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Baggage
Management
Managing baggage, as in life, is key to balance and that goes the same for
loading the motorcycle, too. Here you will get some tips about carrying
loads, packing and keeping it light.
Your first order of baggage management is where you carry the load:
- Stay within your weight limits for the bike. Your bike manual will
provide you with this information about carrying capacities for your bike.
- Remember that the wind is very strong and will snatch unsecured
objects. Stuff that is loaded above the bike's center of gravity acts
like a giant sail and creates odd wind turbulence and instability. So
be sure you keep as much of the luggage as tight and low to the center as
possible.
- Heavier objects really belong in the saddlebags in line with the bike's
center of gravity. Light objects on top rear fender area on either a
luggage rack or strapped to the back seat and the lightest, or most delicate
items in (gas) tank bags. There are several styles of saddles bags and
tank bags to choose from.
- Soft saddlebags are either leather or ballistic fabric that either attach
to the frame or are thrown over the fender and secured. Make sure that
you have the appropriate saddlebag support rails to keep the bags from
rubbing up against the tires or getting burned on the pipes. There are
also locking systems available for the soft saddlebag set up.
- Hard saddlebags are great because they are waterproof and durable. There
are various companies that make custom hard saddlebags and tour paks that
sit above the rear fender area. Try Corbin.
- Soft motorcycle luggage includes either a small or giant luggage system that
sits on your passenger seat, as if representing the weight of a
passenger.
- For strapping down baggage to the bike, be sure to completely secure it so
it does not move when you push at it. The best way to do this is by
layering your security system. Secure the luggage with two giant
bungee cords, criss-crossed over the bundle, then layer it with a cargo
net. On top of this, if you had more luggage, you would place the next
bag, under the cargo net with the other piece of luggage, then secure two
more bungee cords on top. Be sure those bungees are super secure
because you don't want one to pop off and end up in your tires! Also,
be careful strapping them down so they don't pop back and take an eye
out. Don't block tail lights or blinkers with your load and don't
secure the bungees onto moveable parts. Note that specialized soft
motorcycle luggage that does not attach to the hardware of the bike also
comes with a customized system for securing the piece onto the bike.
- Check into quick detach luggage systems too where you can remove the
saddlebags and tour paks in a flash.
- Make sure your motorcycle luggage is waterproof or at least
place them in fabric waterproof bags.
Make sure that you prioritize what you plan on packing. Minimal amounts
of stuff is best. Too much stuff just gets in the way and weighs ya down.
Sample packing lists:
Important: Be sure that you have an excellent tool kit and first aid kit above all
else. Check out www.cruztools.com
for tool kits and check out www.accidentscene.net
for a first aid kit..
Some Motorcycle Luggage Choices:
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