California Vintage Suspension Setup

[janguzzi]

Does anybody have the optimal settings?
Thanks in advance.

[Sheepdog]

I was always very happy with the stock suspension on my Vintage. I dialed both the compression and rebound four or five clicks back from max on the fork. I put the shock rebound damping one click back from max and preload at 3 or 4 (dependent on load). However, after ten years I installed HyperPro fork springs and Ikon 7610 rear shocks. Even with a taller windshield, the bike is a good deal more stable at speed and turns precisely and without drama. It was definitely an improvement. I also replaced the steering damper with a unit from Matris. Unlike the friction stocker, the Matris damper can be made to do what it should.

[janguzzi]

Thanks Sheepdog....preload on the shock has 5 levels.
I seems that  the previous owner never changed it, so it still on level 1.
I think level 1 might fit when a rider with all his gear weighs approx. 70-75 Kg.
What do you think?

 

[Ncdan]

I had mine set up like Sheep's for the most part and experienced no issues with stability or comfort, however I always rode solo. I never did any of the modifications as I never felt the need due to my solo ridding. Sheep's mods woukd improve any issues one my encounter with The Vintages suspension. Good luck.

[janguzzi]

May I ask .....how heavy ary guys (with gear)? 

[Sheepdog]

I am 225 lbs (102 Kilos), dressed in boots and riding jacket/pants (no helmet). I might add that, even after the Sachs shocks were ten years old I never felt the need to use any of the highest settings. When I installed the Ikon shocks, I passed the old ones on to a friend who bought a Vintage with lowered suspension (which made it steer like a truck). He is happily running them with the same settings I preferred (we are of similar weight). He likes it better than the sportier setup on mine, as he prefers a softer ride.

[Ncdan]

I'm 170 in full ridding gear, including heat:)

[janguzzi]

I think I might be somewhere between 170-180 lbs and I have just change the preload from 1 to 2.

[antmanbee]

When I had my Calvin I kept the rear shocks on the softest spring preload. I had the bags off the bike and I weigh maybe 155lbs with gear on. It was still too stiff for me.

[janguzzi]

This fits to what John Clay has written here:
http://www.motoguzzicalifornia.com/2010/07/adjust-suspension/