Real life max loading experience on a DL650 2017

[bonne]

What is the max. weight to add on a DL650? I am not thinking about what the manual says, but does anyone in here got a real life experience on how much you can actually load a DL650 for a longer travel while still being safe both considering the bike and riders?

Regards, Lars.

[timangus]

When I was airfreighting my bike around the world it came in at 300kgs. That‘s 200 for the bike plus 100 of kit. We need to add to this 100, 85kgs of me, plus 75kgs of wife plus all my goods which I carried in a 40 litre pannier inner bag, plus all my wife’s luggage which she carried in a 80 lire bag which sat on the back. In other words one and a half times the weight of the bike. I had a better shock and updated springs which helped, and the bike coped fine. 

[user650]

Two up to Wales camping, I was still the one in front. 

[bonne]

With standard suspension? How much would you say the weight was in total?

Regards, Lars.

[user650]

Standard suspension, not sure of the weight but heavy 

[bonne]

Standard suspension, not sure of the weight but heavy 

Impressive that it is possible to load our bikes this much

[650XT Pete]

I think you will find this interesting and even has information on  650 v - strom
https://www.sorrymate.com/2019/12/06/motorcycle-overloading/

[mr_diver]

2up (near 30st) 60kg of gear.

The roll bags on the engine bars only had sleeping bags in.
Handled like a pig.
I would not recommend.

The problem with over loading is when does something snap... take a look at the rear sub frame and how it bolts to the bike.
Then ask yourself how much do you think this structure can safely take?

I've spent a fortune on bits of camping tat, packed it all in  then I've never used half of it and left the crap at home.

Takes less time to pack, unpack and set up.
Bike handles better, ride is fun.

If you can't fit everything in the bike, you're over thinking and over packing.
If you're adiment you need it all... buy a van!

[mr_diver]

Oh and 2up with all the camping gear was the main issue.

So I kicked her off told her to get her own fecking bike...

She came back with a GSX1400! 

[bonne]

I think you will find this interesting and even has information on  650 v - strom
https://www.sorrymate.com/2019/12/06/motorcycle-overloading/

Yeah, well then I will just have to stay outside UK (-:

No, I get the point. Actually, I am not loading my bike with a lot of extra luggage. The panniers I have chosen are lightweighted. No centrestand becuase of the extra kgs. No crashguard.... Very basic. The thing is... I am a Scandinavian Viking. I am 2 m tall and I weigh 130 kg... at least last time I checked. My gf is according to herself 60'ish. As I am not riding naked (to spare all of you the look), my personal gear will also add some weight. This means... that if maximum capacity is 184 kg for my bike as indicated on the link, I will never be able to go anywhere on a bike legally.

Regards, Lars.

[user650]

Your bike weight should be around 215kg as it's the new shape, so around 205kg to play with.

[Gassoon]

If I were you (I am no 'viking' at 80kg - unless I'm the skinny shaman!) , I'd keep the luggage weight down as you say, and also contact a company that builds shocks for their advice, then invest (at least) in a new heavier rear shock, probably longer travel in it, too

[Barbel Mick]

User650 is correct. I checked mine (2013), it says 212kg wet and the Gross vehicle weight according to the hand book is 415kg. Giving me 203kg to use? Myself & passenger will be 184kg of that (including riding gear  so 19kg of luggage etc.
19kg is a lot of underpants & socks. 
My panniers are Givi Trekker and with the back box come in at around 15kg+ loaded so very close to the GVW but I've never felt it handled badly or cause me a problem.
I think so long as the bike looks tidy and neat you'll get no problem from 'the authorities'!!   

[Tigerjohn]

Basic rule has always got to be 'keep it minimal'. I find the biggest problem is bulk rather than weight. Even with lightweight tent, down sleeping bags, thermarests etc, finding the space to carry everything is always a challenge. Make a pile of your gear, then put aside anything you can do without. Riding an overloaded bike isn't enjoyable as the handling is crap. And, yes, it's potentially dangerous too.

[bonne]

If I were you (I am no 'viking' at 80kg - unless I'm the skinny shaman!) , I'd keep the luggage weight down as you say, and also contact a company that builds shocks for their advice, then invest (at least) in a new heavier rear shock, probably longer travel in it, too

Yeah, but legally I would still be running with overeeight even if I get heavier rear shocks

[Gassoon]

Legally I've no idea, Lars! Was only speaking practically   I suspect that legally it would be very (extremely) unlikely to be an issue......unleash your inner viking!