A matter of weight...

[Scuba]

According to the post HERE, the max load on the '06 FJR A is 467lbs. I'm in the process of getting an '06 and I plan on installing a Penske 8981 shock/spring (group buy anyone?) because stock won't cut it for 2 up riding for me. I'm looking @ 500lbs or so with gear etc (2up...I'm a pretty big guy). My question is (and I tried to search on this) are there any other factors that I may need to consider with this load which could cause serious handling or safety issues? i.e. someone mentioned a possible capacity issue with the tires. I'm thinking that the Penske should do it but I don't want to be unsafe in some other aspect. I realize that manufacturers are typically conservative in their estimates and people generally load up their rides but I'd like to have an idea if I'm pushing limits or not. Thanks for the input!

 

[Windjammer]

1. I would check carefully to make sure any aftermarket shock you purchase has the ability to carry additional load, above and beyond what the bike is normally rated for.

2. What about front suspension? If you plan to upgrade the shock, the fork internals/springs are worth upgrading too. Otherwise the suspension will perform nice at one end, ****** on the other. Depends to some extent on what you want to achieve here.

3. The load ratings on the tires will tell you what they can carry. I'm not sure all tires/brands are equal in this respect. Worth a look.

Doesn't sound like you're planning a big time overload here, prolly nothing worse than what's being done already by someone else. But you asked, so....

 

[Scuba]

After some searching via the google method I did find some discussions on this (albiet a few years old) and I think my questions are more or less answered. Still, feel free to chime in.