Accessories and Loading
67
Accessories and Loading
The addition of accessories and carrying
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.
The presence of accessories and/
or payload will cause changes in
the stability and handling of the
motorcycle.
Warning
Continued
Failure to allow for changes in
motorcycle stability may lead to loss
of motorcycle control and an accident.
When riding at high speed, always
be aware that various motorcycle
configuration 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 tire pressures
- Excessively or unevenly worn tires
-
Side winds and turbulence from
other vehicles
- Loose clothing.
Remember that the 80 mph (130 km/h)
absolute limit will be reduced by
the installation of non-approved
accessories, incorrect loading, worn
tires, overall motorcycle condition and
poor road or weather conditions.
Loading
Warning
If a luggage rack (if equipped) is used
to carry small objects, they must not
exceed a total maximum weight of 4 lb
(2 kg).
