Maximum load - guideline or strict?

[musicman]

In less than a month's time I'll be able to sit my full licence test. I have friends wanting to pillion on my bike, but according to the manual my bike's maximum load is only 110kgs. Since I'm probably close to 90kgs all kitted up, does that mean I can only take pillions 20kgs and under until I buy a larger bike, or is it ok as long as I take it easy?

[no-coast-punk]

They usually arrive at that limit through breaking stuff in testing.

It really depends on the bike in terms of what the first point of failure is.

Some bikes have soft suspensions. Too much weight bottoms them out and ruins the shock valving.

Some bikes have weak drivetrains. Too much weight going up a hill and bye-bye chain and sprockets.

Some will overheat. Some will break the frame.

At the end of the day a little bit over isn't great but if you go easy it shouldn't be a problem. Going THAT far over though is definately exposing the rig to potential damage. Whether or not it's immediate and stranding damage... or long term cutting 100,000km off the useful life of the thing type damage... *shrugs*

[TOTO]

well your zeal is designed for two 55kg japanese so i'd say its pretty strict.

you move on to a 900 hornet and the load is 188kg which is more like 2 normal size adults.

Bring on bike shopping - I can help ya

Just txt us (u got me new number reight ?)

[Oakie]

It's a strong guideline I would suggest. You will start to notice the difference in things like cornering stability as you approach the maximum weight. Given the weights you suggested I wouldn't be pillioning anyone ... for their sake as much as you and your bikes.

[madbikeboy]

What they said, plus:
If you ride with pillions, you might get the same smacking to the back of the lid that I get. This seems loosely correlated with wheelstands and other such fun, I'll get back to you with more research.

Bike manufacturers are very conservative, that said, I'd be pretty careful about going nuts and putting your 130Kg chubby Chica on the back. But, if your babe is 50kg dripping wet, then if you're sensible... If shes at the hot end of the scale, post photo's.

[slimjim]

fuck yea.........nooooo...