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Author Topic: Touring Weight Distribution  (Read 3239 times)

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Jerry/MD

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Touring Weight Distribution
« on: July 12, 2011, 12:58:41 PM »
This may be an obvious condition to avoid...but I found out a bit late. My wife and I took a trip to WV last week. The weather, scenery and people were great. However, I found out right away that a passenger...fully loaded tour pak...and bag on the luggage rack make for a VERY uncomfortable bike to handle. Just curious if others make sure to place heavier objects in the saddle bags and keep the center of gravity a bit lower. Makes sense to me......now.  ;)
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Screamin

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2011, 01:07:50 PM »
Heavy stuff goes low and forward. Light stuff in/on tour pak.
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GregKhougaz

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2011, 01:12:10 PM »
In motorcycling, even the obvious bears repeating.  And there are no dumb questions except the on not asked. 

Thanks Jerry!   :huepfenjump3:   :huepfenjump3:
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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2011, 01:26:55 PM »
I learned that a LONG time age, bought a Bushtec trailer.......no more problems!
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Midnight Rider

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #4 on: July 12, 2011, 02:18:32 PM »
The bag on the luggage rack seems to often be the straw that breaks the camel's back when it comes to making a difference in how the bike handles.  I always put the lighter stuff, and/or things I must get to on the road in any luggage sitting on the rack.  And make really sure you've got the rear suspension set properly.  :2vrolijk_21:  Bottoming out the shocks in a sweeper at speed will get your attention.   :nervous:
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Jerry/MD

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #5 on: July 12, 2011, 02:21:45 PM »
Thanks for the kind feedback. I feel kinda silly not addressing this ahead of time. I got a real appreciation for putting more thought into packing properly in the future. Of course it doesn't help when your BSR wants to take everything but the kitchen sink.  :o That's OK...lesson learned.
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Jerry/MD

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #6 on: July 12, 2011, 04:16:44 PM »
Quote from: TCnBham on July 12, 2011, 02:18:32 PM
The bag on the luggage rack seems to often be the straw that breaks the camel's back when it comes to making a difference in how the bike handles.  I always put the lighter stuff, and/or things I must get to on the road in any luggage sitting on the rack.  And make really sure you've got the rear suspension set properly.  :2vrolijk_21:  Bottoming out the shocks in a sweeper at speed will get your attention.   :nervous:

Oh so true! That was the biggest problem. The bike was top heavy and I felt like a rookie each time I stopped.  :o

No problem with bottoming the shocks even on the nasty switch-backs in WV. 45 lbs of air worked fine.
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Midnight Rider

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #7 on: July 12, 2011, 05:04:14 PM »
Quote from: Jerry/MD on July 12, 2011, 02:21:45 PM
Thanks for the kind feedback. I feel kinda silly not addressing this ahead of time. I got a real appreciation for putting more thought into packing properly in the future. Of course it doesn't help when your BSR wants to take everything but the kitchen sink.  :o That's OK...lesson learned.

At the risk of being castrated by my BSR...they all do that.   :huepfenlol2: :nervous:  You might as well give up and let 'em have one whole saddlebag and 2/3rds of the TP.  And that doesn't count the small purse and other assorted items that are absolutely necessary for the BSR while on the road that go in the luggage rack bag. I get one bag and 1/3, if I'm lucky...and in my saddlebag goes the tool kit, tire patch kit, small bottle of detail spray, and microfiber cloths.  I take some things that dry quickly overnight so I can wash them out in the motel sink.  I insist on getting both rain suits and a pack of gum in the luggage rack bag... :huepfenlol2:

Glad you enjoyed your trip...I went through WV a few years ago and want to go back.  Some nice riding there.
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Sometimes it takes a whole tankful of fuel before you can think straight.
I had the right to remain silent, just not the ability...

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Legend Air Ride Rear Shocks
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JDOFLHRIDER

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #8 on: July 12, 2011, 06:21:45 PM »
thats why I have a uni-go trailer ,makes trip a whole lot easier.   jdo
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Jerry/MD

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #9 on: July 13, 2011, 12:20:03 PM »
Quote from: TCnBham on July 12, 2011, 05:04:14 PM
At the risk of being castrated by my BSR...they all do that.   :huepfenlol2: :nervous:  You might as well give up and let 'em have one whole saddlebag and 2/3rds of the TP.  And that doesn't count the small purse and other assorted items that are absolutely necessary for the BSR while on the road that go in the luggage rack bag. I get one bag and 1/3, if I'm lucky...and in my saddlebag goes the tool kit, tire patch kit, small bottle of detail spray, and microfiber cloths.  I take some things that dry quickly overnight so I can wash them out in the motel sink.  I insist on getting both rain suits and a pack of gum in the luggage rack bag... :huepfenlol2:

Glad you enjoyed your trip...I went through WV a few years ago and want to go back.  Some nice riding there.

I know. I made many comments before we left...and most were ignored. After she witnessed my struggles I think she understood. From now on the bulky but lighter weight stuff will go in the tour pak and luggage rack bag.

WV is a beautiful State. Even the interstates are scenic. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
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Midnight Rider

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #10 on: July 13, 2011, 12:46:27 PM »
...and yet we get accused of not listening... :huepfenlol2:  Just like they train us for certain things, you have to train them to travel on the scoot.  I have found that throwing...uh...bringing to their attention the things they end up NOT using on a trip, helps a bit.  Sometimes... ;)
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Sometimes it takes a whole tankful of fuel before you can think straight.
I had the right to remain silent, just not the ability...

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Gecko

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #11 on: July 13, 2011, 03:48:16 PM »
Pre-pack.  Bring the bags and tourpack in the house a few days before the trip and see what will fit and what "maybe isn't really needed".  It's a lot easier than doing it the night before or day of departure.
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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #12 on: July 13, 2011, 08:14:04 PM »
Quote from: Gecko on July 13, 2011, 03:48:16 PM
Pre-pack.  Bring the bags and tourpack in the house a few days before the trip and see what will fit and what "maybe isn't really needed".  It's a lot easier than doing it the night before or day of departure.
Pre-packing is absolutely necessary so as to not forget the essentials also.  Like: guns/ammo/medicines/and other items that are hard to acquire away from home.  I like jotting down a small 'list' to help jog my CRS memory.  :o  har. :drink:  spyder
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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #13 on: July 13, 2011, 08:29:14 PM »
Quote from: spydglide on July 13, 2011, 08:14:04 PM
Pre-packing is absolutely necessary so as to not forget the essentials also.  Like: guns/ammo/medicines/and other items that are hard to acquire away from home.  I like jotting down a small 'list' to help jog my CRS memory.  :o  har. :drink:  spyder
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spydglide

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Re: Touring Weight Distribution
« Reply #14 on: July 13, 2011, 08:52:56 PM »
Quote from: Fired00d on July 13, 2011, 08:29:14 PM
Spyder for us ole farts... that's like wearing a watch... we have/put them on every day. ;)

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I know, but I still have a fear of leaving on a bike trip and getting 500 miles down the road only to realize that I forgot some medicine or extra magazines or something that I can't pick up in the next town easily.  :) har.  spyder
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