weight loads for our smaller twins

[Guest]

so im looking for some max load rates for the smaller 2 cylinder GS bikes. looking for new suspension on 450t but cant find any max load rates for the bike. progressive recommends HD springs for anyone running near or at max load rates 50% of the time. but i have no idea what the rating is. also, a lot of people here seem to recommend the hHD springs for "heavier" guys...what exactly is that? is that me at 235? just looking to sure up some solid info for us guys with the smaller bikes. thanks

[Steve]

Unfortunately, the suspensions on our bike seem to have been optimized for the "typical" Japanese rider of the day, probably weighing in at about 140-150 pounds, with occasional occupancy of the rear seat by a young lass with a gravitational attraction of no more than 110 pounds. So, ... yeah, that puts your 235 right there at the top end.

What is allowed as a "maximum"? Probably not a whole lot more than that.

.

[tkent02]

I thought the old original owners manuals had some such weight limits for us to ignore.

[Gorminrider]

yes, I see it is in the owners manual ...example I have handy is for the 450 GA (the automatic transmission version of the 450) the GVWR is 860lbs.
That is EVERYTHING summed.
It is probably on the tag as well, on there with the VIN ,I mean, for your bike.

[tkent02]

yes, I see it is in the owners manual ...example I have handy is for the 450 GA (the automatic transmission version of the 450) the GVWR is 860lbs.

That's something like a full tank, 250 lb rider and a 150 lb passenger?

I'm impressed.

[Gorminrider]

I went out and looked and yes, it is on the VIN tag
'81 GSx400E GVWR is 836# (x is for 4valve per cyl bike) I'd have to guess this is the same for the 450E in the US .
compare to...an '81 Honda GL500 GVWR 920#
and as above the 450GA (shaft drive and AutoTrans) was 860#...I guessing the shaft drive makes up the 30#difference from the 400E..

but for the OP, maybe the GAWR (axle load) is what is wanted? I can't read all the the rubbed off tag for the rear but given the front axle (GAWR-F)is 330# ..the rear is probably a bit more than the remainder ~500#

[Big Rich]

What does Progressive suspension define as "near" the max load? Within 10#, 50#, 100#, etc of the max load? I know that Sonic Springs has a weight calculator on the site for the fork springs. And I believe Hagon has some type of guideline as well, don't they?

Either way, the GVWR should be labeled somewhere on the bike. But don't forget your tires have a weight rating too.

[tkent02]

I think even the cheapest tire's weight ratings are much higher than a 450 would ever weigh.

[Gorminrider]

Given my bike (the 400E) weighs 385# and IF I weighed 235# as OP does, that is 629#. Remainder from GVWR is ~200#...that's about 22% of the GVWR. The question is,

( progressive recommends HD springs for anyone running near or at max load rates 50% of the time.)

so would my example justify Heavy Duty Springs? I'd say not unless the OP bottoms out springs now and /or carries a passenger or heavy baggage "more than 50% of the time".

Getting "Heavy Duty stuff" seems a no-brainer, (more manly too, eh?) but I get the impression that Progressive is sort of warning you off them.

[tkent02]

Find out the spring rate and do the math. What kind of ride do you want? What purpose will you mostly use the bike for?

[greasyjonny]

Given my bike (the 400E) weighs 385# and IF I weighed 235# as OP does, that is 629#. Remainder from GVWR is ~200#...that's about 22% of the GVWR. The question is,so would my example justify Heavy Duty Springs? I'd say not unless the OP bottoms out springs now and /or carries a passenger or heavy baggage "more than 50% of the time".

Getting "Heavy Duty stuff" seems a no-brainer, (more manly too, eh?) but I get the impression that Progressive is sort of warning you off them.

when you go to their site and type in your bike, you get a screen with all the available products they sell for it. the 12 and 14 series shocks have standard springs and HD springs available for it. that "near or at max rate 50% of the time" thing was just a bit of info they put at the bottom of the screen to aid in your selection. normally HD is a no brainer but i believe in this case it would equal a stiffer spring which my be what i need or may not im not sure.

[greasyjonny]

Find out the spring rate and do the math. What kind of ride do you want? What purpose will you mostly use the bike for?

to be honest this is my first bike and i havent even ridden it yet. the shocks are OEM and thats why i am replacing them. the plan is it will be used for un-spirited riding, one-up, with no cargo.

[tkent02]

OK, start by sitting on it and checking the sag with the stock springs. Check the rate of the stockers, and figure out if you need a little stiffer, a lot stiffer, or the same rate.

Depanding on your weight, you may or may not need stiffer springs. Wait, at 235 you probably will, but I don't know how much.

[tkent02]

I am riding a 550 with original shocks and springs for now. the spring rate is actually pretty good for me riding alone although the damping isn't.

[greasyjonny]

OK, start by sitting on it and checking the sag with the stock springs. Check the rate of the stockers, and figure out if you need a little stiffer, a lot stiffer, or the same rate.

Depanding on your weight, you may or may not need stiffer springs. Wait, at 235 you probably will, but I don't know how much.

unfortunately its parked at a buddies house right now. He said, when he rode it, that it felt very squishy and he weighs a bit less than me. I'll probably go the route of Hagons from Dave Quinn since they will match the spring to all those factors. whats the rule of thumb for proper sag when you're on the bike?