Q. Is Rider Weight A Factor

[edwin-r1]

I Think I Know The Answer To This One , I Just Need Some Confirmation From The Experts Out There In The Field. Q.does A Riders Weight Effect Riding Performance. Should Bigger Guys Do Any Thing Different.

[VR43000GT]

Obviously, in theory a bigger person is not going to accelerate as fast as someone who weighs less. The difference in this could be made up with minor blot ons though. Otherwise depending on how big you really are you could do some suspension adjustments.

[es_class]

yes of course ur weight makes a difference....most bikes are set to carry the weight of a person 130 to 200lbs. so a heavier person will weigh the bike down and possibly even cause it to bottom out. u can adjust the suspension with the rings in the back...shock. i weigh 315lbs so if u r in this weight class or near it...set the suspension harder or the numbers as high as they go. for a skinny little dude, the bike would be all over the road on bumps but for a heavier person ur weight will compensate. one ring adjusts the stiffness or how hard it is to compress the back spring and the other adjusts the rate at which the spring returns or how fast she rebounds after compressing the spring/shock. u should play with it as u ride especially if u have a place where ur bike bottoms out. the upper adjusts the stiffness and lower controls the rebound. wait till u feel the difference. my bike used to sit too low when i was on it.

[edwin-r1]

Sir, That's Sound About Right , After Checking With A Local Dealer I Would Have To Say That You Are Right On The Money. Thanks Es-class

[richtazz]

Rider weight is also a factor in other areas. A bigger person will have to adjust his/her weight in the seat to impart proper lean in and exit lines in turns. A smaller person on a big bike will have to work harder to muscle the bike around at or near it's limits. Always remember, the bike you choose must fit your body as well as your riding habits. ES Class would look downright silly on a 600 class sportbike, as he's a big fella (no offense intended). When I first heard he's a beginner on a liter class bike, I thought he was in over his head. Then I seen his signature pics and realized the bike fits him. As a new rider, the most important advice anyone can give you is to respect your bike and take a safety course. Many people think they're stupid, but you'd be suprized the things you learn. It will make you a better rider. I had been riding for 6-7 years and took one for the sake of an insurance discount thinking to myself "what a waste of time". I couldnt have been more wrong. I actually learned a few things, and am a better rider for it.

[es_class]

none taken, richtazz...lol. but ur right about the weight thing....if i was a small guy.. there are a few times i can remember... i would have dropped the bike. once at a light on a hill, i stalled cuz i was still trying to get the hang of it all...and the bike almost fell to the side. i swear i had to put all of my 315lbs into keeping her from dropping and pulling back into upright position. if it wasnt for my freakin turkey drumstick legs...i would have def dropped it. i too really want to take a course cuz im into knowledge and specifics. i cant wait to see what i will learn.

[RM|ZX:Dudz]

Lol, I weigh 60Kg... and yes I've dropped my bike at a standstill before, only has to tip a lil and no amount of muscle will keep my bitch upright... I was wondering however, would me being lighter mean I'd be able to go faster than a bigger person or maybe break faster?

[es_class]

technically if both riders are equally skilled and on identical bikes...then yes u would go faster. but in reality, i dont believe it makes a difference on the streets. ive seen fat cats move faster than ive ever seen anything move. its all in the wrist, timing and skill level. either that or how crazy u are. lol.

[RM|ZX:Dudz]

Mmmm... yeah... I push my bike to its limits... but its only a 250 4 stroke.... so she dont go all that fast... lol... still fun... and safer

[aussieidiot]

this is where torque come into it.

small bike will suffer more from big guys (and girls, don't forget chicks ride too) than larger bikes. its all in the power to weight ratio

as for braking, i thought the more weight you have to pull up the slower it would be, but it may work the opposite. i remember reading somewhere it worked as an advantage.

[RM|ZX:Dudz]

Originally Posted by aussieidiot

this is where torque come into it.

small bike will suffer more from big guys (and girls, don't forget chicks ride too) than larger bikes. its all in the power to weight ratio

as for braking, i thought the more weight you have to pull up the slower it would be, but it may work the opposite. i remember reading somewhere it worked as an advantage.

Actually, I think you might be right. My dad can stop my bike quicker than I can. At 50Km/hr I stop inside of 8m, my dad does it in 6.5 and hes a good 30Kg heavier than me. Strange.

[es_class]

man...i gotta break out the calculator and conversion tables messin with u guys. lol.