I usually run with 15 pounds in the shocks. Yesterday I had a passenger so I raised it to 22. Bottomed out on a rather small bump. Raised it to the max recommened 25 pounds. Bottomed out going into a parking lot. I am 255 and the passenger is 115. What to do now? I have seen some huge guys with huge women on their bikes, wonder how they do it or do they just tolerate the bottoming out.

 

My '09 owner's manual says 40-50 psi for rider with a passenger.

I'm around 220 in all my gear, my wife's probably around 135 or so. Last weekend loaded up with the tour-pak we had to reduce the shock pressure from 45 to 38 because the ride was too firm.

 

Huge guys with huge women...already bottomed out before they start moving? Maybe like riding a rigid frame.

 

I run 35 to 40 PSI and I can tell instantly if the pressure is low.

You're not running enough PSI.

 

I think "MAX 25 PSI" may not be correct?

 

Im pretty sure the owners manual says 50psi if you have a passenger, no matter how much you have in the bags.

 

50 PSI Max.
I'm running 40 PSI, I'm 230 lbs and the passanger (wife) is 140 lbs.

 

For the money I spent on my '09 Ultra it better damn well handle my wife's big bags!

 

If you have an 09 model, 25 pounds is not enough for me at 200 lbs. 09 suspension recommends 50 for two up. When I ride two up I use 35-40 lbs with no problem. I am 200 and the better half is 150. Also have gear on board and no problems at all. Read your manual.

 

I think they have changed the rear shocks on the 09s and call for higher pressures. According to my owner's manual 08s can have up to 35 psi with max GVWR.