weight
- Thread starter rovert57
- Start date
sure there are stickers in the bmw panniers with max weights and speed limits
From memory it was something like 8 or 10 kgs per pannier or similar
Myke Rocks
Registered user
3 years ago, i called at an acquaintance's house on my 12000rt. He was in the process of shoveling a large quantity of concrete into a ditch to dump it. I had a job for some, so filled a polythene bag with concrete, and the two of us lifted it into the large top box on my bike. The Lid would not shut. Rode home, about 1.5km of country roads. Motorcycle was not nice to ride. Came to the final hill before my house, and had to stand and lean forward to get up the hill, with the front wheel pattering. I probably had close to 100 kilos in it.
Don't think I would like to go round Europe like that.
Myke
right then , the weight limit for the topbox is 5kg
is that the total weight including the box or the weight of the contents.I have weighed the stuff in the box and that comes in at 3.7kg.with the box its nearer 10kg
is that the total weight including the box or the weight of the contents.I have weighed the stuff in the box and that comes in at 3.7kg.with the box its nearer 10kg
I regularly loaded the side cases to over the limit when 2 up touring and the 52litre givi top box was over 10kgs loaded
I have just filled my panniers when touring without giving it a thought.
Having seen what other people pile on top of their panniers as well as filling them to capacity I personally wouldn't worry too much.
I also have a full oxford tail pack on the rear seat and a large dry bag on the rack with tent and other bits stuffed into it.
If you include the eighteen odd stone with me on it in my gear I don't think a couple of extra kilos willndo any harm.
Having seen what other people pile on top of their panniers as well as filling them to capacity I personally wouldn't worry too much.
I also have a full oxford tail pack on the rear seat and a large dry bag on the rack with tent and other bits stuffed into it.
If you include the eighteen odd stone with me on it in my gear I don't think a couple of extra kilos willndo any harm.
thinking that they must design the rack pannier frames to cope with a fair margin of safety ,so one or two kg should be ok ,I mean the boxes themselves must weigh around 7 to 10kg .
Just put the heavier stuff in the side boxes, lighter stuff in the top box..don't weigh them..don't worry about it 
Bendy toy
Registered user
Heavy weights are best carried on the pillion area. Passengers are from 50kg. Load the cases. If the handling is ok stop worrying. If it handles badly get rid of some weight.
If you must move heavy luggage get a mono wheel trailer. The type which leans with the bike.
Sent via iPhone so expect strange words
If you must move heavy luggage get a mono wheel trailer. The type which leans with the bike.
Sent via iPhone so expect strange words
AberdeenAngus
Registered user
Just put the heavier stuff in the side boxes, lighter stuff in the top box..don't weigh them..don't worry about it
This.
Don't over think it.
bear in mind that the bike will easily carry a 100kgs plus pillion and the panniers carry the weight lower I would not lose sleep over it, however, would hate to ride the bike with a 20 kgs plus top box stuck out so far back and high from the bikes C O G
I put my "tools" in a box between the pannier and frame, leaves masses of room for clothes etc for two people and the top case for a helmet, the other is locked with a HelmetLok. I bet the entire contents don't weigh 10 kgs which is nothing compared to me and the wife.
The Mrs and I carry overnight gear in topbox ,lightest gear all in there. Everything else in sidecases. I do however weigh each case to keep the weight even. We used to two up tour Europe with our Daughters camping and would certainly have triple rated weight onboard. My 1150gs and 1200gs and adventure no problem up to over 100mph on autobahn. Julies F650GS not so, over 80mph little weave and shimmy , 90mph fantastic shimmy weave developing into a near tank slapper, looked awesome in the mirrors - checking life insurance policy in my head as it developed 
All the best advice above, less weight is always best and to add, leave some space to shed gear when exploring off bike and also to bring home the Must have buys.
All the best advice above, less weight is always best and to add, leave some space to shed gear when exploring off bike and also to bring home the Must have buys.
Don't worry about it too much. We did 15000 miles last year in North America on Tarmac and gravel roads with about 70kg of stuff strapped to the bike in various places but mostly in and on the panniers or rear rack; plus us two at around 200kg between us ( my jacket and boots are V heavy). Bike handled fine but was prone to wheelies if you got a bit exuberant or ham fisted.
hiup
Registered user
I cant believe the weight my 2008 GSA (electronic suspension) carries when my wife and I go camping. I'm 18 stone and the wife is 12 stone. I have never actually weighed what we take but the other week I packed the panniers in advance and then took them off and put them back on the garage shelves. The weight of just the small well packed metal pannier was VERY VERY heavy.
Point is - the bike carries it well. No wobbles or weaves. No problems. With my 30inch inside leg measurement I have to be careful when moving at walking pace, but once we are on the go, no problem.
I have seen no issues with the metal panniers, top box, and frame mounts in the 8 years I've used it this way.
As long as you are confident with the weight of the loaded bike - don't worry too much
Point is - the bike carries it well. No wobbles or weaves. No problems. With my 30inch inside leg measurement I have to be careful when moving at walking pace, but once we are on the go, no problem.
I have seen no issues with the metal panniers, top box, and frame mounts in the 8 years I've used it this way.
As long as you are confident with the weight of the loaded bike - don't worry too much
Bendy toy
Registered user
If the fitting the full luggage with bike on side stand causes the front wheel to lift - you are carrying too much weight.
If you can't haul the bike upright from the side stand, put a brick under stand foot and try again.
If you can't haul the bike upright from the side stand, put a brick under stand foot and try again.
Similar threads
