I'm too heavy!

[ApexAZ]

Hi All,

 

So I am in the process of losing some weight, but my bike is starting to sag, especially in the front.  I do not want to replace springs until I get to my target weight.  Is there anything I can do to improve my stock suspension to carry the extra load, or do I just have to deal with it until I can replace the suspension?

Thanks!

[FORMA MOTO]

NO

 

Change the springs now, and ride.

[hootie233]

You could put the bike on a diet,remove the battery and starter, ais and any other unessicary stuff. Good luck

[ApexAZ]

You could put the bike on a diet,remove the battery and starter, ais and any other unessicary stuff. Good luck

 

Thanks.  The bike weight isn't the problem so much as it is the rider ? 

 

Can anyone recommend a set of springs that won't break the bank that will get me through the next year or so?  I don't want to spend a fortune on a suspension that I'll have to redo in a year or two. 

 

Thoughts?

[FORMA MOTO]

What year bike

[ApexAZ]

What year bike

 

2014 Yamaha WR450

 

Been looking at RaceTech and Factory Connection, but wondering if there are other brands that will get the job done for a little less while I, ahem, work on myself ?

[bobpara]

How much do you weigh?

[ApexAZ]

How much do you weigh?

 

I'm 6'3" 265 lbs.

[bobpara]

I'm not 100% sure if I have the stock springs on my '06 or not

But the bike was bone stock when I got it

I assume the springs are stock.

 

I'm 6' and 210 lbs and I think they are a touch stiff

 

If all of this is true, you cant be too far off

 

Eibach make spring kits that are cheap

[woods-rider]

RaceTech spring calculator is about 2 steps too stiff on spring rates IMO.

[ApexAZ]

There's no way my shocks are too stiff.  The front forks are already hosed and have very little travel left in them.  I'm actually kind of worried I blew a seal or something, but I haven't seen any oil leak out.  It's very noticable when I ride, especially when I hit rocks or other hard surfaces.  When I first got it a rock would jar the handlebars a little.  Now it sends a jolt into my arms because the shock isn't being absorbed like it was at first.  It feels more like a mountain bike.

 

I've found a few local suspension specialists.  The one I'm most interested in quoted me $650 to do the springs and valves, so I will probably just bite the bullet and do that.

[BigBelly]

ApexAz,  I am a Backstreet Boy or two heavier than you are.  I bit the bullet and completely re-did my suspension.  By far THE best upgrade I have ever done.  You and I are too big to try and get away with anything but a custom set up.  My vote is to skip the cable bill (for several months) and have a real suspension expert tune you in!  It's not just the way the bike holds your weight, it's how well your bike properly absorbs obstacles once it's built for your weight riding style.  HUGE difference.  Good luck to you!

[FORMA MOTO]

There's no way my shocks are too stiff.  The front forks are already hosed and have very little travel left in them.  I'm actually kind of worried I blew a seal or something, but I haven't seen any oil leak out.  It's very noticable when I ride, especially when I hit rocks or other hard surfaces.  When I first got it a rock would jar the handlebars a little.  Now it sends a jolt into my arms because the shock isn't being absorbed like it was at first.  It feels more like a mountain bike.

 

I've found a few local suspension specialists.  The one I'm most interested in quoted me $650 to do the springs and valves, so I will probably just bite the bullet and do that.

 

The oil that comes with the suspension is useless. 

You have already worn it out.

It's stiff, because it's too soft. 

You are blowing through the stroke and passing into the bottom valve, which prevents bottoming.

 

You are too heavy to just do the springs.

You need a full suspension re-do

Ask me how I know 

[ApexAZ]

OK great, so does a full suspension workup involve more than springs/valves/oil replacement?

 

I really appreciate all of the help here.  Between the answers here and other forum posts I've found this site to be most useful ?

[FORMA MOTO]

OK great, so does a full suspension workup involve more than springs/valves/oil replacement?

 

I really appreciate all of the help here.  Between the answers here and other forum posts I've found this site to be most useful ?

 

Yes.

It involves cash.

[Rob28x]

I am in the same boat with my 01, I am 6'3 and 265 as well. I am going to start with changing the oil in my front forks as I am sure its factory 14 year old stuff in them.

[beezer]

The bike is setup for someone 90 pounds lighter than you, a 175 pound rider.

 

Having the suspension done by a good suspension shop will make all the difference in the world.

 

When I get a new bike I don't even ride it until I get the suspension done.

[ApexAZ]

I found a local suspension guy who is going to do the work next week.

[Andrew Puetz]

I had the same issue.  Had suspension done on my '12 a month ago.  Almost time to ride here in the northland... can't wait to feel the difference!!

[hedonist222]

How does it matter if his weight is too much?

 

Rudimentary question, I know, but humor me.

 

Is it only about blowing through your suspension travel?