Payload, GVWR and GAWR on a motorcycle spec sheet

How manufacturers list the load limit

Payload (BMW)

BMW lists "Payload (with standard equipment)" beside "Unladen weight, road ready, fully fueled" and "Permitted total weight". For the R 1300 GS, 237 kg unladen plus 228 kg payload equals the 465 kg permitted total weight. BMW measures unladen weight under EU Regulation 168/2013, with all fluids and at least 90% of usable fuel.

GVWR (Harley-Davidson, Indian)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum weight of the loaded motorcycle. Harley-Davidson and Indian also list weight in running order. GVWR minus running order weight is the capacity for the rider, a passenger and cargo. A footnote on the 2022 Pan America spec sheet says one of its measurements is taken with a 180 lb operator.

GAWR

Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum weight on one axle. The Street Glide spec sheet lists 500 lb front and 927 lb rear. A loaded top case sits behind the rear axle and loads the rear axle first.

Parts that count against the load limit

Everything not fitted at the factory counts against the load limit. That includes side carriers, top racks, crash bars, the cases, the rider and a passenger. The SW-MOTECH PRO side carriers listed weigh 4.6 kg to 5.4 kg without cases.

The load calculator on each model page subtracts the entered weights from the manufacturer's limit. The manufacturer's printed limit governs. Tire pressure and suspension settings for a loaded motorcycle are in the owner's manual.

Kilogram and pound conversions

1 kg equals 2.20462 lb. BMW USA lists the R 1300 GS payload as 502 lb, and that number is shown as listed. Other BMW weights in pounds are converted from kilograms and rounded to the nearest pound.