Tent etc on the bike

I've just practiced putting the tent, sleeping bag and mat on the bike, see where all the bungee straps hook into etc. for this weekend's rally. Then I went on a test run and found the handlebars v wobbly and sensitive. I hope some of that was in my imagination but I'm going to take the tankbag and put a brick in just in case.

If anyone knows where all the hooks go once I decide I need the panniers as well let me know because I don't quite understand it at the moment as they will be in the way as far as I can see.

Here are some pictures of the bike with luggage.

Looks good. My oxford sport ones fit under the pillion seat, then I bungee them together if you know what I mean.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by wow

but I'm going to take the tankbag and put a brick in just in case.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I really hope your joking.
As for the wobbles, its probably just nerves. Make sure your tyres are correct pressure, and maybe get a mate to help you adjust the preload on the shock, to take into account the extra weight on the back( well I think you need to do that) then after a while you will be well away, once the nerves have gone

used to have this on the hornet with the box full.
feels weird cos all the weight is hung waaaay out past the rear wheel which kinda unloads the front...

Also, don't forget that you still have the original exhaust on. That's gotta be a ton and a half you don't want.

Ah good to know what to expect, i'll be loading her up Friday morning I think. Just got my longer bungees so i can stretch to the rear pegs!

Yeah my front end was light when I was loaded up, tips into corners very quickly, I got my toe down on the first roundabout by mistake! You get used to it though.

if you have panniers with 3 velcro straps (like the oxfords sports) then this is what i did for the TT:
front strap infront of the rear seat/cowel
rear strap on top of the seat/cowel
middle (thinner) strap under the seat/cowel

i then used 2 bungee cords to hold the 2 panniers together, both going from one pannier to the other under the seat.

they got upto 90mph on the M6 & never moved an inch

[yorkie_chris]

Make sure you put all your sleeping bag and stuff in bin bags before setting off, sorry if I'm teaching grandma to suck eggs there

Turning the preload up can help make it feel more like a bike than a hardly-driveable when luggaged up.

or stick ligher, bulkier stuff (sleeping bag) in box and put heavier stuff on the seat.