how much weight

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30 Jun 2011 22:26 #460368 by redneckcarrow
how much weight was created by redneckcarrow
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

1980 kz 550 ltd stock

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30 Jun 2011 22:48 #460374 by Patton
Replied by Patton on topic how much weight

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! :)

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

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30 Jun 2011 22:49 #460375 by KZ_Rage
Replied by KZ_Rage on topic how much weight
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!

1979 KZ1000E1 SOLD!
1984 KZ550F2 SOLD!
2006 ZG1000A6F (Totaled)
2001 ZRX1200R (Sold)
2001 Sprint 955i ST (daily rider)

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05 Jul 2011 23:02 #461212 by redneckcarrow
Replied by redneckcarrow on topic how much weight
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

1980 kz 550 ltd stock

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06 Jul 2011 01:59 - 06 Jul 2011 02:00 #461243 by bountyhunter
Replied by bountyhunter on topic how much weight
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.

1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 06 Jul 2011 02:00 by bountyhunter.

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06 Jul 2011 15:30 #461345 by djturnz
Replied by djturnz on topic how much weight

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.

1982 KZ750 (4) LTD

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06 Jul 2011 15:43 - 06 Jul 2011 15:46 #461351 by bountyhunter
Replied by bountyhunter on topic how much weight

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."

1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 06 Jul 2011 15:46 by bountyhunter.

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12 Jul 2011 21:41 #462536 by redneckcarrow
Replied by redneckcarrow on topic how much weight
going to try ashort trip localy before any long trips to see how it does will let peaple know

1980 kz 550 ltd stock

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12 Jul 2011 21:53 #462538 by TeK9iNe
Replied by TeK9iNe on topic how much weight
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.

B)

Motorcycle Shop Owner/Operator

79 Kawie Z1000 LTD
81 Kawie Z1000 CSR
83 Honda VT750C A
85 Kawie GPZ900 A2
86 Zukie GS1150 EG
93 Yamie XV1100 E
Lucky to have rolled many old bikes through my doors ;)

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12 Jul 2011 22:11 - 12 Jul 2011 22:12 #462550 by Patton
Replied by Patton on topic how much weight
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! :)

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
Last edit: 12 Jul 2011 22:12 by Patton.

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13 Jul 2011 19:38 #462702 by redneckcarrow
Replied by redneckcarrow on topic how much weight
thanks guys

1980 kz 550 ltd stock

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