Weight Limit ??

[RichInFla]

Being a newbie, my wife initially said she wouldn't even consider getting on the bike with me for at least a year (after watching me ride it home the day I picked it up), but after watching me ride it to the dealer to get tires after a couple of weeks of practice, practice, practice, she's started looking at helmets (apparently her confidence level has risen). I know riding with passengers is completely different (once again, starting around the neighborhood first), but I wondered what the "weight limit" is. We are a combined 300 lbs. (so not to embarass her, I'm 170). I know I need to increase the rear pressure (and what about the shocks ????), but she was wondering if the GZ250 will handle both of us. I'm thinking it should be fine, am I right ?

Thanks.

[Dupo]

You'll be fine. Fill the tires to the recommended pressure on the side wall. Adjust the shocks to position 5, jack it up or have someone lift the rear a little to get the pressure off the shocks and 'twist' the lower part to the highest (stiffest) setting. You can also do this with a spanner wrench w/o lifting the rear.

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by Dupo

You'll be fine. Fill the tires to the recommended pressure on the side wall. Adjust the shocks to position 5, jack it up or have someone lift the rear a little to get the pressure off the shocks and 'twist' the lower part to the highest (stiffest) setting. You can also do this with a spanner wrench w/o lifting the rear.

When you say fill tires to recommended pressure on the side wall, what do you mean ? Manual says 29 PSI riding one-up, 33 PSI riding two-up.
Thanks again.

[Sarris]

The sidewall recommendations are just that, so use the owners manual number of 33 psi for two up. The GZ has a GVRW of 775 lbs less 350 lbs of bike and fluids leave you with about a 425 lb. passenger load capacity.

You're cool for two up riding.

:2tup:

[patrick_777]

...just don't gain 125 pounds...

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Sarris

....so use the owners manual number of 33 psi for two up.

OK you guys. Let's have no fights over tire pressures, OK?

The manual says 33 for 2 up. My side wall says max. is 38 with a capacity of 661 lbs (for that tire only).
So, there is no ONE right pressure; anything between 33 and 38 cold will be just FINE.
I tend to follow the manual.

I also would think that you probably want to first try the shock pre-load at #4 (one less than max.). That way, it might be OK for you by yourself too. If you bottom out on 4, you can put it up to 5 if needed.

Don't rush it. Riding 2-up is different. It will tax the brakes more, that is, it will take longer to stop. The passenger will be going through a learning curve similar to what you did. The GZ handles beautifully when you get used to it......almost too good.....small movements by the passenger may upset your "driving".

I think the best thing I've heard an experienced rider tell an INexperienced passenger is: Don't try to help by leaning. The "driver" will lean as needed. YOU are just along for the ride.