rear suspension

[xxerniexx]

happy holidays to all!!!
i ride a suzuki marauder 800 1998
im a big guy to start with and with my wife riding with me we have started to bottom out the rear suspension, how do i tighten the rear so when she and i ride its a bit stiffer and i dont feel the rear wheel slow down. this extra weight on the bike even makes it harder to get off from first gear.
any help would be appreciated!!

[BuzZz]

If the spring pre-load is maxed out now, then you'll need to replace the rear springs with higher rate aftermarket units.

There will be some sort of adjustment on the shock (or shocks, I don't know the particulars of your bike), either a large threaded nut and lockring or a stepped, rotating collar that compress the spring more or less when the bike is at rest.

If it's already set to the stiffest position, it's new springs or Jenny Craig for you, my friend.

I suggest the springs. Cheaper and far more satisfying.

[niterider]

Some springs have an air valve where air can be added to the shock to hold up the weight. I am at the other extreme, I let all the air out and set the shock all the way down and wish I could set it farther down on my vulcan.