Keep things balanced

Whatever the systems used (tank bag, tail rack bag, top case, soft or rigid panniers), luggage should be fitted as close as possible to the centre of gravity. You should avoid overhangs (heavy items sitting far back on the tail rack), which can de-stabilise the bike.

Heavy items should preferably be carried in the tank bag and you should try to keep a balance between the left and right panniers

Safe fixing

Luggage should be fixed safely, since anything coming undone could have dramatic consequences for your safety.

In this respect, the best method is rigid luggage, such as the top case or panniers. These are usually mounted on backing plates which are then firmly bolted onto the frame, and are fitted with safety systems.
You simply have to check that everything is firmly fixed before you start off. On the other hand, soft luggage can be a problem.

Among the traps to avoid: fixing a soft bag with luggage elastics or straps. If one comes undone, it usually falls into the rear wheel with all the consequences you can imagine.
When using soft panniers, regularly check the tension of the straps and the velcro fasteners, which due to bumps, vibration and wind pressure, can come undone. A tank bag poses no problems if it is mounted on a plate.

But if it is magnetic, it is important to check that it is firmly fixed.

Riding a "different" bike

You will obviously check that with the luggage, driver and passenger, the weight remains within the limits authorised by the machine official documents (permitted all-up weight).
In spite of this, you will be riding a "different" bike from that which you are used to: size, inertia, wind resistance, brakes and suspension, ground clearance, acceleration, your bike will not have the same feel immediately.
Even getting on it or putting it on its stand won't be the same as before.

When loaded up, riding a motorcycle is the same as for any other vehicle under the same conditions: with precaution and anticipation. If your motorcycle has adjustable suspension, you must harden it up. The lights must also be adjusted accordingly.

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