Victory 2012 Ness Signature Series Rider's Manual page 15

Carrying Cargo
Use the following guidelines when attaching cargo or accessories to the motorcycle. Where
applicable, these guidelines also refer to the contents of any accessories.
• Keep cargo and accessory weight to a minimum, and keep items as close to the motorcycle
as possible to minimize a change in the motorcycle's center of gravity. Changing the cen-
ter of gravity can cause loss of stability and handling and could cause loss of control.
• Distribute weight evenly on both sides of the motorcycle. Maintain even weight distribu-
tion by checking accessories and cargo to make sure they're securely attached to the
motorcycle before riding and whenever you take a break from riding. Uneven weight dis-
tribution, or accessories or cargo that shift suddenly while you're riding can make the
motorcycle hard to handle and could cause loss of control.
• Do not attach large or heavy cargo such as sleeping bags, duffel bags or tents to the han-
dlebars, front fork area or front fender. Cargo or accessories placed in these areas can
cause instability (due to improper weight distribution or aerodynamic changes) and could
cause loss of control. Such items can also block air flow to the engine and cause overheat-
ing that can damage the engine.
• Do not exceed the maximum cargo weight limit of any accessory (see accessory instruc-
tions and labels). Do not attach cargo to an accessory not designed for that purpose. Either
circumstance could result in an accessory failure that could cause loss of control.
• Do not attach anything to the motorcycle unless specifically designed for that purpose by
VICTORY.
Saddlebags and Trunk
Whenever operating a motorcycle with saddlebags:
• Never ride at speeds exceeding 80 MPH (120 km/h). Depending on load and weather con-
ditions, the maximum safe operating speed may be less. Saddlebags, combined with the
lifting or buffeting effects of wind, can make the motorcycle unstable and cause loss of
control.
• Distribute weight evenly in each of the saddlebags.
• Do not exceed the individual weight limit of each saddlebag or the trunk. A weight capac-
ity label is attached inside for reference.
• NEVER EXCEED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) or the GROSS
AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR), regardless of whether or not the saddlebags and/or
trunk are loaded to capacity. Exceeding the weight rating can reduce stability and handling
and cause loss of control.
Safety
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