how much weight

have a 1980 550ltd was wondering how much weight this bike will haul between me and the wife its going to be right around 340lb how good will this bike handle this

redneckcarrow wrote: have a 1980 550ltd was wondering how much weight this bike will haul between me and the wife its going to be right around 340lb how good will this bike handle this

Would set rear shocks at maximum preload and assure tire pressures are at psi noted on info sticker under the seat (or as specified in the owner's manual).

All other routine maintenance items should also be attended to (such as chain slack, chain lube, etc.).

Take it for a two-up test ride.

Good Fortune!

Assuming the suspension isn't shagged and the engine has good compression, tune etc. it should be OK, though a little in need of downshifting if you ride in the hills a lot. Be sure the tires and brakes are up to spec, stopping is more important than going.

If it is original and untouched then pretty much you will have issues with the shocks and fork reaction to bumps, a washboard curve could prove to be a really bad day if they are totally shot when 2 up. Go out by yourself and just take it slow, see how it goes, then if things seem pretty good one up on it and go have some fun together!

thanks guys fig i would have to pump up tires and turn up shocks
been riding this bike for aboout 3 weeks goes good with me on it so going to try 2up in a week or two

On my KZ-750, my wife and I rang up about 270 pounds together. The stock shocks could not handle it (seriously) you need better rear shocks. With a 550, I would be worried also about not having enough power to pull. Definitely try it out before going out on the highway.

bountyhunter wrote: On my KZ-750, my wife and I rang up about 270 pounds together. The stock shocks could not handle it (seriously) you need better rear shocks. With a 550, I would be worried also about not having enough power to pull. Definitely try it out before going out on the highway.

I'm curious, what evidence did you have that your shocks couldn't take it? I weigh more than you and your wife combined and my shocks seem to be fine. Unless maybe I just don't know the difference.

djturnz wrote:

bountyhunter wrote: On my KZ-750, my wife and I rang up about 270 pounds together. The stock shocks could not handle it (seriously) you need better rear shocks. With a 550, I would be worried also about not having enough power to pull. Definitely try it out before going out on the highway.

I'm curious, what evidence did you have that your shocks couldn't take it? I weigh more than you and your wife combined and my shocks seem to be fine. Unless maybe I just don't know the difference.

Mine felt like it was riding about 2" lower than normal in the back and they felt bottomed out. I had them on max spring setting. The stock shocks on mine were pretty useless. Maybe yours are better (?)

I still remember asking one of the mechanics at the dealer where I bought my bike how many miles you could run before the shocks were "gone". His answer was: "They were gone when you bought the bike."

going to try ashort trip localy before any long trips to see how it does will let peaple know

She will be able to tell you if the rear shocks are working fine or not.
If the ass end bounces downward on bumps and such, they are inefficient.
They should be strong enough to feel rough, like they are bouncing her up off the seat when you hit bumps on the highest setting. Then use the setting that gives the most flat response - damping and rebound at the same rate.

Good luck. old shocks suck ass.

Imo, it's mostly spring strength and pre-load that prevents the shocks from bottoming out.

The springs may wilt somewhat (as do fork springs), but it's the oem rear shock dampening function and short life that receive most of the long-standing and on-going criticism.

Good Fortune!

thanks guys