Its definately 2004 XV1600...

Whats the air ride all about? never heard of that.

Im going to check out the springs... but Im thinking that maybe there are other parts that need changing as well, as its alot over the Bikes weight limit.

Thanks

You could check this spring out. http://www.nopork.com/shop_product.asp?id=EIB1000&grp=Yamaha+Roadstar. You could also look at something like the progressive fork springs and /or heavier fork oil.

Thanks Guys, 1000lbs should do the trick...

Is there any guides here on the installation, easy or hard?

I only do basics so will need to get it installed by a pro.

Thanks heaps.... and havagoodweekend..

Here's the spring how to - Spring change

Keep in mind the spring is only one component of the bike and just changing the spring may not result in a "safe" ride for you and your son. Undoubtedly the additional weight is putting stress on other components that could affect handling and safety. By the time you add your gear to the total, you could be pushing 600 pounds which is nearly 50% above the maximum weight for the R*. If you go this route I think it's important to know you're probably running in the "red zone" from a safety standpoint and drive accordingly. Good luck!

I just bought the 1000# rated spring,gonna install per Tech Articals.Me and the Wife plus all the hard bags and then gear on a trip started bottoming out some times

Hey Colonel
You said "I am only 165 lbs and old".
I'm with you on the old part, but a long time since the 165 lb part.
I think all bikes are under rated to a certain extent. Helps protect the manufacturers. I love to camp, so I'm usually loaded down when I go on a 10-14 day camping trip. I personally would prefer the progressive rated type springs that Musky mentioned. That way you could have a softer ride when you were solo, and a heavier rated spring when loaded. Here is a less exspensive one. 850 lb# up to a claimed 1250#. Front and rear
http://www.pacificcoaststar.com/pcs/road_star_lowering_kit.htm


As far as air suspension, I want one that is also gas charged.
Unlike most air ride systems, that just raise and lower, these also still work like a normal shock. They have a better damping rate. I've been waiting on Arnott Air Ride Systems to get me one for the Road Star. Last fall I was at the Boss Hoss National Rally, and bought one for mine. I pulled it up for them to install it, and they realized all they had was for the Warrior. I liked hte system so much that I'm willing to wait on it. I liked the bilstein shock.
There is another brand that is currently making systems for the Road* though.
http://www.arnottairride.com/products/productDetails.asp?groupId=135

I too am over the weight limit with me and the Mrs. I am 6'2" and 320 and she is 5'8" and 170. I have yet to bottom out or have any handling problems on my 02 Roadie. I also don't have a problem on my 06 Strat. That being said, I still got her a bike. I don't mind her on with me, but she was tired of waiting for me to get home on weekends. A little impatient. As far as a 650 starter bike, I see the point, but the 650 seems a bit small for a hoss of that size. I would say he would be comfortable in handling an 1100. I feel it has a little better brakes for slowing down your "little" boy.
Good luck
JM

Greysnake has an important point here that the tire has a limit that must be considered. The Avon Venom, I am using and really like, has a reinforced sidewall and may be able to take a heavier load. I will take a look at the load rating, or it may be on line, but a heavier spring and solid tire are a must to exceed the listed load limit. I find when I put too much weight on the bike it gets squirly. The heavier spring will help that, but cannot help prevent an over loaded tire from blowing out. You may want to upgrade both ends with heavier progressive springs in the forks along with the heavier progressive spring on the rear shock.

Being the biggest boy on the block 'round here (that will at least admit it anyhow ) I have owned a number of bikes, and until 4 years ago , my wife was my 24-7 passenger. Me at 335 (loosing ) and her at 135 with gear for out of town adventures (usually a weeks worth), I'm sure we were "overloaded". Here's the thing, I'm very strong, which I think helps, as holding the bike up at stops is an issue if the rider can't balance it. Manufactures have to lean on the conservative side, because if the said "1000 lb's max", people would make home depot runs on them. Now, I'm not scoffing at the weight limit deal, if you don't feel comfortable, then by all means, don't carry the weight. Here's a couple thing to keep in mind for those who run on the heavier side. Tires, check your pressure often, and keep it at max pounds (you should check them anyway). Brakes, check them regularly, and use a pad that provides the best stopping power. I'm sure not all will share my same opinion (it is , after all an opinion), but I cranked out over 100,000 miles carrying my wife safely on much smaller bikes than my Roadie. Fatboy out. BB