Those photos you see of motorcyclists in Asia riding along carrying everything including the kitchen sink give us all a giggle right? But there is a serious side to overloading your motorcycle, as this article from Phil West aptly illustrates…
If you are a motorcyclist who likes to take a long tour during summer chances are, you plan to pack things that you are going to need during your tour like riding gear, tools, food and if you coax a pretty passenger along with you plus her luggage that could all add up to a certain weight. So the question is how much weight can your bike carry?
You are meticulous in details like this because you don't want to overload your motorcycles. You know that overloading can adversely affect the motorcycle's overall stability and handling. We don't want to suffer unfortunate repercussions right? So we should stick by the rules.
Leaf through your owner's manual or check the vehicle identification number (VIN plate). There is a sticker there that lists the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight rating (GAWR). The GVWR is the maximum total weight of the motorcycle and its load that is allowable. The GAWR is the allowable maximum weight that you must place on each wheel ( front and rear wheels) when the bike is at rest. GAWR gives you the idea of how much and how well you distribute all that weight (cargo) on each wheel.
Remember to adhere to the GAWR and pack the heaviest at the bottom, so that the motorcycle's stability is not affected. If you challenge exact science by overloading the bike over the rear axle by packing high,your cruiser is going to start handling like a three-legged camel in deep sand.
Adjust the rear shock settings and tire pressure if you are going to load your bike and travel long distance. You have to remember that it is the air that supports the tires to hold the bike up. If you reduce the volume of air in your tires, it also reduces the load capacity of the tires. So when there is reduction of tire pressure,it certainly reduces the tire's carrying capacity. Always maximize tire pressure when you add a load.
If you go a wee-bit the limit of the recommended GVWR you will surely pay the price. Overloading causes speedy tire wear, puts strain on suspension,brakes,drive train etc. Brakes will be less effective and acceleration diminished.
Also consider other factors aside from overloaded cargo and rolling on under inflated tires. These are travelling on a long hot day and faster and farther you travelled on an asphalt strewn with potholes, the more your tires will likely heat up and the worst case scenario would be catastrophic. So check your tire's pressure when they are cold (at rest) and use a dependable gauge.
Putting too much cargo on your motorcycle beyond its allowable GVWR, deteriorates the bike's handling and can overtax some motorcycle components. It is now time to learn to leave something behind and decide what does not need to come along or think about another way to get all your stuff there. You can overnight a couple boxes to your destination or better yet have your passenger get a bike of his own.
Phil West is a Harley buff. Read his articles on Harley Davidson boots and top rated GPS devices
