How much weight on luggage rack?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Agreed! However when riding solo I would put extra luggage on the passenger seat, for better weight distribution. Greatly increases what you can carry! 
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
Most people are assuming the OP is talking about the rack on a Tour Pak. He's not. He's talking about the small rack that is clamped to his quick detach passenger backrest. This is my set up also, and am not sure I'd put 40 pounds on it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
It would appear that he has the same rack/backrest that I do. It does state 10 lbs max on the rack. I think the rack can handle more, but the weak point would be the mounting points (ie, the 4 point docking system). Still, I think it'll handle way more than the 10 lbs it states.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
Harley’s CYA 10# limit has more to do with weight distribution and the resulting handling geometry of the bike than it has to do with the weight the luggage rack itself can bear. Millions of riders have ridden millions of miles with more than 10# on the luggage racks without significant problems. I always enjoy looking at loaded down bikes on the way to Sturgis. It is amazing how much people can load on their bikes. Last year I saw a guy that had a piece of plywood bolted to his rack with a cooler, barbecue grill and some other stuff on top.
Having said all that I wouldn’t recommend loading up the luggage rack while leaving the passenger seat empty. The bike was designed around the passenger seat area taking the weight of several 100 pounds.
I always put the biggest, heaviest bag on the passenger seat and the smallest, lightest bag on the rack. The idea being to keep the weight as close to center as possible.
Having said all that I wouldn’t recommend loading up the luggage rack while leaving the passenger seat empty. The bike was designed around the passenger seat area taking the weight of several 100 pounds.
I always put the biggest, heaviest bag on the passenger seat and the smallest, lightest bag on the rack. The idea being to keep the weight as close to center as possible.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Harleys CYA 10# limit has more to do with weight distribution and the resulting handling geometry of the bike than it has to do with the weight the luggage rack itself can bear. Millions of riders have ridden millions of miles with more than 10# on the luggage racks without significant problems. I always enjoy looking at loaded down bikes on the way to Sturgis. It is amazing how much people can load on their bikes. Last year I saw a guy that had a piece of plywood bolted to his rack with a cooler, barbecue grill and some other stuff on top.
Having said all that I wouldnt recommend loading up the luggage rack while leaving the passenger seat empty. The bike was designed around the passenger seat area taking the weight of several 100 pounds.
I always put the biggest, heaviest bag on the passenger seat and the smallest, lightest bag on the rack. The idea being to keep the weight as close to center as possible.
Having said all that I wouldnt recommend loading up the luggage rack while leaving the passenger seat empty. The bike was designed around the passenger seat area taking the weight of several 100 pounds.
I always put the biggest, heaviest bag on the passenger seat and the smallest, lightest bag on the rack. The idea being to keep the weight as close to center as possible.
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I replied to Potato, but you made the same point. Thanks!