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I have a honda 599, and have been taking my gf on in once in a while. I'd like it if we could do a longer trip when the weather warms up again. However, our combined weights with clothing/helmets etc are probably over 380lbs. The max weight capacity listed in the owners manual is 392lbs, so with the two of us on there along with my givi top case full of stuff, we are probably at or over the payload limit a lot of the time. Anyone know what limits the payload on this bike? I'm guessing it's not the tires as the same model/size ones are used on bigger bikes. The suspension does sag a fair amount with us on there, but doesn't bottom out.

Can anyone see a problem with doing a longer trip at or just a little over the payload limit? obviously things like the tires and chain will wear faster, but what else?

The brakes were only designed to stop so much weight effectively. That and the abusive ride your going to get from that much load on the suspension sounds troubling.

There's a certain amount of CYA that mfg's put on their products, you should be OK if you keep it light as possible especially in the GIVI, the tires pressures can be upped to compensate for the added weight but will, as you stated, wear faster, as far as stopping goes make adjustments in your follow distance, one thing about having more weight on the rear is that you can use the rear brake more aggressively with out locking it up but you have to condition your self so practice and know your limits.

Most manuals give tyre pressures for added weight.

Noel says 4.00 inch tyres F 14lbs R 16 lbs
5.00 inch tyres F12lbs R14 lbs

(based on 150# rider) for each 50# excess add 2lb rear 1lb front

Harley calls for FLH F 20 R24 FX f18 r 24 (solo)
FLH F20 R 26 FX F18 R 26 (2 up)
FLH/FX F 22 R 26 H 20 (w/car)



All this when some of these tyres state up to 52 lbs. My bikes handle like shiit if I follow these, (far to low) except side car.(here the lower pressures really make a differance)

A lot of times the Brakes are designed for more weight than bike has. This is known as the saftey factor and is usually 2 to 3 times what design models say are needed. (and yes this is CYA from manufactures)

Also some companys put far better brakes on smaller bikes than are needed, This is done to reduce inventory/production, Rather than having two brake systems they just put the same heavier brakes on different bikes. Two bikes may vary several hundred pounds in mass but still have same braking system.