Luggage rack max weight

[yourfavorite]

Just received a small luggage rack from MG and it says "MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT ALLOWED 7LBS". I know it can hold more than this. Just curious... how much more   

[Bill Hagan]

While one must, of course, use common sense, that's a lawyer-driven sticker.

Your larger concern will be ensuring that whatever you put back there is secure, i.e., with something better than bungees.

Bill
(Lawyer  )

[Triple Jim]

No malice intended, but if I found a sticker like that on a brand new rack, I'd probably return it. 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I think my H&B rack is rated for 5kg...  but it's at least good for a 15# H&B top box  and that top box has held about 15 beers, sandwiches, and plenty of ice 

[rocker59]

No malice intended, but if I found a sticker like that on a brand new rack, I'd probably return it.

You probably won't find a new rack without a weight limit sticker.  10lbs and 5kg are very common.

[Triple Jim]

You probably won't find a new rack without a weight limit sticker.  10lbs and 5kg are very common.

That's almost funny.  I suppose if everyone sent them back, the manufacturers would probably come up with a higher maximum weight.

[rocker59]

As indicated earlier in the thread by the honorable Mr. Hagan, the stickers have to do with liability lawyers and have little to do with how much weight the rack can actually carry.

They just don't want to be responsible for the carnage if someone does something stupid, which is understandable.

Sort of like the U-Haul trailers that have the large 45MPH Speed Limit stickers on them.  Who drags a moving trailer across country at 45MPH?  No one.  U-Haul is just trying to cover its backside.

[Triple Jim]

Oh, I understand.  Still, it would be interesting if...

[atavar]

Another interesting sticker is the one on the stock Norge luggage stating that maximum velocity is 70 MPH.  I bet nobody on this board has ever exceeded 70MPH with luggage on their bikes.

[yourfavorite]

For reference, the rack I ordered is: http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=75525

I'm a little concerned though since it arrived and is missing the middle attach point (photo doesn't match). Which means its relying solely on the two bolts on either side to hold it on. Do you think this mounting is going to be less sturdy than racks that mount in two different spots on each side of the seat?

[frans belgium]

Just received a small luggage rack from MG and it says "MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT ALLOWED 7LBS". I know it can hold more than this. Just curious... how much more   

[mandoguzzi]

Yeah..i just received the same rack from AF1...with the same sticker. The rack was not the one pictured on their website- no center brace.Plus, "remove rear mudguard(fender) to install". Just curious, what bike are you putting it on?

[Triple Jim]

For reference, the rack I ordered is: http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=75525

I'm a little concerned though since it arrived and is missing the middle attach point (photo doesn't match). Which means its relying solely on the two bolts on either side to hold it on. Do you think this mounting is going to be less sturdy than racks that mount in two different spots on each side of the seat?

I don't see what keeps the rear from flopping down if it's just held by two bolts from the side, and no 3rd attachment point.

[Kev m]

I don't see what keeps the rear from flopping down if it's just held by two bolts from the side, and no 3rd attachment point.

I see a third - or what I presume is one of the 3rd and 4th attachment points in that photo.

I assume it's similar to the HB - shock mount and fender mount, or the OEM rack that attaches to the grab rail mounting points.

It's also funny that they are calling it an OEM rack, because this is the pic of the OEM rack from the Guzzi website:



And this is the one from AFI and that's pretty clearly not the same:

[yourfavorite]

There are 4 bolts that go into the rack. Two on either side. So that is what keeps it up. I'm just wondering if its enough, or if something more like what Kevm posted would be more stable.

Also, @kevm, there are two new luggage racks made by moto guzzi as part of their Garage Moto Guzzi project/collection/whatever.

Seen here on the Scrambler and Legend: http://www.garagemotoguzzi.com/en/

@mandoguzzi - I'm putting it on a 2016 V7II. The instructions seem to be for a bike with the upgraded fenders (also on garage moto guzzi).

[Kev m]

There are 4 bolts that go into the rack. Two on either side. So that is what keeps it up. I'm just wondering if its enough, or if something more like what Kevm posted would be more stable.

Also, @kevm, there are two new luggage racks made by moto guzzi as part of their Garage Moto Guzzi project/collection/whatever.

Seen here on the Scrambler and Legend: http://www.garagemotoguzzi.com/en/

@mandoguzzi - I'm putting it on a 2016 V7II. The instructions seem to be for a bike with the upgraded fenders (also on garage moto guzzi).

At GOTCHA!

I forgot about those kits.

So it's the short luggage rack from the OEM kit for the Scrambler.

For anyone who is curious, you can see the mounting here:

http://www.garagemotoguzzi.com/en/kit/scrambler/

Just click on the small luggage rack and there's a short few second video.

Honestly, I fully believe those weight ratings are MOSTLY for covering their legal asses, so they can't get sued when someone straps a keg or their girlfriend to one, it breaks, and someone gets hurt.

The rule of thumb I've always heard bounced around the industry is designed for 3x max anticipated load/stress. And remember, if you hit a hard enough bump that 7 lbs., maybe hanging a bit off the back of the rack, becomes how many # of force? (I dunno, answer = A LOT more).

I've definitely put more of a load than the usual rated 10 or 12 # in my HB luggage racks (and my Harley racks, and my BMW racks).

I've only had a problem ONCE and it was a poor mounting of an HB adaptor to an HB rack, and after hitting a pothole it broke off one smaller aluminum cross-rail, the loaded topcase went vertical, and I had to pull over and secure it (first with wire tires, and then at the next truck stop with hose clamps...probably would have worked that way forever).

So with that long-winded set-up, here's my short and simple question - HOW MUCH STUFF are you going to put on it?

If I was going to load it down, like I do with mine on occasion (read that as case of bottled beer and ice) then I might want one of the larger racks with the longer (stronger, more leverage etc.) mounting arms that go to the shock strut.

And I do ALSO use my topcases as backrests for my eldest daughter, so I'm glad I have the larger one.

IF you're not planning on using a topcase as a backrest or carrying 20-30# in one... then your smaller, and arguably more attractive, rack will probably be fine.

[canuguzzi]

7 lbs because they know you'll put 21. If they put 21 pounds on there you'd have people throwing some heifer on it and going 3 up.

[malik]

For what it's worth, I have the original (large) OEM rack on the V7C (& the V7S) and regularly carry some 12-17kg on it some large distances without any problems. 120,000km now on the 2010 V7C. It has proven itself sturdy & reliable.

Mal

[Cam3512]

My Stucchi rack has 4 points of attachment - 2 on fender and 2 on shock mounts.   

It's VERY well constructed and sturdy.

[lucian]

All lawyers should be required to obey the sticker.

[not-fishing]

For reference, the rack I ordered is: http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=75525

I'm a little concerned though since it arrived and is missing the middle attach point (photo doesn't match). Which means its relying solely on the two bolts on either side to hold it on. Do you think this mounting is going to be less sturdy than racks that mount in two different spots on each side of the seat?

For your consideration

M6 shank shear 7 kN, thread shear 4 kN, shank in tension 14 kN

M8 shank shear 13 kN, thread shear 8 kN, shank in tension 25 kn

So for us 'Mericans

M6 shank 1600 lbs, thread 900 lbs, tension 3200 lbs
M8 shank 2900 lbs, thread 1800 lbs, tension 5600 lbs

Remember your mileage may vary.

http://www.blacksfasteners.co.nz/assets/BoltShearCapacity_14-15.pdf

I'd worry more about what the bolts are attached to on both ends.

[sib]

For your consideration

M6 shank shear 7 kN, thread shear 4 kN, shank in tension 14 kN

M8 shank shear 13 kN, thread shear 8 kN, shank in tension 25 kn

So for us 'Mericans

M6 shank 1600 lbs, thread 900 lbs, tension 3200 lbs
M8 shank 2900 lbs, thread 1800 lbs, tension 5600 lbs

Remember your mileage may vary.

http://www.blacksfasteners.co.nz/assets/BoltShearCapacity_14-15.pdf

I'd worry more about what the bolts are attached to on both ends.

There has been at least one report here that the M6 bolts that attach the front ends of the rear racks to the top shock stud can shear.  To mount the rack, the OEM bolt has to be replaced with a longer one.  I would suggest using chrome plated steel instead of stainless for this application.  And also use Loctite.

[Kev m]

There has been at least one report here that the M6 bolts that attach the front ends of the rear racks to the top shock stud can shear.  To mount the rack, the OEM bolt has to be replaced with a longer one.  I would suggest using chrome plated steel instead of stainless for this application.  And also use Loctite.

You bring up a really interesting and perhaps ironic point.

The FRONT bolts on the larger racks that we are all assuming are sturdier because of leverage and size, are the only ones that attach to the shock mounts.

The FRONT bolts on this AFI rack (small OEM accessory rack) don't attach there.

And if we ONLY have reports of the shock mount bolts shearing, then there's likely nothing to worry about on this AF1 rack.

And I wonder if it isn't something to do with the shock mounting and forces of the suspension that have led to those shock mount bolts shearing... though those shocks are actually attached to frame mounts and the bolt is only there to keep it from sliding off the mount. Of course, maybe there can be some lateral force there on a big enough bump, that combined with the longer bolt and luggage rack mount could be a problem.

Still, that's all not applicable to this AF1 rack...

[redrider90]

I see a third - or what I presume is one of the 3rd and 4th attachment points in that photo.

I assume it's similar to the HB - shock mount and fender mount, or the OEM rack that attaches to the grab rail mounting points.

It's also funny that they are calling it an OEM rack, because this is the pic of the OEM rack from the Guzzi website:

I have a rack very similar to the one in this picture on my Mille. Never even thought for a moment if I was overloading the rack. I have packed it many times that I think I have had 50#s on it many times. Maybe more. I only stopped when I couldn't get an more on the rack.
If fact I have bent the tab on the frame on my side stand from too much weight on the rack and soft bags.

[yourfavorite]

So are you guys saying that even though the smaller rack only attaches in one location on each side of the bike (two bolts on each side), it is likely able to hold roughly as much as the silver rack posted above?

If the small rack were to fail, what would likely be the point of failure?

A) Bolt shear.
B) Frame bending or breaking.
C) Rack itself bending or breaking.
D) Something else.

[bad Chad]

Every rack I have had on a Guzzi, both OEM, where cable of hauling a case of beer without fail.   Not sure what a case weighs but I'm sure it exceeds 11 LBS.

[Kev m]

So are you guys saying that even though the smaller rack only attaches in one location on each side of the bike (two bolts on each side), it is likely able to hold roughly as much as the silver rack posted above?

If the small rack were to fail, what would likely be the point of failure?

A) Bolt shear.
B) Frame bending or breaking.
C) Rack itself bending or breaking.
D) Something else.

I don't think anyone here can seriously answer your question with any certainty.

I will speculate that the frame will likely be the last thing to get damaged and most people here with experience seem to say they have dramatically exceeded the weight ratings on their luggage racks without problems but I would caution YMMV and use common sense.

[malik]

So are you guys saying that even though the smaller rack only attaches in one location on each side of the bike (two bolts on each side), it is likely able to hold roughly as much as the silver rack posted above?

If the small rack were to fail, what would likely be the point of failure?

A) Bolt shear.
B) Frame bending or breaking.
C) Rack itself bending or breaking.
D) Something else.

I believe that what we are saying is that history shows that the larger rack will likely support anything you put on it, within reason. And because of its construction and mounting, likely to hold more than the small rack and more confidently. There doesn't appear to be as much history or experience with the small rack at present, but with its different mountings, it's not likely to hold as quite as much as the larger one. If the small one is built to the same standard as the large one, it is UNLIKELY (although possible) that the rack itself will break, but the mounts could be a concern, especially if overloaded and rough conditions. It is likely that you can be confident that it will take more than the specified 7lbs. How much more will be a matter of experience.

If you intend lots of long camping trips, I'd opt for the larger one. If only occasional use, the small one is likely to be fine. The small rack doesn't have the grab rails, so it fits seat bags such as Wolfmans Beta series and Great Basin's Giant Loop much better. If you get something such as those, you should not need to load a lot on the rack. I would not be confident of putting a top box, for example, on the small rack. The stresses there would be a concern to me. They seem to bounce a lot, out there on the end.

Good luck, and let us know how you go.

And hear, hear on the application of common sense.

Mal

[yourfavorite]

I would caution YMMV and use common sense.

So if anything happens you guys are cool taking the responsibility. Got it! 

Thanks for the input dudes. AF1 has told me that they have the same rack coming to them and plan to install it on a bike. They're going to hit me with their thoughts after that. Though I still might swap the rack for the larger one. I dig the look of the smaller one, but would prefer not to have to buy a second rack in 6 months should I decide the smaller can't carry what I need it to.

[Kev m]

What are you planning on carrying?