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PACK THAT LUGGAGE SAFELY Inspiring ideas for motorcycling trips Many globetrotters and holidaymakers agree that motorcycling is hard to beat as one of the most fascinating ways to travel. With various clever luggage-carrying systems now available on the market, bikers'' transport problems are reduced to a minimum as they take their motorbikes out into the great outdoors. However, it’s still important to pack luggage in such a way that the bike’s handling isn’t affected. Luckily, pictures of impossibly overloaded two-wheelers carrying overstuffed pouches, colourful plastic bags and panniers dragging along the wheels are today only found in grandfather’s picture album. Customized solutions are available for almost any transport problem and for nearly every kind of motorcycle. These solutions range from waterproof saddlebags, convenient knapsacks and compact tank backpacks to natural leather bags, elegant hard-top cases and robust aluminium boxes. The manufacturers of such bags also offer ready-to-fit carrier systems for all common motorcycle models. These systems are equipped with interior pockets to make it easier to transport luggage from parking lots to hotel rooms. The range of offerings is of course largest for touring bikes and long-distance enduros. More and more motorcycle manufacturers are fitting these models with aerodynamic container systems at the production plant. The containers are wonderfully styled and are adapted to the motorcycle’s lines. The range of model-specific tank backpacks and saddlebags is being continuously expanded as well. In addition, numerous innovative mounting systems are being introduced on the market. To gain an overview of the diverse range of products on offer, bikers are advised to visit their local motorcycle dealer, take a look on the Internet or travel to Cologne for the world’s leading motorcycle show, INTERMOT, from 11th to 15th October 2006. Besides luggage systems, INTERMOT will provide comprehensive information on all recent motorcycle-related developments. In spite of all of these advances in luggage systems, bikers should observe a few simple rules when packing bags for a trip. One of the primary concerns is to distribute the weight as equally as possible in order to prevent any chassis disturbances such as oscillations or handlebar wobbling. Heavy objects should be placed as close to the bike’s centre of gravity as possible, i.e. as far forward and as low as possible. Conversely, only relatively light items should be placed in high-mounted containers such as top cases. To avoid any unbalance, the side-mounted cases should both carry about the same weight. When using side-mounted cases, bikers should adhere to the maximum loading weight and the top speed that the manufacturers have set for the product in question. It goes without saying that the unrestricted handling of a motorcycle must be ensured even when it is fully loaded. And before going on a big trip, bikers should first take their fully loaded motorcycle on a short test drive to ensure that nothing will stand in the way of enjoying this wonderful mode of travelling. INTERMOT Cologne
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