suspension for heavyweight

[tunamambo]

I weigh 350 pounds and bought a new R1200R. On the one hand, the specs allow for a 500-pound payload. On the other, sometimes things that I am sitting on break. I have dialed down to the second-to-last line. Is that it--anything else I ought to do in setting up or modifying suspension or otherwise adjusting for my weight?

[deilenberger]

You might consider custom suspension, at least a custom rear shock/spring that is sized for your weight. I believe BMW sizes the spring for something around a 180lb rider. While the current spring will keep the bike off the ground, it's not working ideally since the spring rate is too low for your weight.

One of the custom shock makers like Hyperpro, Wilbers, Ohlins might be able to better advise you.

Congrats on the BEST bike BMW is making.. :)

[Mika]

I am a big guy like you and ride a R1150R. As Don pointed out there are a number of advantages to going with a custom suspension. However; don’t give up on the stock right away.

Spend the time playing with the stock suspension and what your issues are before going out and spending the money. We tend to wear parts out faster than anyone else so take advantage of the life of the gear you already paid for to help you figure out what you want and need.

Cranking down the rear suspension will stiffen the ride and help. You need to be careful with this though, under hard braking this will tend to lighten the rear quickly, even for us giant economy size guys, and you can find the rear end may lift off the ground and in the extreme find yourself doing unintentional stoppies. In addition to spring loading take a look at any load adjustment for the shocks. Working between the two give you a better balance, at least that is my experience on the R50R.

The other thing we often overlook in setting up a suspension is tire pressure. The tires are part of the suspension. Take a good look at the owner’s manual recommendations think in terms of weight. Again IIRC, for designers the primary rider is calculated at a 180lb rider and the pillion at something like 140. The point is alone we are riding two up as far as tire pressure recommendations in my owners manual go. Watch your tire pressure and you will find better mileage, handling and ride in the process.

[danalbertson]

When I ordered the Ohlins for my R1200R they factored in my weight, the gear I wear, and carry.

They will spring the bike for you. It ain't cheap, but it is worth it.

[johnpeter]

Might also consider running tire air pressure at the two-up recommendation.

[tunamambo]

Thanks to all for the insights and suggestions. My suspension education is jump-started.