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[Sin City Stan]

OK, Brand new Nomad 1700. Ready to start planning trips. Check owner's manual (MOM) Page 19, Maximum load 397 lbs.. Look again. Still 397 lbs..

Check my Vulcan 800 Classic manual. Maximum load 397 lbs.

What the hell is that!! I'm 225 my wife is . . . well let's say that the 397 lbs. is about used up. What about all our STUFF we will put in the saddle bags and the sissy bar bag for a long weekend.

Am I missing something? How does everybody else load their bikes for a trip?

Is this maximun weight some sort of manufacturer's CYA statement?

[dabull]

no idea...but couldn't help responding and saying - nice bike bro http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[skimo]

Is this maximun weight some sort of manufacturer's CYA statement?



Bingo

[ringadingh]

I wouldn't worry about that 397 to much. If we paid attention to that, not many of us would be riding.

[reaper]

Did I read that right. Some one read the manual.
You mean I was supposed to read the manual? ???
http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif Nice lookin bike and welcome

[coacha]

I know that there are very few here that when fully loaded and two up would be under the max load. CYA is true.

[ells]

The 1600 is supposedly maxed at 406#, which has surprised a lot of folks too. At 397# maybe that is why they made the bags smaller. :) In the past a number of people have piped in to say that they go way over the limit without any problems. One thing that comes to mind though is, if the stated value is too conservative, what is the real limit? I tend to go by the tire load ratings for my limit. At the real limit, I suppose there would be handling and suspension issues, can't imagine you would break anything as long as the handling part doesn't get out of hand.

[pirate]

I remember seeing that about my 08, and I know when the wife and I and all our gear are loaded on the Nomad that we've exceeded that limit. No problems that I know of.

[ndbigfish]

Now if you had a 99' you could load it up to 408 lbs. ;) They just make some Nomad users bigger; so everytime we load up for a 2up ride we exceed the maximum limit. Shoot; me, the Mrs. and ultimate backrest pass the weight limit without any luggage or gear. I have not experienced any problems.....just trouble free miles of happiness.

[Cajunrider]

I wouldn't worry about the weight limit. My wife and I exceed the 406# by a little everytime we ride 2 up. I have a first aid kit, trunk with extra clothes and gloves, and other essentials in the bags. No handling issues and I keep 15 psig in the shocks.

[meat]

When we rode to Sturgis last year we had both bags full and a large travel bag on the back. The bike handled and rode great. Told my wife we looked like we were moving. I think you will be able to tell when your over loaded.

[sarge1057]

Meat how was Sturgis last year did you go during the rally. I,m planning on going this year with a Friend from PA.

[caddman11]

I have always ignored that number, if I didn't I would have bought a rather large paper weight, but then again, in the end, I could have sold it "like new".

[phenrichs]

Even if the wife and I rode Naked with empty bags we would still be over the limit.

Just put 40psi in the shocks and turn the dampers up to 3 or 4 and hit the road.

If we followed the advice of the manufacturers we would never get over 35 mph and would spend every saturday changing oil.

[towering]

Me and the wife plus the gear came close to 600 lbs and i had no trouble handeling the bike. Gas milage was about 35 mpg.

[faxxxy]

I had a goldwing once that was completely decked out with every piece of chrome the previous owner could bolt to it.
I took it in for fork seal replacements and the guy at the shop told me the bike was over it's weight limit before I ever got on due to all of its accessories.

He was serious about it and told me if I was going to ride it I needed to remove about 90% of the chrome or risk catastrophic failure. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[rickyboy]

on a side bar here faxxxy, is the colour of your bike also an aftermarket colour? It looks sharp. I was thinking of adding a little extra to the all black I have. I think a little of that red/burgundy over the black would look great.

[Cajunrider]

Nice looking Nomad faxxxy. I like the dark red.

[Sin City Stan]

Thanks for all the advice. Thought 397# was pretty lame, but wondered how far over that limit I could go. Looks like I just load it until it rides funny.

On another note. Had my old 800 Vulcan for sale for eight days and watched someone else ride it away about an hour ago. He's happy. I'm happy. Have room in the garage now. Definetely a win-win situation.

[dogdoc]

Pull a trailer and forget the no.

[dennisbailey]

I would add something but I think you got all the info and advise you need. CYA is important but unrealistic. Enjoy the ride. Glad you and the wife are out enjoying the great outdoors.

[billmac]

Weight is an important issue or there would not be a need for the "CYA".

My wide berth, with wife, and dog, are all supported by the Nomad just fine, so far. However, if my shocks bottom out and that extra energy gets transferred to the wheels and frame, I will be in trouble. Of course that would most likely happen at freeway speeds on bumps and dips where the suspension is challenged the most.

I try to take it extra easy with my loved ones aboard.

[meat]

Yes, we were out there the week of the rally and had a great time. Rode every day but one ( it rained ) The riding is great out there. We're going back this year. Staying at Hill City.

[sarge1057]

Yes, we were out there the week of the rally and had a great time. Rode every day but one ( it rained ) The riding is great out there. We're going back this year. Staying at Hill City. I'll be staying at the Buffalo chip don't no how long I'll be their maybe I'll see you their.

[meat]

you'll have a good time there from what I hear. Are you riding or trailoring? We're riding out again this year. Our ride out last year was great, we met alot of nice people from all over the place. Seems like when your on a bike you never meet a stranger.

[scott2007nomad]

I recently drove my son home from school on the bike. He's 13 years old and about 6' tall. I'm not sure how much he weighs but it must be more than my wife. ;)

Besides the usual passenger issues, I noticed the front end was a little higher (or rear end lower) and the forks seemed to vibrate more over the bumps.

[sarge1057]

you'll have a good time there from what I hear. Are you riding or trailoring? We're riding out again this year. Our ride out last year was great, we met alot of nice people from all over the place. Seems like when your on a bike you never meet a stranger. I'm going to ride out the plan is to meet up with my Friend in Toledo on the Friday before.I'll be gone for 16 days and the weight thing never crossed my mind i guess I'll have to take a close look at what I bring.

[meat]

Last year we mailed everything back home except for what we needed for the trip home.

[sarge1057]

Thats not a bad idea I probably wont need my tent and sleeping bag wants i leave Stugies.