GVWR ???

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Dec 12, 2005 | 09:26 AM

Twohulabears

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From: Sandy, Oregon

GVWR ???

I was just looking through my "Owners Manual" and I noticed that the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for our new bike is 1085 lbs. I had never really even thought about a GVWR before on any of the other bikes we have ridden in the past. At first 1085 lbs sounds like a big number, then I started to do the math. Bike weighs 650 lbs dry and stock with no acccessories, so I figure about 700 lbs with fuel and fluids. I weigh about 250 and the wife about 140. Hmmmmmm.... this already adds up to 1090 lbs!!! And this is without leathers on!
So, my question is, how seriously do we take this 1085lbs GVWR number?

Dec 12, 2005 | 10:16 AM

Peekaboo Bob

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From: Arizona

RE: GVWR ???

Just keep your tires properly inflated and ride. The bike can handle the weight. Shocks and springs can be adjusted or replaced to smooth out the ride if needed.

Dec 12, 2005 | 11:14 AM

HDF Tech

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RE: GVWR ???

John

That's probably a conservativer number with a margin for error built in. I wouldn't do anything drastic like dieting to get that number down for safety reasons

Dec 12, 2005 | 11:28 AM

Twohulabears

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From: Sandy, Oregon

RE: GVWR ???

Quote:

Shocks and springs can be adjusted or replaced to smooth out the ride if needed.

Speaking of, how do I do that and what do the numbers mean? I saw on the shocks it says something about preload adjustment or something like that. There are 4 numbers (I think). What does this mean and how do I do it?

Dec 12, 2005 | 11:38 AM

Twohulabears

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From: Sandy, Oregon

RE: GVWR ???

Quote:

I wouldn't do anything drastic like dieting to get that number down for safety reasons

LOL! Well, I will be the first to admit that dieting sure wouldn't hurt for me! My wife and I are both ex-bodybuilders and while she is still in GREAT shape, I am getting kinda squishy! So, even in my "squishy" state, we should be fine?

Dec 12, 2005 | 11:46 AM

HDF Tech

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RE: GVWR ???

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ORIGINAL: Twohulabears

Quote:

Shocks and springs can be adjusted or replaced to smooth out the ride if needed.

You need a spanner wrench , they are cheap from the dealer, (one of the few things that are) you'll see that the settings that compress the springs on the shocks are the firmest settings for carrying the most weight and visa versa. Just make sure to get them both in the same position and you're all set.

Dec 12, 2005 | 12:23 PM

duet

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RE: GVWR ???

We have an 05 Dyna. When we ride in summer clothes I adjust the shocks up to the second setting. With full leathers I take it up another notch. With the saddle bags full I then take it up to the fourth setting. It really works.