QuestionI would like to know what determines carrying capacity on a motorcycle, and how I can increase that capacity on my bike (or any bike)I need up UP my carrying capacity by a couple hundred pounds.
AnswerHi Gary,
Thanks for the question.
Load capacity for a motorcycle is determined by several factors including displacement (engine size and by extension, power), chassis design, tire and suspension, and "how it's designed".
For instance, for a while, Honda made two bikes: the Goldwing and the Valkyrie. Same engines, and about the same weight, but the Goldwing (no surprise) had a higher carrying capacity since it was designed for it.
You did not specify what bike you have, so I can't give you any solid tips for really upping the carrying capacity.
What I will say is this: most manufacturers rate their bike's capacity fairly conservatively, so you can go over the limit by 5% fairly safely, but any more than that is asking for trouble.
If you really go over the limit by a lot, the bike becomes very unsafe. The added weight will overwhelm the suspension, causing the ride to destabilize, and if you have to panic stop, the extra weight will add a lot of distance to the braking performance.
Also, overloading the tires can lead to a sudden failure, usually at highway speeds when they are being most stressed. This usually leads to a fatal accident (fatal for you) or serious injury and serious destruction of the bike. Don't take the chance. I've seen it happen, it's very ugly.
The best way to up the load capacity of your motorcycle is to sell it, and get a bike that can carry what you want to carry (or, you can be like me and just accumulate a garage full of different bikes for different riding situations).
But if you have a one or two bike limit, the safest thing to do is get a bike that will haul your gear and gal while staying inside the weight limits.
Don't overload your bike, it's about the most unsafe thing you can do.
Good luck,
Bill Roberson
