I hate backpacks. I have a fancy rigid one and all, and I still hate it. As soon as there’s more than a bag of chips in there, it’s uncomfortable. Besides, it’s bulky and definitely not prone to impressing ladies at Starbuck’s.

Since the 1098 (and many Ducatis with it) uses a plastic tank, I can’t have my magnetic bag, and I’m not fond of having to use straps, or shelling out 300$ for the official Ducati Performance one.

Hence the SW Motech quick-lock thingie. Bolts up to gas tank, and the bag itself is clipped on smoothly. And it doesn’t ruin the paint. I debated endlessly on size and ended up with the Daypack II.

So this is what you get. The bottom tank ring to be fitted on the bike, the top bag ring (not visible here, under the bag), and the tankbag itself. Plus, a myriad of bolts to choose from, not pictured. You’re probably familiar with the looks of bolts. Directions are perfectly accurate in pointing out which ones you need to use.

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallThe gas cap ring. Remove 4 of the original bolts, put this on top, use new provided bolts. Piece of cake.

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallThe tank ring is on, it’s slightly more cumbersome than anticipated. Mind you it doesn’t get in the way, just not as discrete as expected. Also, it’s rock solid.

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallThe tankbag and its top ring now need to be mated, and you’ll need to position it to your liking. You have quite a range of adjustment (recessed area of the bag).

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallIn my case, it’s full-on forward. Nothing’s bolted down yet, just sizing things up. The whole measure twice, cut once thing. Because yes, you’re about to drill holes in your fancy schmancy brand new tankbag. Don’t fuck it up.

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallDrilling. The pressure’s on. It’s where it should be, lined up straight … close eyes and drill. Also, avoid being an idiot like myself and put on the release trigger before you bolt down the topring to the bag.

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallTopring bolted solidly to the bag, set on the bike. Success.
Ducati 1098 Daypack II Install

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallTaking it off or putting on is an absolute breeze. So much so I find myself double-checking often “really? it’s holding on properly already? *gives a solid tug or 2* … ok I guess it is”. Carrying it off the bike, it does looks like a man purse. That will impress the ladies at Dairy Queen “OMG he’s so like … sensitive”. Yes, that really happened.

Ducati 1098 Daypack II InstallThat’s it that’s all. It took more time to take these pictures than it did to install the frigging thing.

First quick trip out, it’s more capacious than anticipated, I can fit my big Canon SLR with an extra lens, wallet, phone, GoPro camera, chocolate bars and I still had room to spare … and that’s without using the extension.

It only gets in the way when I try to tuck my head in at speed … which also means it works as a headrest. Low clipons are low, so of course there’s no interference there. I can’t tell the bag is there 99% of the time.

I’m predicting lots of use. And I kick myself for having waited a couple months before picking up a tankbag.

Quick freebie, here’s the bike in touring mode. Saddlebags and tankbag, room for more stuff on the passenger seat.

Ducati 1098 tankbag and luggageDucati 1098 tankbag and luggage