Does riding with passenger all the time make engine life shorter?

[alexg]

Hi All, I have a question, is riding with passenger reduces the life of the engine? (total mass of driver and passenger = 284Lb) Motorcycle is 2008 GS500F , 3000miles, broken in correctly of cause without passenger during brake in period.
Thanks.

[efushi]

I'm no motorcycle expert, heck im no anything expert. But there are some BIG dudes riding those ninja 250s and theres nothing wrong with it.  Just inflate your tires appropriately for 2up riding , 33 in front and 41 in the rear and i think you'll be fine

[qwertydude]

Weight is not nearly as big a factor in engine life as how you ride it, late 7000 rpm shifts and a -2 front sprocket that everyone is so fond of putting on the GS500 will wear on an engine more than being fat or riding two up but riding more conservatively.

[fred]

Hi All, I have a question, is riding with passenger reduces the life of the engine? (total mass of driver and passenger = 284Lb) Motorcycle is 2008 GS500F , 3000miles, broken in correctly of cause without passenger during brake in period.
Thanks.

No, not in any way that you'd ever notice. From what most people post around here and my own experience, riding with a passenger is probably actually better for your engine. Every time I ride with someone on the back, I'm a whole lot more conservative with the throttle so I don't throw them off the back of the bike. When I'm alone, I'm a lot more generous with the throttle and probably cause way more wear and tear. I also agree with efushi, make sure your tire pressure is good, and note the higher recommended pressure for the rear tire with a passenger. You might also want to turn the preload on the rear suspension up and consider the katana rear shock...

[ecpreston]

From what most people post around here and my own experience, riding with a passenger is probably actually better for your engine.

Good point.... I bet my engine would last FOREVER if I had my wife on the back all the time. Otherwise I rev the hell out of it