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Can you overload an airhead? Total my SO and I weigh about 300lbs. Tent, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, clothing, cooking stuff all add up to I don't how much. I see pics on this site with airheads loaded to the hilt. I am concerned about stopping the bike loaded! Also has anyone on this site used the saddlebags that go over the gas tank? Do they get too hot over the heads? Thanks to all who reply.

You certainly can overload an Airhead, but, as Steve says, it takes quite a bit. As far as braking, a lot of that depends on what Airhead we're talking about, and a lot depends on the condition of those brakes.

I could be wrong, but many of the bikes you have seen here might be solo riders.

I bought a bathroom scale so I could weigh stuff easily. I was especially curious to see what my gear adds, and was pleasantly surprised at how little it did add!

I like the front brake on that modified G/S to which SteveD linked.

michael wrote: I am concerned about stopping the bike loaded!

There should be no added concern there Michael, as the bikes don't stop un-loaded, either.
Taking just the essentials helps to reduce weight.

I get loaded whenever the opportunity arises ...

Michael, remember that these things are built to carry two well fed Germans.

I made some tank saddlebags for water carrying. They work well, putting about 8kg up front and helping to balance the load. No problems with heat at all. The bike loves the load and handles better than when unladen. She settles down to her 'lines' like a boat.



This next one was on a month long ride, 5000kms and with a 50C temperature range to deal with, so a lot of gear.



Carrying a passenger and enough gear for comfortable camping is a challenge. I only tried this once with Herself on the back, in summer when less stuff is required. Now Mrs Airbear has her own bike, the best solution I think.



My camping gear has evolved over time, with less volume and mass being the target. Braking can be an issue and requires an extended safety margin, especially in areas with suicidal critters.

Rob wrote:
I like the front brake on that modified G/S to which SteveD linked.

One disc is certainly plenty with THAT caliper.

SteveD wrote:

That is quite the derelict, Steve! What became of it?

And is that CBX...turbocharged??? (click on the picture and roam around)

SteveD wrote:They take a fair load.eg the '78 R100S Max. Permissible Weight = 398 Kg / 876 lb. http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R100S.htm
have you ever seen pot racks? They're racks fitted over the barrels/heads to carry stuff so unless something is resting/touching the top end they should be ok with airflow over them.
Have a look here...http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/johnson/our-bike

I think Grant might have a set of pot racks hanging around? They won't fit the RS.

Brakes? I think how you plan your ride will change a little...meaning more planning to brake and less sudden surprises.

I reckon this photo that Steve sent is of a BMW that has more worries than pot racks. I made some tank saddlebags out of bicycle saddlebags, there's plenty of airflow to protect them from heat. I once pulled up at a truck weigh station on a worn out r60/5. my weight with girl,myself and gear and bike was twice the weight of the bike. I still made it across the US and back!!!! I travel a lot lighter 35 years later.

Yep, it's seen better days.

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