Posted by "PetieJ" this calculator will tell you how much gear you can pack.
Safe weight motorcycle calculator
Safe weight motorcycle calculator
Safe Weight Calculator
- Thread starter glider.
- Start date
i put in a few numbers using this 'calculator' and they dont make a lot of sense to me. IE- how come a RK can handle so much more weight than an UC in the same year? - I used 2001 RK and UC and Heritage with 340 combined rider weight (190 + 150 passenger)....
Using the calculator I can only put 30 additional lbs on my Heritage, can only put 30 lbs on the UC and can put 118 lbs on the RK.
am I not reading it correctly?? :dknow
Bill
Using the calculator I can only put 30 additional lbs on my Heritage, can only put 30 lbs on the UC and can put 118 lbs on the RK.
am I not reading it correctly?? :dknow
Bill
Just thought it odd - you buy a "touring Ultra classic" and most of your hauling weight is in fiberglass bags, trunks and fairings. now, you can't even carry a change of clothes and a baseball cap extra - (exaggeration here - but not much at ~30lbs of extra load max) MY problem is my wife is always riding with me -- and that accounts for a lot of hauling weight (gosh I better be careful here) could be a lot of extra weight to pack on the bike if she were not riding with me. HELP I am in soo much trouble!!!!
Bill
PetieJ
Member
This is provided information from Dunlop.
Importance of Motorcycle Tire Inflation Maintenance & Load Restrictions
As the world leader in motorcycle tires, Dunlop continues to be concerned about the lack of attention paid by many cyclists to proper use and maintenance of their tires, particularly when fitted to motorcycles intended for touring.
Dunlop technical personnel have attended touring rallies all over North America to collect vital data and give instructional seminars.
What we have observed at these rallies alarms us; many touring riders are not following proper tire maintenance procedures.
The requirements for proper tire usage are not complicated, but they do require consistent attention.
Owners and operators of motorcycles should closely monitor vehicle loadings to insure they are within the maximum loads and corresponding inflation pressures for their tires. This basic load and pressure information is clearly stamped on the tire sidewalls.
The tire does not support the load-the air pressure does. The manufacturer's ratings for the maximum load and inflation pressure are critical tire design elements. If not observed, the handling and performance of your motorcycle will be greatly affected.
We have checked inflation pressures at several touring rallies and found a high percentage of rear tires to be underinflated. In addition, weight checks of the rear axles of these motorcycles indicated a number of tires were loaded beyond maximum capacity.
Our inspections have not been limited to those cycles fitted with Dunlop tires; the situation exists for all brands of tires.
Regardless of the make of tire, this is a serious problem. Riders of motorcycles with significantly underinflated and overloaded tires will experience handling and steering difficulty. In addition, this abuse will result in disappointing premature tire wear and may cause catastrophic tire failure.
The addition of accessories, cargo, and dual riding to touring motorcycles aggravates the problems of overloading and underinflation. The excessive flexing that results from underinflation or overload causes buildup of internal heat, fatigue cracking and eventual carcass breakup resulting in complete failure. A consequence of such failure may be an accident with serious personal injury or death.
The appearance of stress cracks in the tread grooves is one indicator of overload and/or underinflation. If you find evidence of tread groove cracking, you should remove and replace the tire immediately. This damage is permanent and non-repairable.
Our inspection of tires of various style and manufacture at rallies and our subsequent testing have confirmed that underinflation (and/or excessive load) causes tread groove cracking and can result in more serious damage within the tire body. Uneven wear may also accompany underinflated use. Failure to heed these visual warnings can result in tire failure or blowout.
The use of trailers can also contribute to tire damage and touring motorcycle instability. Although most motorcycle manufacturers recommend against their use, a percentage of the motorcycles we have inspected were so equipped. The trailer tongue weight added to an already heavily laden motorcycle can fail a rear tire. The percentage of overloaded motorcycle rear tires found during our inspection would have been higher if trailer tongue weight had been considered. The forces of rapid acceleration and deceleration may also multiply the effects of trailer tongue weight.
To get the maximum safe use out of your tires and maximum touring enjoyment you should:
1. Properly maintain all aspects of your vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Read and reread your motorcycle owner's manual.
2. Never exceed the loading and accessories restrictions found in your motorcycle owner's manual, or the maximum load displayed on the tire sidewalls. Know your loaded vehicle weight!
3. Check air pressure at frequent, regular intervals, particularly just before and during long trips. Always use an accurate tire gauge* and check pressures only when the tires are cold (i.e., wait one hour after running). We have found many cheap gauges to be off more than 5 psi, so be sure to use a top quality gauge and preferably one that retains the pressure reading until reset!
4. Inspect your tires as often as possible. Look for irregular wear, any signs of cracking in the sidewalls and tread, blisters, knots, cuts or punctures. Immediately remove and replace damaged tires.
If in doubt, ask your motorcycle tire dealer to check your loading, inflation and tires. Remember, your tires stand between you and a serious accident.
For touring motorcycle loading, follow these general guidelines:
1. Light loads-single rider with some luggage (up to 200 lb. total)-minimum tire pressure of 32 psi front and 36 psi rear must be maintained.
2. Heavier loads-dual riding and/or luggage (from 200 lb. total up to maximum motorcycle capacity stated in the owner's manual)-pressure of 36 psi front and 40 psi rear must be maintained.
Please Note:
For any dual riding or fully loaded use, 40 psi must be maintained in all Dunlop rear tires fitted to touring motorcycles.
In addition to following these recommendations, notice what your tires are telling you while you're riding. If your steering response is slow or mushy, or if cornering and braking response is heavy, there's a good chance your tires are underinflated. Vibration or wobble may signal that actual tire damage has occurred and failure is imminent!
If you conscientiously follow our recommendations, you will enjoy better, longer, and safer tire performance and many, many miles of touring pleasure.
Importance of Motorcycle Tire Inflation Maintenance & Load Restrictions
As the world leader in motorcycle tires, Dunlop continues to be concerned about the lack of attention paid by many cyclists to proper use and maintenance of their tires, particularly when fitted to motorcycles intended for touring.
Dunlop technical personnel have attended touring rallies all over North America to collect vital data and give instructional seminars.
What we have observed at these rallies alarms us; many touring riders are not following proper tire maintenance procedures.
The requirements for proper tire usage are not complicated, but they do require consistent attention.
Owners and operators of motorcycles should closely monitor vehicle loadings to insure they are within the maximum loads and corresponding inflation pressures for their tires. This basic load and pressure information is clearly stamped on the tire sidewalls.
The tire does not support the load-the air pressure does. The manufacturer's ratings for the maximum load and inflation pressure are critical tire design elements. If not observed, the handling and performance of your motorcycle will be greatly affected.
We have checked inflation pressures at several touring rallies and found a high percentage of rear tires to be underinflated. In addition, weight checks of the rear axles of these motorcycles indicated a number of tires were loaded beyond maximum capacity.
Our inspections have not been limited to those cycles fitted with Dunlop tires; the situation exists for all brands of tires.
Regardless of the make of tire, this is a serious problem. Riders of motorcycles with significantly underinflated and overloaded tires will experience handling and steering difficulty. In addition, this abuse will result in disappointing premature tire wear and may cause catastrophic tire failure.
The addition of accessories, cargo, and dual riding to touring motorcycles aggravates the problems of overloading and underinflation. The excessive flexing that results from underinflation or overload causes buildup of internal heat, fatigue cracking and eventual carcass breakup resulting in complete failure. A consequence of such failure may be an accident with serious personal injury or death.
The appearance of stress cracks in the tread grooves is one indicator of overload and/or underinflation. If you find evidence of tread groove cracking, you should remove and replace the tire immediately. This damage is permanent and non-repairable.
Our inspection of tires of various style and manufacture at rallies and our subsequent testing have confirmed that underinflation (and/or excessive load) causes tread groove cracking and can result in more serious damage within the tire body. Uneven wear may also accompany underinflated use. Failure to heed these visual warnings can result in tire failure or blowout.
The use of trailers can also contribute to tire damage and touring motorcycle instability. Although most motorcycle manufacturers recommend against their use, a percentage of the motorcycles we have inspected were so equipped. The trailer tongue weight added to an already heavily laden motorcycle can fail a rear tire. The percentage of overloaded motorcycle rear tires found during our inspection would have been higher if trailer tongue weight had been considered. The forces of rapid acceleration and deceleration may also multiply the effects of trailer tongue weight.
To get the maximum safe use out of your tires and maximum touring enjoyment you should:
1. Properly maintain all aspects of your vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Read and reread your motorcycle owner's manual.
2. Never exceed the loading and accessories restrictions found in your motorcycle owner's manual, or the maximum load displayed on the tire sidewalls. Know your loaded vehicle weight!
3. Check air pressure at frequent, regular intervals, particularly just before and during long trips. Always use an accurate tire gauge* and check pressures only when the tires are cold (i.e., wait one hour after running). We have found many cheap gauges to be off more than 5 psi, so be sure to use a top quality gauge and preferably one that retains the pressure reading until reset!
4. Inspect your tires as often as possible. Look for irregular wear, any signs of cracking in the sidewalls and tread, blisters, knots, cuts or punctures. Immediately remove and replace damaged tires.
If in doubt, ask your motorcycle tire dealer to check your loading, inflation and tires. Remember, your tires stand between you and a serious accident.
For touring motorcycle loading, follow these general guidelines:
1. Light loads-single rider with some luggage (up to 200 lb. total)-minimum tire pressure of 32 psi front and 36 psi rear must be maintained.
2. Heavier loads-dual riding and/or luggage (from 200 lb. total up to maximum motorcycle capacity stated in the owner's manual)-pressure of 36 psi front and 40 psi rear must be maintained.
Please Note:
For any dual riding or fully loaded use, 40 psi must be maintained in all Dunlop rear tires fitted to touring motorcycles.
In addition to following these recommendations, notice what your tires are telling you while you're riding. If your steering response is slow or mushy, or if cornering and braking response is heavy, there's a good chance your tires are underinflated. Vibration or wobble may signal that actual tire damage has occurred and failure is imminent!
If you conscientiously follow our recommendations, you will enjoy better, longer, and safer tire performance and many, many miles of touring pleasure.
This chart for some 2003 Harley Davidsons explains why the available weight for passengers and cargo varies so much among motorcycle models. Within the Touring class of motorcycles, the GVWR remains constant, but the dry weight (or “Weight as Shipped” which is the weight of the motorcycle without fuel) changes according to the extra dress on the bikes. These are 2003 figures - most of the bikes now have larger fuel capacities (6 gal. instead of 5 gal.) so another six pounds has to be added to Weight of Fuel.
2003 GVWR Dry Wt. Fuel Wt. Available for
passengers/cargo
Road King Classic 1259 710 30 519
Road King 1259 723 30 506
Road Glide 1259 731 30 498
Electra Glide Std. 1259 758 30 471
Electra Glide Classic 1259 776 30 453
Heritage Springer/
Softail 1125 645 30 450
Ultra Classic 1259 788 30 441
Heritage Softai/
Classic 1160 699 30 431
The reported results of measuring tires and loads at rallies shows that a lot of people ride overloaded and underinflated, but not all those tires are failing. So what’s that mean? While it’s not a good idea to ride overloaded/underinflated, it may just wear out your tires faster. Defective tires cause the catastrophic tire failures. So … monitor the your load and tire pressure, yes. But what about when your tire starts leaking air during a ride because of a defect? Gauging air pressure before the ride won’t help there. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems can help, but some folks think there are draw backs to TPMS.
2003 GVWR Dry Wt. Fuel Wt. Available for
passengers/cargo
Road King Classic 1259 710 30 519
Road King 1259 723 30 506
Road Glide 1259 731 30 498
Electra Glide Std. 1259 758 30 471
Electra Glide Classic 1259 776 30 453
Heritage Springer/
Softail 1125 645 30 450
Ultra Classic 1259 788 30 441
Heritage Softai/
Classic 1160 699 30 431
The reported results of measuring tires and loads at rallies shows that a lot of people ride overloaded and underinflated, but not all those tires are failing. So what’s that mean? While it’s not a good idea to ride overloaded/underinflated, it may just wear out your tires faster. Defective tires cause the catastrophic tire failures. So … monitor the your load and tire pressure, yes. But what about when your tire starts leaking air during a ride because of a defect? Gauging air pressure before the ride won’t help there. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems can help, but some folks think there are draw backs to TPMS.
pluggerman
Member
According to my calculations I can't haul anything. I have a 08 Heritage Classic. Don't get it, but maybe I'm doing it wrong.
