Hello to everyone,
I need some advice. I have ridden fo 40+ years and owned 50+ Harley Davidsons. My wife of 2yrs is 5'6" and about 350lbs. She has a large tummy and hips. I purchased a 2012 FLHTK for us and this be the first bike she ever been on. I lost 206lbs and got a new hip 8 weeks ago. I expect to be cleared to ride tomorrow. Thing is, even with my wt loss, she does not fit. She is having wt loss surgery in 6 weeks but what can I do to make more room for her? What works in real life? Can I move her floorboards lower? Any suggestions will be Greatly appreciated. Thank you all, Mark
Mark at lovebigakgirls@gmail.com if you have photos to share. Thanks

 

Mark, first off Congratulations on your fairly recent marriage.

Your dilemma is not uncommon or rare among Harley owners so you have come to the right place for sound advice.

I'm sorry that I can't give you any personal solution to this problem as I have a strict limit of 120# for any of the ladies that request a ride. One time I tried to accommodate a lovely girl that was about 130# but it didn't work out and I just rode off while she was paying for gas. Oh, well.

Anyway back to your question: I think that you are currently limited to 1. custom sidecar that will be constructed to her dimensions, or 2. a utility trailer that she would sit in while you tow her around. The trailer option is probably illegal in all 50 States, but you could check.

Honestly I'm surprised that she doesn't fit. I believe that HD has an entire section in their engineering department devoted to designing bikes around riders/passengers in the 800# range. Maybe a call to customer service might be in order.

As a last resort, maybe just sell the Harley and buy a very large two person Kayak.

 

If you lost 206 pounds, what is your current weight?

When you are dealing with people that are that obese, things like GVWR come into play.

 

Honestly I just do not think it is possible. A guy I sometimes ride with is pretty large, pushing 300 pounds. His wife is at least 250 and short, rarely rides any longer. They have an Ultra and from when she has ridden the rear speakers grill covers were smashed in. As mentioned a sidecar may be an option but otherwise I think you have very few options. Best of luck.

 

Mark,

Welcome to the forum from Texas.

Your wife is having bariatric surgery in 6 weeks. Is it worth making modifications to accommodate her current size when that will change dramatically in the very near future?

 

If you can do it I would recommend getting a trike and like the above poster mentioned she might want to wait until she sees the effects of the surgery.

My wife is 5'3" and 200lbs and does not like riding and the few times I took her out she only complained that the bottom of her thighs would hit the saddlebag guards.

I also thing that one guy was trolling you a bit with the trailer option. That sounded a little mean IMO

 

Right now I'd put the focus on your wife's health issues. Riding (for her) can wait. Used moderately, It can be a good stress relieving pastime for you.

 

Do you have the manual for your bike? What's the max weight limit on it? You have to consider the safety aspect of it too for you and her. Tire pressure, shocks, etc.

Exceeding the weight limit on the bike with old or under inflated tires in a turn or riding for an extended period of time could be dangerous. Riding on stock suspension that isn't up to par to handle the weight of you and your passenger could also compromise the handling and function of the bike as well.

If i were you I would ride solo for a while till your body is used to being back on a motorcycle. In the mean time I would upgrade the suspension and make sure you got a good set of tires

 

Weight: 2012 FLHTK
– As Shipped 857 lbs. (388.7 kg)
– In Running Order 901 lbs. (408.7 kg)
– Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1360 lbs. (616.9 kg)
– Gross Axle Weight Rating
– Front 500 lbs. (226.8 kg)
– Rear 927 lbs. (420.5 kg)

You are asking for trouble putting all that weight on your bike. Sometimes you have to face reality. Your wife will be uncomfortable whatever mods you make, and you will be grossly exceeding the GVWR. Which could end disastrously.

I think that's why the previous poster gave you some sarcastic options. He probably thought you were a troll. Are you?

 

Either go on a health/ weight loss program or buy a Silverado.