weight capacity and suspension

[becoyote]

Is the weight capacity given by the manufacturer mostly based on suspension or is it the frame? If I outfit the bike with heavier springs and adjust sag do you think it would be safe exceeding the listed capacity?

Two up and camping gear

 

[MCRIDER007]

Is the weight capacity given by the manufacturer mostly based on suspension or is it the frame? If I outfit the bike with heavier springs and adjust sag do you think it would be safe exceeding the listed capacity?
Two up and camping gear

I think it is based on the frame, axle, and tire capacity but seems to be a pretty conservative number since a lot of riders exceed the capacity by quite a bit without any negative results. I would not want to exceed the capacity by more than 50 pounds, others will say that 100 pounds is not a problem. The better the suspension, the better its going to handle around corners and over bumps. Just adding heavier springs does not improve the suspension but it will allow you to keep the sag where you want it.

 

[SLK50]

If you are going to trust anybody, start with the tire manufacturer.

Use the maximum weight capacity for each tire and work from there.

Tires first, then brakes, followed by suspension.

Given those limits I don't think the frame would be a factor.