How much weight can my bike hold

This winter I had to do some extra work on my bike due to a slight mishap
by my sister. I put on new saddlebags and a tour pak. I need to know how much weight I can safely put in my new carring capacity, since my bike is a 1998 dyna wide glide with the chopper fender. I never carry a passenger so I think as long as I don't get carried away I should be ok. I was thinking more along the lines of how much to pack for sturgis and any other long trips I might get to go on.

That's about what I thought. I think I'll be ok as long as I don't put to much in the tour pak because of the leverage created by having the weight at the very rear of the fender...........Thx, Bob

The real trick to riding a packed-out bike is the rider's brain. Bikes can be loaded up to ridiculous weights, but then they can't be ridden the same way as an empty one-up ride. You should always try to limit the weight, though, as tire burden (resulting in blow outs) and handling become HUGE issues.

I also strongly suggest that before you make that 6000 mile road trip you take your fully-laden bike around the block, then for a 20 mile or so ride (with a chase vehicle to take some baggage if needed). Get the feel for it before you head out on the long run.

Know, too, that road conditions (wet, rough, freeway, grated bridges, heat, etc) have a much greater impact on loaded bikes. So you have to ride smarter and much more cautiously if ya want to get there and back again.

And don't forget to adjust your suspension and tire pressure accordingly!
:cheers:

Thanks for the good advice. I plan to put on a set of progressive shocks and I will be sure to take extra care when I have the bike loaded for a trip.............bob