Weight Limits

[ynot]

the owners manual weight limits is 440 lbs. what mods are available to increase these limits? thinking of a possible extended trip. two up with side bags and riding gear will be pushing the limit on the rs. some pictures i have seen lead me to believe some of the folks are over the limit with their spyders loaded and two up riding. thanks for any info.

 

[NancysToy]

I am not aware of any way to "officially" raise the weight capacity of a vehicle. The GVWR is set by the manufacturer, and is stated on the label. Unofficially, I would probably go with aftermarket shocks. If necessary, you could order them with a higher than normal spring rate, although most aftermarket units are already stiffer and more adjustable. Elka sells fronts and rears. I'm not sure if the Penskes are still available. Be sure to stay within the load ratings of the tires, or replace those, too.

 

[BajaRon]

Not that I condone going over limit but manufacturers build in a safety margin in their numbers so 440 could probably be exceeded without any real issues.

 

[NancysToy]

Not that I condone going over limit but manufacturers build in a safety margin in their numbers so 440 could probably be exceeded without any real issues.

:agree:

 

[jabba11]

Also you can remove weight that you can that is unecessary. The biggest one I can think of is the stock muffler which I understand weighs like 40 pounds or something. Trunk liners, uneedded accessories etc. Anything..do you know where the term "chopper" comes from LOL

 

[BajaRon]

Also you can remove weight that you can that is unecessary. The biggest one I can think of is the stock muffler which I understand weighs like 40 pounds or something. Trunk liners, uneedded accessories etc. Anything..do you know where the term "chopper" comes from LOL

I was going to mention the muffler as it is a boat anchor. But most people riding 2 up, long distance, want a quiet exhaust. Not sure what is out there that is quiet in the aftermarket venue.

 

[jabba11]

I was going to mention the muffler as it is a boat anchor. But most people riding 2 up, long distance, want a quiet exhaust. Not sure what is out there that is quiet in the aftermarket venue.

havent changed mine either but my research indicates the hindle is actually the quietest out there next to stock and is 20 pounds lighter.

 

[bone crusher]

havent changed mine either but my research indicates the hindle is actually the quietest out there next to stock and is 20 pounds lighter.

It's definitely not quiet but it is a lot smaller...

I'd think that the strong shocks would be the way to go...probably not much more you can do...

 

[BajaRon]

havent changed mine either but my research indicates the hindle is actually the quietest out there next to stock and is 20 pounds lighter.

My Yoshimura is quieter than the Hindle but I would not consider it quiet. It is certainly louder than the stock but is much lighter (and I think looks better as well).

 

[Tom in NM]

Not that I condone going over limit but manufacturers build in a safety margin in their numbers so 440 could probably be exceeded without any real issues.

:agree: 445#s should not be a problem.

My Spyder is (weight-wise) is nearly 100% stock and I don't weigh that much, 140#s in my riding gear. But, I notice a world of difference in the quality of the ride and handling whenever I put another 100#s ( bags of grain or feed ) on the seat. While the shocks ( I now have mine set at 2 ) smooth out the road a lot with that extra weight, turns feel they have more body lean in them. Braking remains the same.

Like you, I wonder what the effects of all the mods that others do, plus whatever cargo they carry has on the Spyder. No doubt, the MPG is affected. But, if everything is still within the tolerance of the tires, brakes and shocks, it should only impact the feel of the ride. Different tires, sway-bar and upgraded shocks should compensate, but once you go over any vehicles recommended load, you are entering a gray area.

Tom

 

[scudrunner]

Would adding aftermarket shocks add weight? Something to think about.:chat:

 

[powerbyaj]

Runs fine with a weight load around 510 with no problems.

 

[patches]

:agree: 445#s should not be a problem.

But, I notice a world of difference in the quality of the ride and handling whenever I put another 100#s ( bags of grain or feed ) on the seat.

Tom

Did you just say bags of grain and feed on the seat..interesting.

 

[Tom in NM]

Yeah . . . .

Did you just say bags of grain and feed on the seat..interesting.

. . . . according to the guys at the loading dock, they say I am the only motorcycle that they have ever serviced. Go figure.

Tom

 

[pathfinderjoe]

Kwelmetal air shock - does it work

I've been considering the air-shock system from Kwelmetal to address the over weight problem I have when riding 2 up with the saddlebags stuffed . Before I spend the big bucks - can anyone who has installed one give me some feedback - please.

 

[Pogo]

I've been considering the air-shock system from Kwelmetal to address the over weight problem I have when riding 2 up with the saddlebags stuffed . Before I spend the big bucks - can anyone who has installed one give me some feedback - please.

I recall that Lamonster had one fitted, but had an out of air experience with it and went to something else.

I've fitted an Ikon specifically to cary a pillion who is much heavier than I am and while I haven't done a lot of km on it, it does what I wanted, keeping my suspension travel when fully loaded. YMMV

Cheers;

Pogo.

 

[ynot]

I recall that Lamonster had one fitted, but had an out of air experience with it and went to something else.

I've fitted an Ikon specifically to cary a pillion who is much heavier than I am and while I haven't done a lot of km on it, it does what I wanted, keeping my suspension travel when fully loaded. YMMV

Cheers;

Pogo.

did you replace the spring or the complete shock? i couldn't find the application for the spyder on the ikon site. your solution sounds like what i am looking for, thanks for the info mate.