Loading your motorcycle correctly - tips and risks

If you are planning a motorcycle tour lasting several days, you will always have equipment with you. While the space in the trunk of a car usually limits the amount of luggage, some of the common motorcycle models quickly reach their maximum load limit with a second person and no luggage. Even if you are traveling alone on the bike, you should never exceed the permissible total weight.
Luggage on the bike can have a serious impact on riding stability and handling. It is therefore always a good idea to carry as little luggage as possible. If the top case and/or panniers are too heavy, the center of gravity of your motorcycle will shift to the rear. The result: even at normal speed, dangerous oscillating maneuvers can occur.

Preparation and planning

Before you even start loading the motorcycle, you need to know the maximum load limit. For current models, the registration capacity ranges from around 125 kg to around 270 kilos.

How to determine the real unladen weight

Article 5 of EU Regulation No. 168/2013 defines the unladen weight of a vehicle. This information can be found in the vehicle documents in cell G, right-hand data page. The relevant values are the weight of the ready-to-ride bike with a full tank.

Safe loading made easy

• You will find important information on loading options in the operating instructions and the rider's manual. If you are planning to buy a new motorcycle, ask your dealer about this.
• In order to calculate the load with the correct values, the passenger weights should always be determined with full motorcycle clothing (suit, boots, helmet, gloves).
• Pannier and carrier systems must be included in the permissible total weight. Softbags, panniers or luggage rolls can be a weight-saving alternative.
• Adapt the spring/damper elements to the new conditions. This applies in particular to the rear suspension. If possible, adjust the rebound and compression damping and, of course, the tire pressure.
• So that nobody is dazzled: Readjust the headlights.
• With double occupancy, it is advisable to practise riding with quick gear changes and different brake applications. The same applies to riding at walking speed and stop-and-go.
• Fasten and secure the individual pieces of luggage well. Make sure that nothing flutters.

Where should the luggage be placed on the motorcycle?

1. When buying luggage, make sure that it is ideally positioned in front of or at least at the height of the rear axle. They should also not protrude too far.
2. The most important thing when loading the motorcycle is to distribute the weight evenly. The tank bag is ideal for stowing heavy items of luggage. But be careful: if it is too wide, it can restrict your steering angle when maneuvering. The view of the instruments must remain unobstructed. If it is fastened with straps, make sure that no cables or hoses are trapped.
3. Light luggage goes in the top case.
4. Lash sleeping bags, air mattress and tent firmly and without fluttering on the luggage rack.

Risks of incorrect loading

The load and the additional weight significantly change the handling of a motorcycle. A large load shifts the overall center of gravity even if the bike is loaded correctly. This requires greater physical effort when changing lean angles.
If the rear is too heavily loaded, this takes the weight off the front. This can lead to handlebar flutter or swaying. The luggage must be stowed and secured in such a way that it restricts you and your pillion passenger's freedom of movement. The following therefore applies: Do not overstuff bags and rucksacks. This impairs your riding position. On longer journeys, this will drain your strength and you will tire more quickly.

Special loading instructions for longer tours

The bike itself is just as much a part of the basic equipment as the helmet and luggage. However, there are other important things that you should have with you on every tour:

Money, finances and navigation

• Apart from the basic equipment, finances are the most important item on every tour.

EC/credit card

• Cash (also in local currency when traveling abroad)
• Smartphone with online banking app, TAN generator, Paydirekt app

Important documents

• Identity card/passport
• Vehicle registration document
• (International) motorcycle license
• Visa if required
• Rental motorcycle documents
• Vaccination card (allergy passport if applicable)
• Documents from hotel or campsite

Navigation

For routes that you do not yet know, navigation devices and the like are recommended aids.

• Navigation device with holder
• Road map
• Travel guide

Clothing

In addition to your suit, boots and gloves, you should also have the following items with you:

• Motorcycle/sunglasses
• Rainwear
• First-aid kit: mosquito/tick repellent, plasters/bandages, personal medication, wound/healing ointment, painkillers, sunscreen, tissues, diarrhea medication

Tips for avoiding mistakes

The dream of the perfect motorcycle trip can quickly turn into a real nightmare. To avoid the risk as far as possible in advance, we have compiled a list of the most common mistakes.

• Incorrect travel planning: The road network in other countries can differ considerably from that in Germany. You may not get from A to B as quickly as you are used to.

• Overestimating yourself and lack of stamina: If this is your first long-distance trip, you should never overestimate yourself and your stamina. Plan sufficient rest and recovery breaks along the way.

• Lack of control of the heavy motorcycle: Before setting off on your journey, practise with the fully loaded bike. Off-road training is also money well spent here.

• Wrong luggage: Too much clothing, unnecessary supplies and drinks and heavy tools increase the weight.

• Too much preparation and planning: On a motorcycle trip, you need to prepare for as many eventualities as possible. Nevertheless, it is important to remain flexible in your planning when you are on the road, should things turn out differently than expected.