Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - Owner's Manual > Accessories, Loading and Passengers

The addition of accessories and carriage of additional weight can affect the motorcycle's handling characteristics causing changes in stability and necessitating a reduction in speed. The following information has been prepared as a guide to the potential hazards of adding accessories to a motorcycle and carrying passengers and additional loads.

Accessories

Warning

Never ride an accessory equipped motorcycle, or a motorcycle carrying a payload of any kind, at speeds above 80 mph (130 km/h). In either/both of these conditions, speeds in excess of 80 mph (130 km/h) should not be attempted even where the legal speed limit permits this.

The presence of accessories and/ or payload will cause changes in the stability and handling of the motorcycle.

Failure to allow for changes in motorcycle stability may lead to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

When riding at high speed, always be aware that various motorcycle configuration and environmental factors can adversely affect the stability of your motorcycle. For example:

• Incorrectly balanced loads on both sides of the motorcycle
• Incorrectly adjusted front and rear suspension settings
• Incorrectly adjusted tyre pressures
• Excessively or unevenly worn tyres
• Side winds and turbulence from other vehicles
• Loose clothing

Remember that the 80 mph (130 km/h) absolute limit will be reduced by the fitting of non-approved accessories, incorrect loading, worn tyres, overall motorcycle condition and poor road or weather conditions.

Warning

Do not install accessories or carry luggage that impairs the control of the motorcycle.

Make sure that you have not adversely affected any lighting component, road clearance, banking capability (i.e. lean angle), control operation, wheel travel, front fork movement, visibility in any direction, or any other aspect of the motorcycle's operation.

Loading

The total weight of the rider, and any passenger, accessories and luggage must not exceed the maximum load limit of 210 kg (463 lb).

Warning

Incorrect loading may result in an unsafe riding condition leading to an accident.

Always make sure that any loads carried are evenly distributed on both sides of the motorcycle. Make sure that the load is correctly secured so that it will not move around while the motorcycle is in motion.

Evenly distribute the load within each pannier (if fitted). Pack heavy items at the bottom and on the inboard side of the pannier.

Always check the load security regularly (though not while the motorcycle is in motion) and make sure that the load does not extend beyond the rear of the motorcycle.

Never exceed the maximum vehicle loading weight listed above. This maximum loading weight is made up from the combined weight of the rider, passenger, any accessories fitted and any load carried.

This maximum loading weight is made up from the combined weight of the rider, passenger, any accessories fitted and any load carried.

For models that have adjustable suspension settings, make sure that front and rear spring preload and damping settings are suitable for the loading condition of the motorcycle. Note the maximum permissible payload for the panniers is stated on a label inside the pannier.

Warning

If the passenger seat or luggage rack (if fitted) is used to carry small objects, they must not exceed a total maximum weight of 2 kg (4 lbs).

This total weight (combined on the seat and luggage rack if fitted), must not impair control of the motorcycle, must be securely attached and must not extend beyond the rear or sides of the motorcycle.

Carriage of objects in excess of the above weights, that are insecure, impair control or extend beyond the rear or sides of the motorcycle may lead to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Even if small objects are correctly loaded onto the rear seat, the maximum speed of the motorcycle must be reduced to 80 mph (130 km/h).

Warning

Never attempt to store any items between the frame and the fuel tank.

This can restrict the steering and will cause loss of control leading to an accident.

Weight attached to the handlebar or front fork will increase the mass of the steering assembly and can result in loss of steering control leading to an accident.

Passengers

Warning

Your passenger should be instructed that he or she can cause loss of motorcycle control by making sudden movements or by adopting an incorrect seated position.

The rider should instruct the passenger as follows: It is important that the passenger sits still while the motorcycle is in motion and does not interfere with the operation of the motorcycle.

To keep his or her feet on the passenger footrests and to firmly hold onto the seat strap or the rider's waist or hips.

Advise the passenger to lean with the rider when travelling around corners and not to lean unless the rider does so.

Warning

Do not carry a passenger unless he or she is tall enough to reach the footrests provided.

A passenger who is not tall enough to reach the footrests will be unable to sit securely on the motorcycle and may cause instability leading to loss of control and an accident.

Warning

The handling and braking capabilities of a motorcycle will be affected by the presence of a passenger. The rider must make allowances for these changes when operating the motorcycle with a passenger and should not attempt such operation unless trained to do so and without becoming familiar and comfortable with the changes in motorcycle operating characteristics that this brings about.

Motorcycle operation without making allowances for the presence of a passenger could lead to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Warning

Do not carry animals on your motorcycle.

An animal could make sudden and unpredictable movements that could lead to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

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