Pre-Flight Check
Get the balance right: Check your bike's GVWR before you start packing, and deduct rider and passenger weight right off the bat. Now you can distribute your cargo accordingly.
It's a good idea to keep your cargo weight low for stability, but make the load reasonable back here. If there's a passenger or additional rear-seat luggage involved, be sure to adjust tire pressures and rear-shock settings as well.
Remember to take into account the 30 or so pounds of fuel sitting in your tank when you pack, too. It could also affect your bike's overall stability.
Clean and clear: A thorough cleaning before the trip is a good way to spot minor mechanical problems and helps keep grime at bay. It's crucial for things like your headlight and windshield.
Take a look at the obvious stuff before you set out: tire tread, brake pads, clutch and throttle cables. Fork seals deserve a close look, too.