Two up for, ahem, bigger people question.

So I am sitting right under 300 lbs and my wife is just about 170. I am confident my XJ750 has the power to plod us along, but I worry about the suspension.

I realize that me alone is about the combined weight of couples who go two up.

Tell me: Is two up on this bike a bad idea given our size?

 

I have no idea but I hope not, I'm close to 400 on a XJ650

 

It's on the edge, but according to the Haynes, it's doable. The book suggests a front tire pressure of 28psi cold, and 33 for the rear.

On the other hand, you could always get the missus her own bike... :mrgreen:

 

Ha! Thanks fellas.

I know if I was to just take her down 101 or something, it would probably be ok. But I know with me on the bike, hitting pot holes are harsh as heck. I just would hate to amplify that situation.

 

You may want to consider uprgading to heavy duty rear shocks and progressive springs if you find the ride is to harsh. Also check your preload and dampening setting. I am just over 300 and my 650 isn't really any worse over a pothole than my car.

 

My wife and I around 450 combined (estimated LOL).

I have improved shocks on my wish list, but my 750 handles and accelerates and rides fine.

Bumps are a bit rougher with her riding, but I have not trouble doing 70+ and leaning into the curves (well not as much with her riding for safety's sake).

My 750 maxim with full vetter touring set may not exactly be a "touring" bike but it gets us around. Need a real job + money saved to actually consider a TRUE touring model. Though a used 80's Venture might be nice.

 

Without sounding too calous, you really ought to upgrade the suspension. For your comfort and safety as well as hers.

 

Personally, I am only 205 and I dont like having another 150# on my bike.
These bikes will do it, but safety is my big consideration.
I've thought about buying a 2nd bike and giving this bike to my wife.... but I don't want the payment.
My XJ700 is a bit small for me with long legs and I wouldn't mind a bigger bike that I can stretch out on.....
I better shut up now or I will have the payment!!!

 

Hvnbnd
Admit it. You miss that goldwing!

marshallnoise
I have to agree with Robert. If for no other reason than comfort, and safety. Todays technology in shocks & springs is far better in comfort, and ride quality.

Approx 400# combined weight. My little cb650 does ok for two up, but lacks a bit on the comfort. It makes a great little run around solo bike though.

Ghost

 

Yeah guys. I know that the suspension needs some upgrading for a normal rider let alone my situation.

I successfully resurrected this bike from 16 years of non-operation and I feel pretty good about it. But...I really think that if the wife is wanting to go two up, I need to get a bigger bike for a bigger me and then a lady on top of that.

I felt at the time that my 97 YZF600R did the job admirably and only lacked in power. It is pretty clear to me that this XJ, while a great bike in it's own right, will only live off major freeways and commute on highways and side streets. It just doesn't have the handling characteristics that I was expecting.

No, I was not expecting my YZF at all. But this bike is pretty basic in every sense of the word. My anti-dive units need to be rebuilt (one has the adjustment screw rusted shut) and the whole suspension needs to be rebuilt.

Even after addressing the suspension and anti-dive stuff, the engine is still buzzy and I will never feel comfortable running this bike at 80 miles an hour on I-5.

This is not a farewell thread by any stretch of the imagination, but more of a realization thread. All I know is that for touring, this bike is MUCH better than the CX500 I was considering prior to finding out about these XJs.

MiGhost, this is a perfect run-around-solo bike. That is how I will use it until I can afford the FZ1 or ZX9R I probably should have saved up for in the first place. I will always be a "one horse stable" sort of guy.

 

Test-ride a Triumph 1050 Tiger. It should be the bike you are looking for and a number of good/used bikes are now showing up.

 

Thanks for the recommendation. It looks VERY interesting.

 

Im 250 and the girls on the back range from 105 to 200 or so and I dont have any real problems with my 650 other than I just have to adjust the suspension for the load. I have air shocks in the front and when I have a heavy girl on the back it will bring the front end up more than usual when moving from a standstill.But thats a whole different ballpark there.