I have a Vmax ('86) myself, and I was wondering how I can take a good deal
of bagage with me if I want to make a trip. You seem to have some
experience, so maybe you can help me out. The Vmax is pretty standard.
Jan
Go to Ingo Ulrich's website (http://www.vmax.to/) and click on the "Luggage"
button, then click on the two pix (to launch larger images) of my old Vmaxs
loaded down on trips.
A short list of "must do's" before you start traveling:
BALANCE the load. Notice how I carry two back packs slung right behind the
steering stem up front. These do double duty as weight up front and
wind/rain protection for my legs. I also carry my cameras in a tank bag and
my tools in a fork bag just to get some weight balance up front.
Keep your luggage weight forward of the rear axle. This is very
important. Avoid any type of of "leveraging" effect that makes your front
end lighter over bumps/dips.
Finally, if you intend to carry a passenger, DON'T overload the Max. I
run an Excel spreadsheet to calculate/balance my load to be sure I don't
exceed the weight limit of the bike. If you've got a passenger of 120 lbs.
you'll find yourself very close to the limit with no luggage at all...
TIRE PRESSURE. I think the manual lists 32psi front & 40 psi rear for full
weight capacity. Air up before you leave and check it often while you're
gone. Also, prepare yourself for a tire change (especially the rear) after
about 6,000 miles. I run the Metzler Marathon ML2 Plus (hard compound/high
mileage) on the rear and still end up buying tires on the trip.
STEERING STEM. Let your shop check this before your trip. The extra weight
on the rear end makes it critical to have your stem tightened right up to
full spec.
SOFT LUGGAGE. I've used many different soft bags before settling on Eclipse
Interstate bags as the best bet--short of the Givi bag set up I fabricated
myself. Also, medium sized dry bags carry quite well on top your saddle bags.
WHEEL BEARINGS. At the same time your dealer checks your steering stem...
Have them lube your front and rear wheel bearings. I did a "complete" brake
and tire trip to a dealer (I don't use anymore) only to find out after the
crash that my rear wheel bearing was dry and locked up. Despite having both
wheels off the bike, they never lubed the bearings! Now, I specifically lube
my own bearings before I tour.
GAS RANGE. Prepare to stop often. With luggage (especially the front back
packs) attached, your lousy aerodynamics are going to become downright awful.
I see my reserve light at 85 miles, and I'm empty--switching over to my
spare 4 gal fuel cell--by 105 miles.
OPTIONAL equipment. I'm (now) running Progressive springs & Gold Valve
emulators in my front forks, and Works (13" standard length) shocks in back,
plus aftermarket solid fork brace. Makes a world of difference in how the
bike handles under a load.
ADVICE. At long last... With no mods, at 90% of weight capacity, over
thousands of miles, though I DON'T recommend it, I must admit that once upon
a time I thought it was funny to stand on my seat at speed, stand on my pegs
and lean forward into the wind like Superman, and lay down over the whole
load front to back--warming my toes over my rear muffler outlets. I never
experienced a handling problem despite my insane antics! I had great fun
passing cars with the classic "drop to 2nd and floor it" technique while in
these positions. After a tank slap crash (carrying no luggage at all) I
haven't worked up the nerve to resume these moments of fun, but I know
they're possible...
There's no better way to see the world than on a Vmax!!
Dan VMOA632
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