your motorcycle. Some may need to make a seat lower. You can always do that by removing a part of padding from your seat. Note if you want to make your seat even lower, you will need to put electric stuff to another place. Normally it's built under the seat, but you can move it somewhere like behind side panels.

While touring you can be caught be rain, fog, wind or cold weather, so let's get prepared for those weather conditions as well. Changing headlight is not mandatory, but I'd advise you to do that. By the way, headlights with blue tint don't perform well in any conditions thus a bright white one is desirable. Don’t forget to make some modifications for yourself. If you feel great when you ride your Ducati nearby, it doesn’t mean you will feel the same on long distance. For example, many riders say their hands become cold quickly and then go numb. Just one easy modification – adding hand guards, will make you enjoy your Ducati rides. Also consider adding a windshield, at least a small one.

Now let’s pay some attention to luggage system. You may have never needed one, but when riding long you simply need to take some stuff with you. Also you may like adding a second one – a small pack to keep your maps or snacks handy.

So these are all modifications I’d recommend you to apply to your Ducati motorcycle before planning a long ride. You bike is now ready to for trip, but when you have planned your trip don't be lazy and check your motorcycle. Even if you are not into mechanics, you can check at least air filer, oil level, tires or chain tension. By the way, don't let a blown out tire spoil your ride. If you don't want to make long forced stops, purchase a tire patch kit and don't leave it at home. Taking a tool kit with you can also save a day. Ducati stores offer very nice tool kits and even smallest ones have anything you may need on the road.

The list of stuff you may need in your trip varies on how long you plan to ride. Credit card, cell phone and riding gloves are something you'd better take with you even for a one day ride. If your ride takes two or more days, don’t forget extra clothes, suntan lotion, sunglasses, pocket torch and energy drinks or bars.

These preparations just may sound long and complicated. In reality they are quick to complete and usually you can do them within one day. What really takes time is planning your trip. Don't think this is just a waste of time. Get the maps and learn more about the place you're riding to. Pay attention to weather conditions, traffic, motels, etc. When you have a route, it's time to move your Ducati out of garage. I can say with all my confidence this motorcycle will never let you down as it goes well both in short rides towards nearest cafe and several days long touring.