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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: thepittsburghguzzi on March 18, 2016, 07:25:31 AM

Title: Shocking - About my V7's Ride
Post by: thepittsburghguzzi on March 18, 2016, 07:25:31 AM
I know that suspension in general has been touched upon through various threads, and I've read through a bunch of them. I'm hoping to hear some updated info and opinions on some good setups for the V7 range, particularly a 2012 Classic if anyone else has done that. I adore my Classic bits to bolts, but the ride really is as harsh as I've read it to be. On smooth pavement, it's not a real issue other than occasional jitters that seem to come from nowhere ( road imperfections, or rough tires maybe? Pittsburgh potholes are awful on tires ). But even little bumps and expansion joints launch me out of my seat if I'm moving at speed, and it jars my eyeballs.

So I'm curious to know what other V7 owners have replaced their rear shocks (and possibly front forks) with, a rough idea of how much they invested in the new setup (I'm a 20-something with student loans and a small budget), and how well it's held up over time. Just something to soften the ride and take the edge off would be nice.

Also worth noting, I'm very short with short legs. I have the stock shocks lowered as low as they'll go, which probably explains some of the harshness. Any higher though, and I won't reach the ground comfortably. So the new setup can't raise the ride height beyond what it is now (I've also got the lowered comfort gel seat, which is still granite-like, but supportive).

Thanks for any advice! I plan on keeping the bike forever and doing some serious touring with it, so any improvement would be much appreciated.

 :bike-037:
Title: Re: Shocking - About my V7's Ride
Post by: drlapo on March 18, 2016, 08:48:52 AM
Hagon shocks from Dave Quinn for less than $300 will transform the ride. And he can make short shocks
Title: Re: Shocking - About my V7's Ride
Post by: sib on March 18, 2016, 09:18:11 AM
You will find a wide range of opinions and a wide range of modifications and "upgrades" made by owners.  This is typical of motorcycle riders, they (we) like to fiddle with things, for better or worse.  Everyone has ideas for improving their bikes.  Some folks spend as much on the "improvements" as they do on the bike itself.  You will also find skeptics who think that their motorcycles ride just fine the way they came from the factory.  In addition to finding threads on modifications, you will also find threads on older models where people want to restore them to original condition, including removing the 'improvements".  Go figure, it's part of the culture.
Title: Re: Shocking - About my V7's Ride
Post by: pyoungbl on March 18, 2016, 09:43:16 AM

Also worth noting, I'm very short with short legs. I have the stock shocks lowered as low as they'll go, which probably explains some of the harshness. Any higher though, and I won't reach the ground comfortably. So the new setup can't raise the ride height beyond what it is now (I've also got the lowered comfort gel seat, which is still granite-like, but supportive).

 :bike-037:

As I read this I understand that you have backed off the preload on the shocks.  That won't make the shocks any shorter, just lets the shock sag a bit.  The shocks have two components, the spring and the shock piston/valve assembly.  You need to determine if the spring is correct for your weight.  One rule of thumb is that the suspension should sag about 20-30% of its total travel when you sit on the bike.  I suspect you are not seeing that kind of sag...that the springs are too stiff.  The valving is also pretty harsh so when the springs do compress the valving is anything but subtle.  +1 for the Dave Quinn recommendation.  He will build shocks with springs that match your weight and riding.  You will get a better shock/spring combo that should retain the original seat height.  If you want to get more adjustability you will have to spend more.  Suspension becomes a path of diminishing returns for investment so, IMHO, going for cutting edge Ohlins suspension on a V7 is not justified. 

Once you fix the shocks you will start to notice how stiff the forks are.  It's not difficult to upgrade the springs and install an emulator in each fork leg.  Changing to lighter weight fork oil also helps.

A good first step is to get a copy of the Suspension Bible written by Race Tech.  Read that and learn how to do the basic suspension setup on your bike.  You don't have to buy the RT suspension bits since what they discuss applies to all brands of suspension parts.

Peter Y.