Bike weight limits for big folks

Boscoe · 06-13-2013, 06:08 PM

I notice that most large touring bikes typically have weight limits around 400-500 pounds or so. What does a 300 pound guy and his 200 pound gal do for a two-up bike for touring, especially when they start filling the saddlebags and trunk, and the bike has added accessories?

Does anyone worry about overloading their bikes?

I haven't seen this topic discussed much, other than tire weight limits and maximum inflation pressures. I can imagine that there are other factors besides just the tires that excessive weight may be an issue.

Thoughts?
TIA

Loafer · 06-13-2013, 07:08 PM

I've never worried about it. I guess I should check to see if there is anything in my books about it.

**schoeney** · 06-13-2013, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boscoe

I notice that most large touring bikes typically have weight limits around 400-500 pounds or so. What does a 300 pound guy and his 200 pound gal do for a two-up bike for touring, especially when they start filling the saddlebags and trunk, and the bike has added accessories?

Does anyone worry about overloading their bikes?

I haven't seen this topic discussed much, other than tire weight limits and maximum inflation pressures. I can imagine that there are other factors besides just the tires that excessive weight may be an issue.

Thoughts?
TIA

You are 100% correct. People exceed the weight rating of bikes regularly. Not necessarily a safe thing to do.

MarkG · 06-13-2013, 07:28 PM

Be more cautious realizing the bike will handle differently and may be a little sluggish. Make sure the tires are not under inflated, whatever the sidewall says is max cold would be a good place to start. Most likely the rear tire will wear out a little faster than usual.

Monkeyman · 06-13-2013, 08:01 PM

Reason number 42 why you need to get your OL her own scoot.

**ringadingh** · 06-13-2013, 09:11 PM

Other than brakes and tires wearing quicker, and low speed handling feeling heavy I doubt there is much of a difference.

blowndodge · 06-13-2013, 10:12 PM

these bikes aren't really meant to pull trailers but we do it. You just need to use caution

jd521 · 06-13-2013, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyman

reason number 42 why you need to get your ol her own scoot.

exactly !!!!!!

Old Bear · 06-14-2013, 07:43 AM

Weight limits are typically established by two things: actual load capacity of the tires (check the sidewall for max) and braking. Try some panic stops in a parking lot or somewhere safe while fully loaded. If you are uncomfortable with the braking, there are aftermarket options for increasing braking ability -or- like monkeyman said, get that second scoot!

fammdw · 06-14-2013, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boscoe

I notice that most large touring bikes typically have weight limits around 400-500 pounds or so. What does a 300 pound guy and his 200 pound gal do for a two-up bike for touring, especially when they start filling the saddlebags and trunk, and the bike has added accessories?

Does anyone worry about overloading their bikes?

I haven't seen this topic discussed much, other than tire weight limits and maximum inflation pressures. I can imagine that there are other factors besides just the tires that excessive weight may be an issue.

Thoughts?
TIA

There's this...

If that doesn't "Get 'er Done", there's this...

The Rustic Dragon · 06-22-2013, 09:02 AM

I am a 300+ person and I haul a Aspin Pop-up camper and the wife with a fully loaded bike and have never had a problem riding I do tend to were out the tires every year but never had a problem with the bike.

06-13-2013, 06:08 PM	#1
Boscoe Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 372	Bike weight limits for big folks I notice that most large touring bikes typically have weight limits around 400-500 pounds or so. What does a 300 pound guy and his 200 pound gal do for a two-up bike for touring, especially when they start filling the saddlebags and trunk, and the bike has added accessories? Does anyone worry about overloading their bikes? I haven't seen this topic discussed much, other than tire weight limits and maximum inflation pressures. I can imagine that there are other factors besides just the tires that excessive weight may be an issue. Thoughts? TIA Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-13-2013, 07:08 PM	#2
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	I've never worried about it. I guess I should check to see if there is anything in my books about it. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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06-13-2013, 07:28 PM	#4
MarkG Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 1,255	Be more cautious realizing the bike will handle differently and may be a little sluggish. Make sure the tires are not under inflated, whatever the sidewall says is max cold would be a good place to start. Most likely the rear tire will wear out a little faster than usual. __________________ Mark Griffin 2021 Manhattan Metallic K1600GTL 2016 Silver K1600GTL - sold 2015 Red/Blk Cross Country Tour - sold 2008 Red/Blk Nomad - sold KE7HG VBA 00176, IBA 65686, MOA 211564 Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Maggie Valley '11\|Kanab '12\|Estes Park '13\|Red Lodge '16\|Custer '18
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06-13-2013, 08:01 PM	#5
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	Reason number 42 why you need to get your OL her own scoot. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-13-2013, 09:11 PM	#6
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Other than brakes and tires wearing quicker, and low speed handling feeling heavy I doubt there is much of a difference. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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06-13-2013, 10:12 PM	#7
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	these bikes aren't really meant to pull trailers but we do it. You just need to use caution __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
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06-14-2013, 07:43 AM	#9
Old Bear Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 1,434	Weight limits are typically established by two things: actual load capacity of the tires (check the sidewall for max) and braking. Try some panic stops in a parking lot or somewhere safe while fully loaded. If you are uncomfortable with the braking, there are aftermarket options for increasing braking ability -or- like monkeyman said, get that second scoot! __________________ Jerry "Old Bear" Barker Clarksville, TN Americas Guardians PS MC President, Tennessee 16-A VBA #02203 "Blaze" 2017 Vaquero "Black Magic" 2011 Vaquero, 69k miles, handed down to my son for hopefully many more miles!
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06-22-2013, 09:02 AM	#11
The Rustic Dragon Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Oshkosh, WI. Posts: 16	I am a 300+ person and I haul a Aspin Pop-up camper and the wife with a fully loaded bike and have never had a problem riding I do tend to were out the tires every year but never had a problem with the bike.
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