Polaris 2016 Victory Cross Country - Manual (Page 15)

13
Safety
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
center 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
distribution 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
distribution, or accessories or cargo that shift suddenly while you’re riding can make the
motorcycle hard to handle, can cause loss of control, or cargo could fall from the
motorcycle creating a hazard for surrounding vehicles.
• Do not attach large or heavy cargo such as sleeping bags, duffel bags or tents to the
handlebars, 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
overheating that can damage the engine.
• Do not exceed the maximum cargo weight limit of any accessory (see accessory
instructions 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, Trunk (if equipped), Luggage Racks (if equipped)
WARNING! Operating this vehicle without saddlebags could result in severe injury or death. Never
operate this vehicle if the saddlebags are not in place and properly secured.
WARNING! Never install an accessory trunk to the CROSS COUNTRY MAGNUM. This model is not
designed for operation with a trunk. Always ensure both fender close-outs are installed before
operating.
Whenever operating a motorcycle with saddlebags:
• Never ride at excessive speeds. Saddlebags, combined with the lifting or buffeting effects
of wind, can make the motorcycle unstable and cause loss of control.
• Distribute weight evenly on both sides of the motorcycle.
• Do not exceed the maximum cargo weight limit of any saddlebag, luggage rack or trunk.
A weight capacity label is attached to these components for reference.
• NEVER EXCEED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) or the GROSS
AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR), regardless of whether or not the saddlebags, racks
and/or trunk are loaded to capacity. Exceeding the weight rating can reduce stability and
handling and cause loss of control.