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

If you still have the stock giant pumpkin chucker's swap them for a single 4-into-1 can and loose about 30 lbs and the other half can now weigh 120 - the perfect size

Good suggestion, rudy. ^^

I thought the limitation was more due to the sub-frame that supports the seat than the suspension. If this is the case then reducing the weight from the exhaust won't help. I have personally had over 500lbs of people/gear on my bike on many occasions maybe I just had good luck?

However... if you think about other vehicles such as cars/trucks, for example the towing capacity (which includes passengers, luggage, etc) is really low however I'm certain that the frame, engine, etc can support more than the 1000lbs capacity.

All of that being said, having a 90lbs passenger isn't necessarily a bad thing for example:

* Last updated by: Nightmare on 12/17/2019 @ 8:06 AM *

Thanks for the advice guys and @ Nightmare 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. A 90 lb passenger aint cutting it for me bro need some more meat lol.

Also Nightmare did you do any mods to your bike to carry the 500 plus lbs? do you have a gen 1 or 2?

* Last updated by: SuperMacK on 12/17/2019 @ 1:28 PM *

Putting about 65 lbs of luggage on the back of mine with me @ 260lbs with the stock suspension definitely had the front lighter than it should be. I put on an Ohlins with the remote preload adjuster and 4 clicks in takes care of the 65 lbs of luggage. Cranked all the way in, I took a camping trip with my daughter who's around 190 geared up so that's about 515 lbs. The front felt a little light but not as bad as the stock suspension and gear on with no passenger. Sag was at 38mm versus the 30 I prefer to run. Plan on keeping an eye on the subframe because if there's a problem that's where I expect it'll be.

My bike is a 2008 (which is the gen 2), and I have made many a modification over the years, but... regarding suspension the bike is a bit lighter with an aftermarket exhaust and I had replaced my front forks with new stock forks from a much later year (my original forks had a scratches on the inner tubes making them more expensive to fix than what I could replace it with). I also dialed in my suspension (front & rear) however the rear suspension is my original stock.

I personally never noticed a lighter front end feeling but I usually ride very gently when I have passengers as I don't want to scare them. Never felt like the suspension has bottomed out while riding 2 up so unless you have concerns regarding the sub frame you are probably good to go.

Of course, don't forget that when riding with a passenger:
-It is MUCH easier to pull a wheelie since more weight is towards the back
-It takes more time and effort to brake
-Its harder on gas and tires
-Its a lot of fun, especially if you get an intercom (I've been happy with the basic and inexpensive BT-S2 I got off Amazon)

I personally never noticed a lighter front end feeling but I usually ride very gently when I have passengers as I don't want to scare them.

Just be very careful if you ever need too climb a long steep driveway. Remember that big ol girl I told you about? She had the front dancing up and down and side to side all the way to the top of the bank when we left the home by the lake. I had to lean way forward to try to counterbalance her. This was the busa I was carrying her on but it's a similar situation. I really think the best thing would have been to stop and ask her to get off and walk the hill. I took it slow and low. Good thing these beasts have a lot of low end torque because I would have flipped it if I had to slip the clutch.

All of that being said, having a 90lbs passenger isn't necessarily a bad thing for example:

Ahh the days of 90 lb passengers----