Wife Adds Weight

[Robin]

I have mentioned my wife's weight on the other (unmentionable) site in my quest for the better of two bikes. The overwhelming majority prefered the FJR to the Concours on the FJR site as well as the Concours site. So... the question becomes what suspension farkles do I need for holding reasonable handling with a combined weight approaching 500 pounds?

I realize this exceeds the published load weight by a relatively small margin. I think that the load capability can be shifted upward by the proper shocks and springs. The magazine consensus on past models has been that the rear spring is too soft. On the '06 I will be getting in December (I hope) or as soon thereafter as possible, will a stronger spring in back be sufficient, or will a shock/spring combo be nessecary?

There seems to be no mention of suspension improvement that I have found for the '06 so I am lead to believe that it remains pretty much the same as '05.

I will appreciate any enlightenment you more experienced people can provide.

Robin

 

[skyway]

With a combined rider/pillion weight touching 500lbs, I think an aftermarket shock/spring swap will be in your future. The stock shock will not be up to the task of the additional weight and be able to retain the handling characteristics of the FJR. I'm not sure where your located, but seek out a dealer like this one:

www.aftershocks-suspension.com

A company of this caliber will custom build your suspension to your own requirements. This company mentioned above has a rich history in suspension tuning and I highly recommend them. I would suggest a ride-in so that you can at least try out different settings with a professional present, to acheive the perfect setup for 'you'.

 

[Woodstock]

Feel free to mention ezboard on this site, we don't mind. You can even post links to ezboard threads to give more information/context.

 

[SkooterG]

You can even post links to ezboard threads to give more information/context.

Not a lot of good that does for many of us.

 

[Woodstock]

You can even post links to ezboard threads to give more information/context.

Not a lot of good that does for many of us.

LOL, I hadn't thought of that problem as well. Yes, the fact that the ezNazi over there has banned people from reading his board does make it a little bit harder to get help. You may want to keep that in mind when choosing where to go for advice/help/discussion.

Just my 2cents, anyway.

 

[madmike2]

+1 on Skyway's advise. I'd imagine that 1 riding season and you'll be due for a swap, the OEM being good for about 8-10,000 miles before the rear srping becomes noticeably softer (worn). At 13K, when I replaced the '04 with and '05, I was amazed at the difference in the "feel" of the rear spring.

I should think the same would be true of any sprung bike. The Connie would be different because of the rear air suspension (At least, on my old one). That being said, there are a lot of 2-up riders who do just fine with the stock set-up. Since you are pushing the limit on suggested weight limits, at 1 year you should be considering changing the shock.

 

[deano]

Robin, My Wife and I weigh 450lbs together. I purchased a wilbers rear shock through a group buy sprung to our weight and riding style. It has made a huge improvement in the handling of the bike. The rear end does not "sqwat" any longer as it did w/the oem shock (which craped out at 4000mi.). I found the front forks are fine, I believe I have the front pre-load set at 2 bars showing. Bike handles great w/this set up. Hope this helps.

 

[dobias]

Robin,

You didn't mention if the 500 lbs. included the bags, trunk & luggage (or if you even plan on using them). For the 500 lbs I would suggest you need to have a new rear shock with a spring in the neighborhood of 140 Kg. If you will be riding alone on occasion, you'll also want a hydraulic preload adjuster knob.

dobias <_<

 

[Robin]

Actually that weight is just Hilary and me in our riding gear. I'm adding about 10 pounds apiece for the gear for a combined weight of 485.

Are there any particular brands/models of shock/spring combos that are recommended?

Robin

 

[dobias]

Robin,

I bought my Wilbers during the group buy. The shock, as delivered had a 100 Kg spring. That is the same as the stock Yamaha spring and was way too light for us and all our luggage (about 500 lbs.) Klaus, the USA distributor sent a 140 Kg replacement that worked out perfectly. With no preload I can ride solo with my 220 lbs plus leathers weight.

If you want to carry luggage, too, you'll be overloading the design capacity of the bike. I'm sure you would then need a heavier spring than the 140 Kg. and would have a stiff ride solo. You absolutely would need the hydraulic preload adjuster unless you don't mind crawling under each time you change from solo to two-up.

Call Klaus Heinecke at 877-786-6543.

dobias <_<

 

[SD929RR]

I ride an 05 FJR and about 95% of the time it is two up. I put a Ohlins rear and Trax dynamic springs in the front. Ordered spring for Ohlins that was for 450 pound weight. They told me that the vavling in the shock would probably not handle it under aggressive riding(2 up). They were right. That said it was about a 100% better than stock shock. Doesn't bottom out on normal driving and bumps in the road. Like I was told it will never handle like my CBR1000RR but it has made it more livable.

Shaun

05FJR1300

CBR1000RR

 

[twowheelnut]

+1 for Wilbers!

 

[Woodstock]

Some people have reported problems with the spring in the wilbers set up, though.

 

[Robin]

Well, then what about a slightly larger tire as well? How big can I go reasonably?

Warchild, you're welcome to chime in on this.

Robin

 

[madmike2]

The tires are fine. An oversized rear, if it will fit, will affect the handling.

Some of us are not pleased with the Wilbers springs...its a personal thing, but some were severely undersprung by at least 1 spring size, in Skyway's case, 2 spring sizes.

 

[yanktar]

Remember:

The correct answer to a woman asking "Am I fat?" is NEVER, EVER "YES"!!!!

Also, if she asks "Does this dress make me look fat?" NEVER respond with "No, the dress doesn't make you look fat. The FAT makes you look fat!" (thanks to "Mr. PC", Al Bundy)

 

[dobias]

madmike2,

Don't suffer in silence. Contact Klaus to replace any undersized spring.

dobias <_<

 

[snikr]

Remember:The correct answer to a woman asking "Am I fat?" is NEVER, EVER "YES"!!!!

Also, if she asks "Does this dress make me look fat?" NEVER respond with "No, the dress doesn't make you look fat. The FAT makes you look fat!" (thanks to "Mr. PC", Al Bundy)

I'd NEVER get away with saying that to my wife (unless I really wanted to sleep in the garage for a couple of months).

 

[Mogan]

+2 for Wilbers. Love 'em!