Riding Characteristics "change" without luggage?

[Mike Kelly]

So several times I've ridden the bike without luggage and it seems like, even with the bags empty, when they're on the bike, they definitely have an impact on ride. seems like the bike just handles better without them in place... Anyone else notice this? I did notive I picked up some more "control" when I swapped from the Hard as bricks OEM rubber (3.5 years old from previous owner) to the new PR2s... Turn in is much better and the bike feels way more sure footed. I'll have to ditch the luggage for a ride this week and see if I notice more of a difference as before... or if it was "me"...

Mike

 

[Aasland]

I've found a difference too: rides better with luggage, turns better without.

Keep in mind that here in MN and WI our road surface is absolute crap (especially compared to TN/VA) so I've always attributed it to suspension setup, i.e. I've set up the suspension for partially filled bags. Would not be surprised to learn the same may apply in your case.

 

[rfespinosa]

I don't notice a difference with vs w/o the bags. New/different tires should be noticeable, though.

 

[C&C]

I too notice a difference (but hardly); to me it is about the same difference from an almost empty fuel load to the feeling of just filling the tank. Not the same feeling but about the same amount of difference.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Without the bags, you are riding a much lighter bike. Not near as much load on the suspension...kinda like the difference between riding solo and 2up...so you have extra clearance and range with your suspension that wasn't taken by the load of the bags.

 

[Knifemaker]

Sounds to me like someone needs to adjust their suspension.

You might have yours on the soft side and the added weight of the bags are making a larger difference than you might feel had the suspension been adjusted differently.

KM

 

[FJRMGM]

I don't notice a difference with vs w/o the bags. New/different tires should be noticeable, though.

never noticed a difference in gas milege with or without the bike either.

and I have to agree that if riding without the bags makes much difference in cornering on your bike then the suspension is set too soft to begin with.

 

[HaulinAshe]

A small amount of weight change at the location where the side bags live, does make a noticeable change in the bike's behavior. That's especially true if the rider weighs less than 200 lbs.

I prefer the way the stock bike handles with empty side bags over no side bags, regardless of suspension settings. IMO the lateral C.G. is better balanced.

I've observed that tall riders (6'0" or greater)feel just the opposite about the side bags. Which makes sense too, because their body weight is further back than someone like me at 5'9".

 

[FJRAE]

Yup, at 185# & 5'09" it's noticeable, quicker turn in and easier 'flickability'. My suspension settings are set up per one of the forum posts addressing baseline setup, haven't fined tuned it for the absolute best handling, but it's definitely not soft.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I agree that I need to be better about adjusting my suspension on a trip from fully loaded flat land riding...to offloaded, destination corner carving...

...But if people like petey ride with the bags off on a semi-aggressive Hooterville tour...I guess I see the advantage of not having the weight of the bags pre-compressing the rear shock.

Of course, having lost 25 pounds of my own in the last two months should help not to pre-compress the rear shock as well.

 

[MEM]

Of course, having lost 25 pounds of my own in the last two months should help not to pre-compress the rear shock as well.

Hijack warning:

GOOD on YOU, Wheatie !!

 

[Bustanut joker]

I notice a slight difference in the handling without the sacks and at above posted speeds it isn't affected by the rapidly passing air..

Also windy days don't seem to push it around quit as much...

 

[FJRBluesman]

You mention "luggage". Is that just bags or bags plus top box or trunk? With the trunk on, the bike handles like it has a front end issue or flat. I prefer it off. Turbulence is rather nasty with it on and greatly affects the handling IMO.

I like the ride without side bags period. Although it still rides very well with the bags and even loaded isn't too bad.

Enjoy, and ride safe.

 

[carlson_mn]

I've done a lot of very aggressive riding on the FJR, both bagged and without. Without a doubt, the bike handles and is much more flickable without the bags on. She dances side to side better without the bags, and the rear suspension holds stable at 100+ sweepers better without the bags.

Having said that, the bike handles great with the bags on too. They must weight about 40lbs combined... ?

 

[dbx]

Without the bags, you are riding a much lighter bike. Not near as much load on the suspension...kinda like the difference between riding solo and 2up...so you have extra clearance and range with your suspension that wasn't taken by the load of the bags.

Say what now? The bags feel like they weigh about 3 pounds each when empty, maybe 4 max, so that's still less than 10 pounds for the pair. Unless my arm is way stronger than I thought, (which is a real possibility <_< ) then the weight from the bags shouldn't do anything to the suspension. I would expect the aerodynamics to perhaps change slightly, but that's about it unless folks are feeling the need to load the bags with 'stuff'. Mine are basically empty...I think there's a rag in there, or maybe not.

 

[carlson_mn]

The side cases are at least 10-15lbs each

 

[dbx]

The side cases are at least 10-15lbs each

You're right, but I had to put them on a scale to see for myself.

Mine weigh 11 pounds each when empty, not anywhere near what it would be like to ride 2up.

 

[carlson_mn]

I agree and I have no problems riding flat out with the side cases on. However, the bike does toss from side to side quicker without them, when you're hitting up tight stuff.

 

[stealth1]

The side cases are at least 10-15lbs each

You're right, but I had to put them on a scale to see for myself.

Mine weigh 11 pounds each when empty, not anywhere near what it would be like to ride 2up.

Same as I measured.

22# for the pair empty.

When I was having a saddle bag issue I took a trip using an old set of soft bags I had lying around.

The handling felt better with the lighter soft bags. Their weight was also more forward.

Empty, the soft bags only weighed 4#.