Tour pack weight
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 798
Likes: 726
From: Moncton, NB
I had the same issue this summer with a king tour pack on my Road King. I put everything heavy in the saddlebags and only light things in the tour pack.
Other than a lighter feeling front wheel, I got used to it and after a while, did not even notice. I did also put on HD shocks with the tour pack for the major trip...
Other than a lighter feeling front wheel, I got used to it and after a while, did not even notice. I did also put on HD shocks with the tour pack for the major trip...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,981
Likes: 5,219
From: Michigan
Back in the early late '80's early '90's I had a Softail Custom and two Heritage Customs.
At that time our (me and the wife) combine weight exceeded the maximum capacity of those bikes but we "packed down" and rode two-up on many trips!
Later on I bought my first tow-behind trailer trailer that I towed with my '92 Heritage that made packing much simpler and when I got my '95 Heritage I got another trailer.
We rode those bikes (two-up)aa while pulling the trailers through the Appalachians, the Smokies, the Rockies, the Tetons and across Death Valley without a single issue.
If you're experiencing a handing issue while riding two-up with minimal luggage I'd suggest that you check your rear tire, the PSI, your shocks along with your rear wheel bearings.
Many things can effect the handing of a motorcycle (including riding two-up) but is you're only carrying clothing. leathers and rain gear in or on the the tout pack it should be manageable.
I installed the leather "tour pack" on my wife's '99 Heritage and later on transferred it to her '08 with no complaints from her.
At that time our (me and the wife) combine weight exceeded the maximum capacity of those bikes but we "packed down" and rode two-up on many trips!
Later on I bought my first tow-behind trailer trailer that I towed with my '92 Heritage that made packing much simpler and when I got my '95 Heritage I got another trailer.
We rode those bikes (two-up)aa while pulling the trailers through the Appalachians, the Smokies, the Rockies, the Tetons and across Death Valley without a single issue.
If you're experiencing a handing issue while riding two-up with minimal luggage I'd suggest that you check your rear tire, the PSI, your shocks along with your rear wheel bearings.
Many things can effect the handing of a motorcycle (including riding two-up) but is you're only carrying clothing. leathers and rain gear in or on the the tout pack it should be manageable.
I installed the leather "tour pack" on my wife's '99 Heritage and later on transferred it to her '08 with no complaints from her.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
Another suggestion (as was mentioned in the prior post) is to look into purchasing a small cargo trailer. Gear weight will have a low center of gravity and packing your gear/stuff will be much easier.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 653
From: Atlantic Canada, eh
I've only ever ridden a bike with a tour pac, (so don't know any different)
After work today I stopped for a bunch of groceries. Canned goods, 4 liters of milk, etc. Probably 15+ lbs all told.
I can honestly say I didn't notice anything different than on my way to work, empty.
I think you'll probably just get used to it.
After work today I stopped for a bunch of groceries. Canned goods, 4 liters of milk, etc. Probably 15+ lbs all told.
I can honestly say I didn't notice anything different than on my way to work, empty.
I think you'll probably just get used to it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 10,767
From: SE Michigan
I've only ever ridden a bike with a tour pac, (so don't know any different)
After work today I stopped for a bunch of groceries. Canned goods, 4 liters of milk, etc. Probably 15+ lbs all told.
I can honestly say I didn't notice anything different than on my way to work, empty.
I think you'll probably just get used to it.
After work today I stopped for a bunch of groceries. Canned goods, 4 liters of milk, etc. Probably 15+ lbs all told.
I can honestly say I didn't notice anything different than on my way to work, empty.
I think you'll probably just get used to it.
back on topic
as well, if you look at the pic in my sig, it's not obvious, but my tour pack is moved back 3", I've put a lot of miles on it, and never had what felt like a heavy back end shimmy....90 plus, my front end might get a slight wobble, but that is usually a little less concerning than the needling i get in the ribs from my passenger when I start getting heavy on the throttle
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Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
It's been mentioned previously to pack heavier things down low. no need for the wifey things, like the hair curler, hair dryer, make up kit. We would carry our jackets, spare gloves and paper maps or HD tour guide listing the dealerships, remember those?,, on the rack in the small bag was the rain gear and quick necessities. We kept the weight low, and it worked out better on the next trip.
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