Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Carrying capacity - GS1150 Carrying capacity - GS1150
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Sep 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4
Carrying capacity - GS1150
I'm curious about two-up adventure touring on a GS. According to a road test I read, the carrying capacity of the Adventure model is only 375-ish pounds. I'm assuming the standard model is similar. I'm 200 lbs, and my wife is 140. With luggage we'd be hitting the max pretty quickly. Are there frame/suspension upgrades that can improve the bike's carrying capacity? Or has BMW given owners a very conservative number? I see lots of people riding heavily loaded GS bikes...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Sep 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,226
The numbers are about right for a bike AS DELIVERED. Lots of people do greatly overload their bikes, of all models and brands, and get away with it. To a point. The suspension and handling suffer, and frames and saddlebag mounts break etc.

So we beef them up as appropriate to deal with the extra loads.

Touratech makes "hard parts", Ohlins Works and others make better shocks, lots of companies make better saddlebag mounts etc.

Keep reading the HUBB, cruise the links page and the Trip Planning pages for more, read the story on our bike for ideas (see Grant & Susan's RTW link below), there's lots of info out there on what's needed.

So when do you leave

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Sep 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4
Thanks for the feedback, Grant!

This trip is really just a gleam in my eye right now. The plan is
- Ride from Toronto to Alaska
- Take the "marine highway" ferry system to Vancouver.
- Ride the west coast down to Baja.
- Cross to Mazatlan.
- Ride through Mexico and Central America to Costa Rica.
The GS seems the likely choice, although the Suzuki V-Strom also appeals. By the way Grant, I met you in Trenton, and I really enjoyed your presentation. Keep up the great work!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Sep 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Girdwood, Alaska, USA
Posts: 27
Paul:

I have riden most of the trip that you describe. Almost all of it was done two up on a heavy loaded GS. Performance is minimal, but the experience is wonderful. If you plan on two up travel, try to get custom or aftermarket hard cases(panniers) that get your load as low as possible. Balancing that load will do wonders. During your travels you will see two up riders that have high loads, end even a top case in the back. After trying both methods, I finally built costom cases to put the load closer to the ground and I try not to put anything behind my wife. It made the difference between fighting the load at low speeds and enjoying the closeness of traveling two up in comfort. Try adding some weight to the tank area using some tank panniers... That helps add capacity and bring the center of gravity toward the front.
Good luck. chuck
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Oct 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Poole, Dorset, UK.
Posts: 66
Paul

We're two up on a GS1100 and our loaded weight is over 550 kilos. We've done approximately 17,000 miles like this without a problem. I think the manufacturers are massively cautious with the maximum weight limits they suggest for fear of litigation blah, blah. The GS is built to take the knocks and it does it well.

Goose
www.gooseontheloose.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top