Accessories, Loading and Passengers
70
ACCESSORIES, LOADING AND PASSENGERS
The addition of accessories and carriage
of additional weight can affect the
motorcycle's handling characteristics
causing changes in stability and
necessitating a reduction in speed.
The following information has been
prepared as a guide to the potential
hazards of adding accessories to a
motorcycle and carrying additional
loads.
Accessories
Warning
Do not install accessories or carry
luggage that impairs the control of the
motorcycle.
Make sure that you have not adversely
affected any lighting component, road
clearance, banking capability (i.e. lean
angle), control operation, wheel travel,
front fork movement, visibility in any
direction, or any other aspect of the
motorcycle's operation.
Warning
Never ride an accessory equipped
motorcycle, or a motorcycle carrying a
payload of any kind, at speeds above
80 mph (130 km/h). In either/both of
these conditions, speeds in excess of
80
mph (130
km/h) should not be
attempted even where the legal speed
limit permits this.
Warning
Continued
The presence of accessories and/or
payload will cause changes in the sta-
bility and handling of the motorcycle.
Failure to allow for changes in motor-
cycle stability may lead to loss of
motorcycle control and an accident.
When riding at high speed, always be
aware that various motorcycle configu-
ration and environmental factors can
adversely affect the stability of your
motorcycle. For example:
- Incorrectly balanced loads on both
sides of the motorcycle
- Incorrectly adjusted front and rear
suspension settings
- Incorrectly adjusted tyre pressures
- Excessively or unevenly worn tyres
- Side winds and turbulence from other
vehicles
- Loose clothing.
Remember that the 80 mph (130 km/h)
absolute limit will be reduced by the
fitting of non-approved accessories,
incorrect loading, worn tyres, overall
motorcycle condition and poor road or
weather conditions.
