Hi gents (and gals), I am looking at getting a new 1100, and my wife has expressed an interest in riding with me, which leads me to my question (and I hope this is the right place to ask). I called Yamaha about info on the 1100, and they stated it has a max carrying capacity of 419 pounds. Not an issue for most people. However, I am 6'6" and 300 pounds, which only leaves 119 pounds left. My wife is tall as well, and is not 119 pounds. So, anything I can do to increase the load limit of this bike? I asked about their other bikes, and all of them have similar load limits. I thought about a Trike conversion, but did not know if that would increase load limit. What do you all think?
Too heavy??
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This is a good question; I know I could be way off, but I would think the weight doesn't have much to do with the load on the engine, but rather an unsafe ride load. the brakes may not be able to handle more weight as efficiently, as well as turning/maneuvering. I believe (in my own opinion) is to increase the weight limit on a bike would be to increase horsepower(least important), larger brakes, and perhaps adding enough accessories to increase the weight of the bike so it can also handle the weight.
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Don't want to split hairs here, my book on my 1100 vstar says the load cap is 448#, still with a bigger guy plus the ms. would put it up
there close, if not over, I'm sure there is leeway there for legal purposes, but why push it? Load baggage and then no doubt over.
The ol and me push it, but actual riding you would never know it, the bike performs great,power,handling,stopping. If your dealer will
allow it, test ride with the both of you, get a feel of what you will
have and then you will know for sure. Love vstars, Good luck.
there close, if not over, I'm sure there is leeway there for legal purposes, but why push it? Load baggage and then no doubt over.
The ol and me push it, but actual riding you would never know it, the bike performs great,power,handling,stopping. If your dealer will
allow it, test ride with the both of you, get a feel of what you will
have and then you will know for sure. Love vstars, Good luck.
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Weight
I had an 1100 for a year, nice bike, often rode with about 350 lbs plus some luggage. So around 400 lbs. Never felt like there was a problem. I'm sure there are lots of people out there with your load on an 1100 and happy with it. I see a picture on another site of a guy and wife obviously as much or more weight on a 650.
That said you are over the rating with no luggage. I have a friend that just traded his 1100 in on a Roadstar. He talks about the differences riding one up. More leg room, more power, bigger brakes on the rear. But, I don't know the weight rating. Roadstar is 94 lbs heaver. You will need to adjust up the rear spring on either to get the head light down. If it is the look you want they look a lot alike.
Couple of thousand dollars more money though. I would at least look at the larger bike. Many people trade up later anyway. I traded up to a Stratoliner. Had I bought a Roadstar I bet I would not have felt the need to trade.
Dave
I had an 1100 for a year, nice bike, often rode with about 350 lbs plus some luggage. So around 400 lbs. Never felt like there was a problem. I'm sure there are lots of people out there with your load on an 1100 and happy with it. I see a picture on another site of a guy and wife obviously as much or more weight on a 650.
That said you are over the rating with no luggage. I have a friend that just traded his 1100 in on a Roadstar. He talks about the differences riding one up. More leg room, more power, bigger brakes on the rear. But, I don't know the weight rating. Roadstar is 94 lbs heaver. You will need to adjust up the rear spring on either to get the head light down. If it is the look you want they look a lot alike.
Couple of thousand dollars more money though. I would at least look at the larger bike. Many people trade up later anyway. I traded up to a Stratoliner. Had I bought a Roadstar I bet I would not have felt the need to trade.
Dave
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Well, I purchased a 1600 Yam Silverado for that reason.. I am 330lbs and my wife puts us over 500 lbs....add the teabag leather luggage and I bet we'll be over 600 lbs. This bike doesn't seem to notice the weight. I allow a little more stopping distance but haven't had any "too quick stops" yet. seems to work out quite nicely and we're looking forward to a road trip next summer.
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Rear Shock Mod
Speaking for myself 6'4" 300 lbs my 1100 would drop as soon as I got on. With my wife on who is 120 at best if we hit a decent bump we would bottom out the suspension. I bought and installed a progressive rear spring from Pacific Coast Star about $70. 800#-1200#. I put this in a couple weeks ago and due to the cold and snow have only rode about 15 miles but what a differance. Bike is a lot smoother.
Speaking for myself 6'4" 300 lbs my 1100 would drop as soon as I got on. With my wife on who is 120 at best if we hit a decent bump we would bottom out the suspension. I bought and installed a progressive rear spring from Pacific Coast Star about $70. 800#-1200#. I put this in a couple weeks ago and due to the cold and snow have only rode about 15 miles but what a differance. Bike is a lot smoother.
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The Road Star would be your best bet. I have a vstar650 and 1100.When wife and I have to 2up it is for short dis only. We are close to #limit and you can tell it. My wife can handle the 1100 fine so I'm going to go-too the Road Star. Yes you will like the Road Star better.
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I have the perfect solution. Get the ol her own bike.
Problem solved.
Problem solved.
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Don't you want your main squeeze just a bit close?I have the perfect solution. Get the ol her own bike.
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No doubt you did, but just wondering, did you crank the shocks to heavy load, like all the way? I am runnin more weight than you and have not had that happen to me, but different things happen to different situations.
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When I first bought the bike it had a 2 1/2" lowering kit on it with the shock about mid way. Cranked the shock all the way but ended up scraping the frame going around a corner at about 30mph. Bike was fixed and shock returned to stock height. Still had this problem so don't know if the lowering kit might have changed things a bit.
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When I first bought the bike it had a 2 1/2" lowering kit on it with the shock about mid way. Cranked the shock all the way but ended up scraping the frame going around a corner at about 30mph. Bike was fixed and shock returned to stock height. Still had this problem so don't know if the lowering kit might have changed things a bit.
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