Trip Question
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
yes I do have to increase the shock air pressure 2 up loaded and did carry the pump with us on the trip to check it once in a while. I have ohlins shocks now and adjust the preload for 2 up loaded before we hit the road, what a difference they make on these long trips.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
The load limit warnings are to protect HD from lawsuits. I have had 60lbs on that rack and looked like a traveling circus with all the bungee cords. The one on the 07 Softail says 10 lbs limit.
The luggage rack that I put on my Superglide says 25 lbs limit yet HD sells a seat pad/back rest for it to haul a passenger. I guess it would have to be a super skinny model.
My two sons and I did 9000+ in two weeks when we did the AlCan. And that was with two light travel days. Two days were just under 900 to make up for it.
My practice on long hauls is to stop about every two hours and walk around for a few minutes after fueling one tank and emptying the other one. Then drink a minimum of a quart of liquid. For me that would be guzzling a quart of chocolate milk. Ummm chocolate milk!
The luggage rack that I put on my Superglide says 25 lbs limit yet HD sells a seat pad/back rest for it to haul a passenger. I guess it would have to be a super skinny model.
My two sons and I did 9000+ in two weeks when we did the AlCan. And that was with two light travel days. Two days were just under 900 to make up for it.
My practice on long hauls is to stop about every two hours and walk around for a few minutes after fueling one tank and emptying the other one. Then drink a minimum of a quart of liquid. For me that would be guzzling a quart of chocolate milk. Ummm chocolate milk!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
I average about 20lbs on my Tour pak. when I installed it I used large washers for the rack to help distribute the stress on the bolts
It does get a little squirrelly at low speeds but after a few hrs on a week 2 week trip you forget about it.
I usually load the bike before the trip and take a quick ride to figure out the balance.
sometimes I shift the weight in the saddlebags to balance it out...
Sometimes it scare me when I hit a good size bump though, seems like the tourpak takes a beating during that
It does get a little squirrelly at low speeds but after a few hrs on a week 2 week trip you forget about it.
I usually load the bike before the trip and take a quick ride to figure out the balance.
sometimes I shift the weight in the saddlebags to balance it out...
Sometimes it scare me when I hit a good size bump though, seems like the tourpak takes a beating during that
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
When we go on a trip that long fully loaded it does take about a day to get use to how the bike handles with the added weight. I do put a bag on top of the tour pack and have found out on the 4 and 5K trips a few tips that may help you out.
We put all our heavy leathers and rain gear in the side bags along with the tools trying to pack the heavy items low on the bike. Then we pack our clothes in the tour pack, use large freezer bags and compress the clothes by sitting on the bags and then seal them up, same as using a vacuum bag just cheaper. We never open the tour pack lid with the bag attached to the luggage rack when fully loaded, worry about the weight on the hinges and cracking the fiberglass. So all the stuff we need to get to while on the road goes in the luggage attached to the tour pack lid, gloves, hats, sun screen, maps, camera, water, etc. its all light weight stuff. It works for us, enjoy the trip.
We put all our heavy leathers and rain gear in the side bags along with the tools trying to pack the heavy items low on the bike. Then we pack our clothes in the tour pack, use large freezer bags and compress the clothes by sitting on the bags and then seal them up, same as using a vacuum bag just cheaper. We never open the tour pack lid with the bag attached to the luggage rack when fully loaded, worry about the weight on the hinges and cracking the fiberglass. So all the stuff we need to get to while on the road goes in the luggage attached to the tour pack lid, gloves, hats, sun screen, maps, camera, water, etc. its all light weight stuff. It works for us, enjoy the trip.
Only difference for me is I keep my rain gear in the Nelson Rigg bag on the tour pack, makes it real easy and fast to get to if we need it. Other than that, exactly the same, leathers and other gear we don't need often, if at all if the weather stays great, in the saddlebags. Clothes and toiletries that we will carry into hotel or wherever in the tour pack bag inside the tour pack. Rain gear, water, sun block, miscellaneous in the top bag.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Arizona & Europe
I tour all over Europe with my 08 UC and load the TP with the typical stuff - FF helmet, extra gloves, extra jacket, etc. I also have the HD Tour Pak Rack Bag (#93300006), which fits nicely on the top of the Tour Rack, for all the extra clothes, toiletries, etc. Even though the connecting-straps that HD provides are good, I strap on a couple of extra bungee cords just to be sure. Most of the heavy stuff I put in the saddlebags (tools, extra leathers, rain suit, etc.). You should be okay as long as you don't put too much weight up high, or obscure your vision to the rear.
Before you head out on the bike load it down and take a couple of laps around the neighborhood. That should let you know if you like the way you're packed or not. Generally, after a few long trips you'll find out where/how to pack your stuff for quick and easy access and to balance out your ride the way you like it.
Enjoy!
Before you head out on the bike load it down and take a couple of laps around the neighborhood. That should let you know if you like the way you're packed or not. Generally, after a few long trips you'll find out where/how to pack your stuff for quick and easy access and to balance out your ride the way you like it.
Enjoy!
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
I did 8500 miles through 21 Western Parks last year (took a month). We have some amazing National Parks. I would suggest you get the annual park pass. One fee gets you into all the National Parks. You can keep the card(like a CC) in your front pouch for easy access. Saves to have to dig your wallet out and it is much cheaper.
I have rode with a Saddleman bag on the tour pack before with 30lbs or so, when I had 2 up. Just be real careful when opening the tour pack lid. It makes your center of gravity a little higher so just take it easy and you should be fine.
I have rode with a Saddleman bag on the tour pack before with 30lbs or so, when I had 2 up. Just be real careful when opening the tour pack lid. It makes your center of gravity a little higher so just take it easy and you should be fine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
Wife and I went to Daytona one year on. 98 UC....all three factory bags loaded and a large bag on top of tour pac...it sure was hairy at slow speeds, almost lost it a few times.
Now when I travel I pull a Bushtec trailer, much safer, packs better and I can can have everything I might need....I know trailers are not for everyone, but I sure like it....
Now when I travel I pull a Bushtec trailer, much safer, packs better and I can can have everything I might need....I know trailers are not for everyone, but I sure like it....
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 133
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
cranked out 4300 miles, 18 states in 8 days over the 4th of July fully loaded... no handling issue.. with that being said... A day or so before I left, I loaded my bike and took a quick ride some city streets, some highway. I've kinda got in the habit of doing a pre-mission ride to ensure everything packs well and to test how it effects the bike so I can adjust before I get out on my trip. Works well for me and gives a little piece of mind before I venture out on a long run.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 713
with 2 up and my tour pack moved back 2 inches and the rack bag,the front end does get light going uphill,as long as your aware its not a problem,WEAR AND PACK SOME THROW AWAY CLOTHES,leaves more room for trinkets and tee"s the wife will surely be buying.