Topic: going over the weight limit on a cb750

[wonderlust93]

Hi guys, I have been looking into getting a motorcycle for sometime now, and the bike that I particularly like is the CB750. I am concerned about the weight limit though. When I do get this bike, I'm going to want to be doing alot of 2 up riding with my girlfriend. The problem is that combined, without any gear, our weight is about 520 lbs, whereas the limit on a CB750 is around 350lbs. I do take up 310lbs of that weight, and so when riding my weight will be spread across both wheels, But I am concerned about exceding the weight limit by about 200lbs. Will doing this be a really bad Idea? I don't want to get a bigger bike because I am only a beginner and 900cc Is the most power that Id be comfortable to ride right now. If this is mainly an axle problem I am a machinest and could probably machine some new, stronger axles. What do you more experienced people think?

[Geeto67]

I am 3 bills and I used to ride two up on the cb750 all the time. upgrades needed are shocks (use the DOHC length - you'll thank me later) and an upgraded clutch (either barnett springs or plates but not both unless you are a gultton for punishment).

Honestly though I am 6'5" as well and the wife and I loved our GS750 a lot more for two up riding than the 75 cb750K. It just had more room. Same with the 1979-1982 cb750F I used to own. IF you are tall, a two up cb750 is going to make you hate riding long distances.

[xnoahx]

go on a diet

[Rigid]

A book called bikes of burden should dispell any doubt about overloading.  It isent the axles you need to worry about.  Air shocks can be adapted, seats made larger, bike lowered overall to improve top heavy center of gravity, etc.  engines with large displacements in few cylinders (harley) provide alot more low end torque.  Brakes can be upgraded to dual caliper unless you get an f model which is dual already.  An older goldwing will keep you in the honda family and can be loaded to the hilt and handle it with ease.

[KRONUS0100]

my 76F carries me an the wife (500 plus both of us) just fine.  and it has a windjammer fairng on the front with lowers.

[ekpent]

I'm 6'3" and have to admit its kind of a drag riding around with my wife on the 750. Its pretty cramped up front for me and not much in the way of wiggle room. We do better together on other bikes.

[Bob Wessner]

I'm 6'3" and have to admit its kind of a drag riding around with my wife on the 750. Its pretty cramped up front for me and not much in the way of wiggle room. We do better together on other bikes.

Ditto. Fortunately my wife doesn't ask to go along often.

[750K]

Get your wife a bike and you'll never have to worry about it, worked for me. My wife even does her own maintenance, I lend a hand sometimes but for the most part she can handle the rest.

[HondaMan]

I've toured tens of thousands of miles (over 30k at least) at on-board weights of 550-620 lbs on my CB750K2. All I did was to add air shocks up front, 130 lb/inch springs to the stock length shocks in back, set to middle preload or sometimes 4th notch, and increased tire pressures to 40 PSI front, 44 rear, with metric tire sizes 110/90 or 110/90 front, 120/90 rear. I also used a 102-link drive chain (always Diamond Powersport) to extend the rear wheelbase an extra 1.25". The bike has a Windjammer fairing with lowers, saddlebags, and a LARGE tourpak on the luggage rack. I used a tank bag for my stuff, she took all the other space... 

I never wanted for brakes, nor power. I live in the Rockies, and we have ridden all of them inside the US. These are tough bikes. The only shortcoming they might have: the wheelbase is shorter than the Suzy GS750 of the era, or the Gold Wing. A longer wheelbase makes for less nimbleness, but more cruiser-like handling with heavy loads.