Good day all, I'm new to the machine having just recently got mine in August it's a 2015. I have always been under the impression that having a larger bike like these there were no weight restrictions, especially in towing a passenger. Now I've read my manual and realised that it's carry capacity is 385lbs i think.

So my question is:

Can upgrading the rear spring be an option to increase towing capacity? Or will that compromise the frame of the bike itself? Reason I'm asking is because my weight with gear is 290lbs which leaves my passenger to weigh 90lbs which isn't ideal.

looking forward for some positive feedback, thanks in advance

* Last updated by: SuperMacK on 12/16/2019 @ 1:25 PM *

You will probably need a stiffer suspension on the rear and probably benefit from a stiffer front too if you are going to carry a passenger. A spring alone might do it. The rear shock on the 14 is often changed out to a Penske, Ohlins or some other shock that has been fit with the proper spring.

Ohlins forks are offered with additional travel and they are more compliant that the stock forks too. Their are ways to improve the OEM forks like changing springs and other internals.

Can upgrading the rear spring be an option to increase towing capacity? Or will that compromise the frame of the bike itself?

In my opinion, you should be able to carry a 200 lb passenger. The tail frame will hold that. The rest of the frame is very strong and not an issue. I'm 210-220 lbs and I carried a big ol girl on the back as big as I am or darned near the same size. No problems. The bike still hauls the mail with all that payload too.

....and that big girl was riding on the stock Gen1 shock and forks too. Not even adjusted for her extra weight, just mine. I was careful though.

* Last updated by: Rook on 12/16/2019 @ 6:11 PM *

Welcome to the forum SuperMack,
I have a heavy Race Tech rear spring on my bike. I weigh around 200, wife around 140. I've traveled 2 up with her for thousands of miles with no issues. Bike still handles good.

Mad

Thanks for the advice guys @ Rook and @ Maddevil.

well i was always scared of taking a passenger since they're close to the 200 marker which will make the total weight up to 500lbs on stock. I mean i have adjusted the suspension for my weight yes, but was still skeptical. I do have plans for suspension upgrades in the future, but wanted to know as of now what can be done.

I mean i have adjusted the suspension for my weight yes, but was still skeptical.

The Gen 2 suspension may be a little better than the Gen1. On my Gen1, it was the forks that really seemed a bit on the soft side. I never really had a problem with the stock rear shock. If the shock is not sprung tight enough, it will feel bouncy. You might improve that by increasing the compression damping and maybe the rebound as well. The correct thing to do is tighten up the preload. You need a spanner to do that.

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=0FBAD329-D9A8-D755-1C455125FFBD4B86

* Last updated by: Rook on 12/18/2019 @ 9:19 AM *

My wife likes to go fast... really fast. We've been 2 up and had both wheels off the ground over a hump in a turn.
The ZX14 is one of the better bikes for handling 2 up. My ZX9R was really bad. If she blinked one eye the bike would move over a foot. On the 14, nothing seems to faze it.
I've had no issues with the subframe or the suspension. Have 75k miles on it now.

Mad

I’m 260, probably 275 with gear, and just did 85 miles with a 240 pillion passenger, no problem. We even hit the twisties.

Nice ride I hope.
Goes to show just how well these bike perform. Truly the perfect bike for a wide range of riding enjoyment.

Hello and welcome.

Dave