I have a 2006 Softail Standard with a chrome luggage rack that bolts through the hard plastic license plate bracket. My question is this, how much weight can this rack hold safetly. I'm headed for Michigan, 2000 miles. I don't want to break it.

 

Specs say 10 lbs. Not much. Can you put your luggage so it sits on the pinion instead of the rack? BTW - that racks is for looks not loads.

 

The rack on my FXD is also rated for 10 lbs I believe. I have loaded it with well in excess of 50 lbs and ridden from Chicago to Sturgis and back with no problems. I believe the ratings are very conservative.

 

I think it is pillion, not pinion. pinion is the gear for the starter.

I pack with the heaviest in the saddle bags, clothing changes in the tour trunk. light stuff and things I want to get to in the bag on the rack. helmets on top of the bag, held by cargo net.

 

The issue is not so much 'breaking it' by overloading it. It is more how the bike will handle with weight at that location and height. I am sure it would hold without breaking many times the safe design load.

 

Oops! No wonder the seat is so uncomfortable!

 

I think the 10 lb max. is a disclaimer because you know there once was some dumb a$$ who thought he could put the 3rd passenger on there and sued the MOCO when he crashed! Just my 2 cents worth. Bryan