Motorcycle Load Limits | Also Explaining Loading Methods for Heavy Loads Like Camping and Touring

How to Load Luggage for Camping and Touring with Lots of Gear

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When loading a lot of luggage on a motorcycle, it's necessary to consider the balance and center of gravity due to the weight of the luggage. It is recommended to place large or heavy items in a top case, and distribute items in side cases to maintain left-right balance.

Furthermore, items you need to check while riding, like maps, or frequently access, are best kept in a tank bag for convenience. Here are some other ways to store items on a motorcycle, so let's look at the features of each storage type in more detail.

Seat bags

Seat bags are bags that attach to the tandem seat position. They offer ample storage capacity due to their large size.

Also known as tail bags or rear bags, they provide more stable storage with less risk of falling off compared to securing items to the rear seat with cords.

They come in various capacities; while larger sizes can store camping gear, for day trips, about 15L is sufficient. For camping or multi-day trips, a capacity of around 40-50L is recommended.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-97980

For those looking for a large-sized seat bag, we recommend the HenlyBegins "Touring Seat Bag DH-724."

With a capacity of 53L to 70L, the volume can be quickly expanded with a zipper to accommodate the size and quantity of luggage.

• Height x Width x Depth (mm): 320 x 525-685 x 300
• Capacity: 53-70L
• Reference retail price (tax included): 20,110 yen

Tank bags

Tank bags are attached to the fuel tank with magnets or suction cups and are suitable for storing small items like smartphones, valuables, and maps.

Magnetic tank bags cannot be attached to aluminum fuel tanks, so choose a tank bag that attaches with suction cups or straps.

While there are large tank bags that can hold rain gear and a change of clothes, be aware that large tank bags can raise the bike's center of gravity and compromise stability if they are too heavy.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/tn-mfk-176

The TANAX "Smart Tank Bag M MFK-176" is a tank bag that allows you to use both paper maps and smartphone maps in its pocket.

It's sized to hold an open touring map, and includes a smartphone pocket and a small compartment for an external battery, allowing you to use your smartphone's map app while charging externally.

The capacity can be expanded from 5.5L to 11L, allowing you to increase the size according to the amount of luggage, such as when purchasing souvenirs during your trip.

• Height x Width x Depth (mm): 300 x 185 x 110
• Capacity: 5.5L-11L
• Reference retail price (tax included): 9,307 yen

Side bags

Side bags are mounted on either side of the rear of the motorcycle, and come in types that attach to only one side or both sides.

They are available in soft fabric, as well as robust polycarbonate or leather, so choosing one that matches your bike's style and your preference will create a balanced look.

When mounting side bags, it's necessary to ensure they don't interfere with the muffler or other parts. Also, be careful not to catch them on anything, as they will increase the width of the motorcycle.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/rrd-rr5613g-bk

The Rough & Road "R&R RR5613G-BK AQA DRY Side Bag" is a highly waterproof side bag that offers peace of mind when riding in the rain.

In addition to the main compartment being completely waterproof, it also comes with a mud cover that reduces dirt and rain penetration, effectively keeping out dirt and rain.

Each bag has a capacity of 20L, making a total of 40L of storage, and they are designed to be mounted one on each side.

• Depth x Width x Height (mm): 150 x 420 x 320
• Capacity: 40L (20L x 2)
• Reference retail price (tax included): 23,980 yen

Rear boxes

Also known as top cases, they come in various capacities, from about 15L to over 50L, allowing you to carry luggage for a wide range of purposes, from day trips to multi-day tours.

Rear boxes are suitable for camping and touring with a lot of luggage, but they require a rear rack for installation. If you don't have a rear rack, you'll need to install one.

As explained in detail in the next chapter, rear boxes have mounting restrictions: they can extend up to 30 cm from the rear end of the cargo bed and up to 15 cm from each side.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-28830

For those looking for a large-capacity rear box, we recommend the GIVI "B45NM Unpainted Black."

With a capacity of 45L, capable of holding two large full-face helmets, its angular design with rounded corners makes it suitable for a wide range of motorcycles, from naked bikes to sport bikes.

• Depth x Width x Height (mm): 456 x 567 x 311
• Capacity: 45L
• Reference retail price (tax included): 26,653 yen

Are backpack-style bags not recommended?

In addition to bags that attach to the motorcycle, there are also backpack-style bags that can be carried on your back while riding, but to be frank, they are not recommended.

Constantly carrying it on your back puts a strain on your body, and you'll be more affected by wind while riding, which can cause instability.

However, for short distances such as day trips or local commutes, it can be used without putting much strain on the body.

If you absolutely prefer a backpack style, choosing one that can be secured at two points (shoulders and waist) will help distribute the load off your shoulders.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/rst-rsb283bk11

The RS Taichi "RSB283 WP Cargo Backpack" is a waterproof backpack that keeps your belongings dry even in sudden rain.

The main compartment and front pocket are waterproof, and with a total of seven storage spaces, it's designed to be user-friendly for both motorcycle use and everyday life.

The back panel uses thick material to enhance breathability and cushioning, and the straps can be worn over the shoulders and around the waist to reduce strain on the body, allowing for extended use.

• Depth x Width x Height (mm): 120 x 320 x 480
• Capacity: 25L
• Reference retail price (tax included): 13,537 yen

Know your motorcycle's loading restrictions

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Motorcycles have detailed legal restrictions on the weight of luggage that can be carried and the dimensions that can protrude. Failure to comply can result in enforcement by police officers.

When you want to carry luggage on a motorcycle with limited storage, attaching bags can be convenient. However, when doing so, be careful not to exceed the following restrictions:

Length, Width, and Height Restrictions

	Permissible loading conditions
Length	Up to 30cm from the riding or loading equipment
Width	Up to 30cm from the riding or loading equipment
Height	Up to 2m from the ground when loaded

The length and width of luggage that can be loaded on a motorcycle are permitted up to 30cm from the riding or loading equipment. The height is limited to 2m from the ground when the luggage is loaded.

Furthermore, loading methods dictate that luggage must not protrude more than 15cm from each side. Even if the luggage protrusion is within 30cm from the riding or loading equipment, it is still not allowed if it protrudes 20cm on one side.

While some panniers and top cases may exceed 15cm on either side, they are considered loading equipment if they are robust, safe, and designed to securely carry luggage, so they can be attached even if they exceed 15cm.

What are riding and loading equipment?

Riding equipment refers to parts of the motorcycle that come into contact with the rider's body while driving, such as the seat and footrests.

Loading equipment refers to carriers (racks) for carrying luggage, but securely fixed panniers and rear cases also qualify as loading equipment.

Riding equipment and loading equipment are explained in more detail in the later section "What are Riding and Loading Equipment," so please refer to that as well.

Weight Restrictions

Motorcycles have luggage weight restrictions: mopeds with engine displacement of 50cc or less can carry up to 30kg, while motorcycles with engine displacement of 51cc or more can carry up to 60kg.

For 50cc class mopeds, the luggage weight limit is 30kg, which is a stricter weight restriction compared to larger motorcycles.

Regardless of whether it's a 400cc class or a large-class motorcycle, the weight limit is 60kg, so please be aware of this.

Rider Capacity Restrictions

The number of riders allowed is one for 50cc or less mopeds (Class 1), and one or two for motorcycles with engine displacement exceeding 51cc (Class 2 and above).

Even among motorcycles with engine displacements that allow two riders, some may be designated for a single rider, so caution is necessary.

A motorcycle must be equipped with enough seats, footrests, and grab belts or grips for the number of passengers it is designed to carry. Motorcycles without these features cannot carry two passengers.

Overloading is illegal

Motorcycles under 50cc can carry up to 30kg, and motorcycles over 51cc can carry up to 60kg. Exceeding these limits constitutes overloading and is a violation of the law.

Overloading falls under the offense of exceeding cargo size limits, resulting in a 1-point penalty, a fine of 5,000 yen for mopeds, and 6,000 yen for motorcycles.

Furthermore, luggage must be securely fastened to prevent it from collapsing during travel. If luggage falls onto the road due to instability, penalties will be incurred, so ensure your luggage is firmly secured.

If you drop your luggage on the road

The law stipulates that you must securely fasten your motorcycle's luggage to prevent it from falling.

Dropping luggage on the road results in 1 penalty point, a fine of 5,000 yen for mopeds and 6,000 yen for motorcycles. Furthermore, if an accident occurs due to dropped luggage, you will be held responsible for the accident.

During travel, vibrations and wind can loosen cases and bags, so during long rides or rides on windy days, periodically stop and check that your luggage is still secure.

Safe Loading Methods and Precautions for Motorcycles

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Dropping luggage on the road is a violation, and if it causes an accident, you could be liable for compensation to the other party and face criminal charges.

To avoid such situations, we will explain how to safely secure luggage on a motorcycle and the precautions to take when doing so. Please refer to this if you plan to carry luggage on your motorcycle.

Securing with stretch cords

A commonly used method for securing luggage on a motorcycle is to use stretch cords.

These elastic cords have hooks at both ends, which are latched onto sturdy points like the rear seat, and the cords are used to hold the luggage down and secure it.

Using four stretch cords, secure two of them so they cross at the center of your luggage, and then use the remaining two to hold down the sides of the luggage for greater stability. After securing, shake the luggage back and forth and side to side to ensure it hasn't loosened.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-72214

DAYTONA's stretch cord comes with two additional hooks that can be attached in the middle, in addition to the hooks at both ends.

The hooks are adjustable in length, and the cord length can be changed to match the size of your luggage, allowing you to secure items based on their quantity.

• Product Name: Stretch Cord Hook Lime Green
• Size: 2,500mm
• Suggested Retail Price (tax included): 704 yen

Securing with ROK straps

ROK straps offer a higher level of securing power than stretch cords.

Simply attach both ends of the ROK strap to a sturdy anchor point, then pass the strap over your luggage, secure the buckle, and tighten for easy fastening.

You can freely adjust the tightening strength, and it's convenient that the ROK straps can be secured to the seat even when not carrying luggage.

Source: www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B08R5LCZQR

ROK straps "Motorcycle Stretch Straps" are ROK straps of a length suitable for motorcycle use.

They come in a set of two, are compatible with retractable luggage hooks on sports bikes, and have a flat surface to prevent the straps from slipping.

• Product Name: Motorcycle Stretch Straps
• Size: 450-1,500mm
• Suggested Retail Price (tax included): 3,366 yen

Precautions when securing luggage

After securing your luggage, shake it up, down, left, and right by hand to ensure it is not loose and to check that it will not come loose during travel.

When securing with cords, use at least two cords, and greater stability can be achieved by crossing two cords near the center of the luggage.

Also, for safety, regularly check your luggage during your ride to ensure it hasn't loosened.

Secure luggage while balancing left and right to prevent it from loosening and moving

When securing luggage, make sure it is not too tightly secured on one side. Instead, balance it left and right to prevent it from loosening and moving.

If the balance is not maintained on both sides, the luggage may be damaged or come loose during transit, so it is important to secure it while maintaining balance.

Be careful not to let luggage slide forward during sudden braking

Motorcycles are subjected to road vibrations and wind while riding, which can cause luggage to loosen.

Additionally, it is necessary to secure luggage with awareness of both the left-right and front-back directions to prevent it from sliding during sudden braking or acceleration.

While riding, avoid sudden operations such as sudden braking or sudden acceleration to prevent your luggage from sliding.

Secure the luggage so it does not obstruct the license plate or brake lights.

When loading luggage, it must be secured in a way that does not obstruct the license plate, brake lights, or turn signals.

If the license plate is obscured, you may be pulled over by the police, and if brake lights or turn signals are hidden, following vehicles cannot anticipate your actions, potentially leading to accidents.

Also, secure bags and other items in a position where they do not interfere with the muffler, as the area around the muffler gets hot.

Recommended convenient loading accessories

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We'll introduce convenient goods and storage items that are useful when loading luggage onto your motorcycle.

All of these items offer convenient storage, so if anything piques your interest, be sure to check it out.

Seat bag with expansion function

While many seat bags offer large storage capacity, a seat bag with an expandable storage space that can adjust to the amount of luggage you have is convenient, allowing you to use a size appropriate for your load.

An expandable capacity is useful for when your luggage suddenly increases, such as when you buy souvenirs at your touring destination.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/tn-mfk-254

TANAX "Camping Seat Bag Active" is an expandable seat bag that can hold up to 75L.

It's ideal for long-distance touring with overnight stays or camping touring, where luggage tends to be plentiful, and it comes with a rain cover for sudden downpours.

• Depth x Width x Height (mm): 350 x 620 x 350 to 350 x 820 x 350
• Capacity: 59L to 75L
• Suggested Retail Price (tax included): 23,100 yen

Waterproof side bag

A waterproof side bag allows you to transport your luggage without getting it wet, even when riding in the rain or encountering sudden downpours.

Especially during motorcycle season, sudden showers or changes in weather at your destination can occur, so a waterproof side bag will be a strong ally.

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-34198

Henly Begins "DHS-32 Side Bag" is a side bag with a waterproof inner lining.

The inner lining is detachable, and it's a luxurious side bag with attention to detail in fabric texture, thread color, and metal fittings design.

• Depth x Width x Height (mm): 150 x 400 x 300
• Capacity: 18L
• Suggested Retail Price (tax included): 20,786 yen

What are riding and loading devices?

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While the dimensions of luggage that can be loaded onto a motorcycle and the allowable overhang are stipulated by law, the riding device and loading device serve as the basis for these overhang standards.

Let's take a look at what "riding device" and "loading device" mean, as they serve as standards for loading luggage.

What is a riding device?

Riding devices refer to the seat and footpegs necessary for riding a motorcycle.

For two-seater motorcycles, it includes tandem seats and footpegs, as well as belts and bars for passengers to hold onto and stabilize themselves.

What is a loading device?

A loading device refers to the carrier necessary for carrying luggage.

Luggage loaded on a motorcycle can protrude a maximum of 30cm from the ends of the loading device, both front and rear, and a maximum total of 30cm sideways (15cm on each side).

While luggage can protrude 30cm from the loading device both front and rear, the total front and rear overhang must not exceed 30cm. So, if it protrudes 10cm forward, it can protrude up to 20cm backward.

If custom modifications alter the motorcycle's size, a structural modification procedure is required.

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If the size of your motorcycle changes due to customization, you will need to complete a structural modification procedure.

While relatively minor customizations may not require structural modification procedures, generally, if the size of your motorcycle changes due to customization, structural modification procedures are necessary.

Procedure

If your motorcycle's size changes due to customization, you must apply for modification within 15 days from the date of the customization.

For motorcycles under 250cc, apply for modification at your municipal office. For motorcycles over 250cc that require vehicle inspection, apply at a land transportation bureau (rikuyu-kyoku) or automobile inspection and registration office.

The necessary documents and detailed procedure are as follows:

Documents required for modification application

If you customize your motorcycle and its size changes, requiring a modification application, the necessary documents are as follows:

1. Application form (No. 2)
3. Structural change application form
5. Fee payment form
7. Vehicle Inspection Certificate (for motorcycles over 251cc)
9. Automobile Inspection Certificate (for motorcycles over 251cc)
11. Automobile Inspection Certificate (for motorcycles over 251cc)
13. Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance Certificate
15. Weight tax payment form
17. Tax certificate

First, prepare the necessary documents, etc., and apply at the municipal office for motorcycles under 250cc, or at the land transportation bureau or automobile inspection and registration office for motorcycles over 251cc.

Furthermore, for motorcycles requiring a vehicle inspection, applying for a modification invalidates the remaining vehicle inspection period, and the new inspection expiration date will be two years from the date the application was approved.

Motorcycle loading limit FAQ

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We've compiled frequently asked questions and answers regarding motorcycle loading limits.

This will also help you gain knowledge about loading, so if you ride a motorcycle with luggage, please check this out as well.

What are the loading limits for mopeds (50cc)?

For Class 1 mopeds (50cc class) motorcycles, the loading limit allows for luggage to extend up to 15cm from each side of the loading device (such as a rear carrier), with a maximum total of 30cm across both sides, and a maximum of 30cm front and back.

With luggage loaded, the height from the ground to the tire contact point must be within 2m, and the weight limit is 30kg.

Motorcycles 51cc and above have a maximum load capacity of 60kg, while only Class 1 mopeds are limited to 30kg, so it's important not to confuse them.

What are the loading limits for 125cc?

The loading limits for 125cc class (Class 2 moped) motorcycles are the same as for Class 1 mopeds: luggage can extend a maximum of 30cm sideways from the loading device (maximum 15cm per side), and a maximum of 30cm front and back.

When loaded, the luggage must not exceed 2m in height from the ground where the tires contact, but unlike Class 1 mopeds, the weight limit is a maximum of 60kg.

What happens if you exceed the motorcycle loading limit?

If you load luggage exceeding the motorcycle's loading limit, you may be subject to police enforcement.

While minor violations might result in a warning, there's also a possibility of receiving a traffic ticket, so it's important to load your luggage within the prescribed limits.

If a loading limit violation occurs, 1 point will be added to your driving record, and a fine of 5,000 yen will be imposed for Class 1 mopeds (50cc), and 6,000 yen for motorcycles exceeding 51cc.

Summary

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When loading luggage onto a motorcycle, it must be within the loading limits stipulated by law.

Panniers and top cases are considered loading devices, so even if they extend beyond the legally defined limits, it does not constitute a violation.

If you load luggage exceeding the loading limits, you may be subject to police enforcement, so be sure to load your luggage within the prescribed methods and limits.