Question about GVW

[wolfman46]

I would love to hear from anyone that is riding and exceeding the recommended 397 lbs gvw. How much over do you think you are and how is the bike handling and how many miles do you put on?
Thank you in advance for any info>

[Mr Jensee]

For me that would mean I could haul myself and a ten year old. Providing we don't bring drinks.

[wolfman46]

So I am going to assume to you ride exceeding their 400lb recommendation, do you see any adverse operation of the bike and do you ride distance 2 up? Thanks

[HMB Don]

I ride solo most of the time, my weight 190 with all my riding gear on. I have a trailer hitch installed, which I install a luggage tray. I get close to the GVW, but the times I've gotten to ride two up my 1700 felt better. The ride was smooth it seems to like the extra weight. I've pulled a Time Out trailer, to the 2012 AVA Rally in Utah, and to the AVA Western Regional Rally in Reno this year with no problems.

I've now got 55,800 miles on mine.

[David (N. Alabama)]

With my wife and gear on the 1700 we are probably at 400 lbs.

Bike handles it well and the aerodynamics work well with the two of us on the bike.

I do up the preload when both of us are riding. If I don't I end up looking through the windscreen instead of over it.

[hank43]

Well, lets see: On the AVA Rally in Logan this year, we had the following weight for our 2009 Vulcan/Champion trike:

Rider - 210 Lbs
Pass - (not allowed to say, but in the 140 Lb range)
Trailer loaded way too heavily, - probably about 400 lbs
Curb weight of trike with Champion kit on it - 1157 Lbs
Misc. junk we carried in the trike trunk, and the top box on the Voyager, another 100 Lbs or so.
Keep in mind, this is a trike, so I'm thinking about 2,000 lbs. fully loaded for the Logan trip, probably 1600-1700 for the trike itself.

Noted a lack of power, but gas mileage was really better overall than I thought..... Next trike will be at least a V6 engine.

hank

[Terros]

Historically a lot of bikes are rated that low and it has more to do with protecting the bike companies. For years Goldwingers have been griping about their gvwr, it seems to me at one time it was also less than 400 lbs.
I think I would just watch the tire markings for load. And if you aren't using the stock tires don't use the manual psi.

[rick]

I ride mostly 2up, and we top 400lbs together by just a bit. we have done 2 500+ mile trips, just got back from a 650 mile trip, and several all day rides. So I guess if we wear cloths, we really exceed the limit. So far have 14,000 miles on it, a 2012 Voyager.

[1700Guy]

The 397 limit is a liability issue. Most manufacturers use a lower weight limit than the unit will carry. I dew myself with my trailer hitches. you have to there is someone out there just trying to find a way to sue just to win the lottery. In my opinion the voyager 1700 is very well built has a very strong frame. When we ride double witch we do most of the time we are pushing 450. And some of that time pulling a Kwik Kamp trailer loaded 500 lbs. My advise is be smart but dont over think it. I thuink it is one of the sturdiest bikes out there. I have over 65000 miles on my bike. If you are up there in wt keep the tire pressure up I run 40 fr 45 r and get great tire life with no cupping and run your rear shock air up on high side

[wolfman46]

The 397 limit is a liability issue. Most manufacturers use a lower weight limit than the unit will carry. I dew myself with my trailer hitches. you have to there is someone out there just trying to find a way to sue just to win the lottery. In my opinion the voyager 1700 is very well built has a very strong frame. When we ride double witch we do most of the time we are pushing 450. And some of that time pulling a Kwik Kamp trailer loaded 500 lbs. My advise is be smart but dont over think it. I thuink it is one of the sturdiest bikes out there. I have over 65000 miles on my bike. If you are up there in wt keep the tire pressure up I run 40 fr 45 r and get great tire life with no cupping and run your rear shock air up on high side

That is just about where I am at 2 up, on the tire pressures, is that on the Bridgestone Exedra's? Thanks

[1700Guy]

Excedra Max on front Dunlop E3 on back

[1st one]

I look at it this way! My back tire says "Max Load 1062 pounds at 42psi" I am not even near that max weight