| Author | Message | ||
     Davolous |
Buell stats the Ulysses Load Capacity at 455, which could be a future problem for me. With my weight, my wife, all our protective riding gear, my Fehling case systems, my 2 Givi side cases, and all the "just in case stuff" I normally carry the load on my bike is going to be real close 455. I should have done the math first, but one of the reasons I wanted the large side cases and top rack was so I could pack camping gear. The problem is with a tent, sleeping bags, some food, the beer, and light camping gear the load probably going to but me 5 to 50 pounds over the max load. I asked a HD salesman, but he was not very insightful. He basically said it probably won't be a big problem, but you'll be the first to know if it is. So should I just give up on this idea now, or is there hope? | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Leave the wife. Add more beer. The main problem you are goint to have is weight placement. The short wheelbase coupled with the load being placed as far back as it is will make the front very light. The next issue you are going to have is rear suspension stress. You will have a hard time making the rear shock compliant. That said, I've seen Vern with more stuff strapped to his "truck" than I thought safe, running on bald tires, with dodgy brakes. | ||
| Etennuly |
Not a problem at all. Be very conscious of your tire pressures. Maintain the max at the rear. Take only light beer.  The wife and I.....lets say if I do the math it hurts, with all three bags full we found after a 475 mile weekend that we were 150 lbs over that 455 number. No ill effects from or to the bike.  Just ride for the load. | ||
| Davolous |
Etennuly that makes better. I thought I was going to have to go on a crash diet and lose 30 lbs to have fun this summer. Ft. I will try and see how much beer I can fit in my tank pack. | ||
| Treadmarks |
He basically said it probably won't be a big problem, but you'll be the first to know if it is.  We did way over the load for about 2000 miles in 5 days without a problem. Just be sure it's light beer.  | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Pack and stack! I quickly learned what I "need" and don't need on my first camping trip in years.  I didn't need half that crap! | ||
| Skrobe |
Ditto what Etennuly says about tire pressures. Also consider looking at prospective tire replacements for load carrying capacity. Different brands of tires have different weight carrying capacity. Take note that the maximum load capacity is based upon the maximum pressure. I am always riding two-up. I increase my running pressures from what the user manual states. But never exceed the rated max pressure. | ||
| Michael1 |
I can pack with two close to the load as well. My plans are a stiffer straight rate front springs and a stiffer rear shock spring as well. That way instead of having the preload close to the limits, I'll be able to operate at the middle of the range. Right now, my rear preload is pretty much maxed out all the time. | ||
| Bertotti |
There is only one REAL answer. Buy the wife a Uly also! | ||
| Froggy |
I personally think they under rate it a bit, trying to be more lawyer friendly. On the other hand, i feel that if you are going to put alot of weight on, make sure you do it smart and keep it balanced. Keep some crap in a tank bag or hang it off the front fairing. | ||
| Davolous |
Hey I'm thinking I keep some of the heavier stuff in the tank bag. So I don't have to experience not being able to keep my front tire on the ground. Buying my wife a bike sounds good, but watching her on two wheels is scary. I'd have to get her a trike or a Can Am Spider just to keep me from having a heart attack riding behind her. (Message edited by davolous on March 06, 2008) | ||
| Froggy |
Davo, that didn't work for me. Proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUe7fdvSJt4  | ||
| Davolous |
Ya I'm not sure how well I could balance a wheelie just yet. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Ya I'm not sure how well I could balance a wheelie just yet. It's not the balance that is the problem. It's controlling the bike while your wife is hurling hammer blows into the back of your helmet while you are in the wheelie that makes it difficult. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I've run my Uly overloaded and found there were some handling issues but because I was riding 2 up, I rode at a more relaxed pace anyway. During one emergency manouver, the bike did what it was supposed to do under normal load. All this week I've been hauling firewood home from the jobsite. No problems. | ||
| Etennuly |
All this week I've been hauling firewood home from the jobsite. No problems Uhhhh.......Ft_b......uhhhh......he's got me there! I've hauled some heavy passengers and a lot of stuff......but I got a real truck that I use for firewood. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
There are those who push the envelope and then there are those that bend the envelope over and have their way with it. I guess it's worth the paper cuts.  |
