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I am new to the forum and have tried to search for an answer to see if its been asked before but with no luck, so here goes.
Ive got a 2017 48 and want to fit a luggage rack to the back but the luggage racks seem to have a max weight carrying capacity of 5kg (11lb) which is pretty crap.
Does anyone know why this load limit is so low? Even the HD original quick release rack is rated at 5kg max.
As Im riding to Portugal this year I need a decent amount of kit.
I put a HD rack on the back of my 2017 XL1200T Superlow (recently traded it for 2018 FLHCS). It also had a very low capacity rating. I believe HD rates these racks with low capacity because of liability concerns. I had at least 25 lbs on the rack in the photo below during a 1600 mile ride last July. The trunk bag on back was on the rack. Never a hint of problem. You'll have to make your own judgement of how much to put on it like I did.
The bag on the fender was heavier. I put a fender bib on after a Mustang solo seat install. Also put Progressive 12.5" 412 shocks on. You may want to do the same: solo seat to increase luggage capacity on fender.
I am new to the forum and have tried to search for an answer to see if its been asked before but with no luck, so here goes.
Ive got a 2017 48 and want to fit a luggage rack to the back but the luggage racks seem to have a max weight carrying capacity of 5kg (11lb) which is pretty crap.
Does anyone know why this load limit is so low? Even the HD original quick release rack is rated at 5kg max.
As Im riding to Portugal this year I need a decent amount of kit.
Thanks
Rog
Rog,
Hello old chap, from just a few counties away and welcome to HD. Weight limits that bike manufacturers place on luggage are a mystery and have been for decades, almost regardless of bike brand or type of carrying device. On the one hand your bike is designed to take the extra weight of a passenger, yet the rack only 5 kg - which is plainly a nonsense. However many Harley racks are very small in load area, so such a small weight limit makes some sense, as it is difficult to make a large load stable. So what sort of 'stuff' are you planning to take? Anything more than a tooth-brush may be out of the question.....
On my Sporty I don't have a rack, I use qd saddle-bags that I can remove and carry into an hotel (as one might!). On my Buell I use a Givi top-box secured to the rear seat. Further options are available, with a little adaptability.
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Luggage rack load
