V7 Ohlins shocks

[jas67]

http://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/ohlins-v7-shocks/

Finally, Ohlins S36PL shocks for your �09-current V7 I & II (All models). No damping adjustment options � nor can they be had with them. Order and we will be in touch for your weight details.

No damping adjustments?   Seriously?    Why would anyone spend $999 on a pair of shocks w/o damping adjustment?

So, are the ones that come on the V7 III Racer not adjustable either?

I'm asking these questions, because, I'm looking to upgrade the Bitubos on my Racer.    My Ohlins-equipped Ducati and BMW F800GT having spoiled me.    As I'm still recovering from lumbar fusion surgery, riding either of my V7s on rough rode can be quite literally painful, esp. if I don't see the a quick dip in the road and get off the seat in time.

[AZRider]

Give a call to my boss, Jim Hamlin at Hamlin Cycles, (203) 942-2232. He has been working with the team at Ohlins USA for decades. They build shocks for him to his specifications frequently (he got into a dust-up with the Motus guys because he got a custom shock made for a Motus that transformed its ride to a true sport bike and told them that they ought to try it) and he has a formula worked out for the V7 series.

Just be very clear that you are looking for a more plush ride to protect your spine, since most of the people who come to us for V7 suspension work are go-fast guys.

We also have other options less expensive than Ohlins that we should be able to get made for your needs that will be less racer-harsh than the Bitubos.

[roadscum]

Give a call to my boss, Jim Hamlin at Hamlin Cycles, (203) 942-2232. He has been working with the team at Ohlins USA for decades. They build shocks for him to his specifications frequently (he got into a dust-up with the Motus guys because he got a custom shock made for a Motus that transformed its ride to a true sport bike and told them that they ought to try it) and he has a formula worked out for the V7 series.

Just be very clear that you are looking for a more plush ride to protect your spine, since most of the people who come to us for V7 suspension work are go-fast guys.

We also have other options less expensive than Ohlins that we should be able to get made for your needs that will be less racer-harsh than the Bitubos.

I called about 10 days ago and I'm still waiting a call back to discuss options for the V7 III Special without remote reservoir. Jim did work on the forks prior to taking delivery, emulators, and I like the results. Now it's time to get the rear sorted. I'll follow up with a call tomorrow.

Paul

[Kev m]

Jay, Hamlins is probably the way to go, but let me add one thing. You've recently ridden Harleys with primitive stock suspensions that didn't hurt your back and handled well, so it's not the presence or lack of adjustable rebound/compression damping that is necessarily going to make the difference.

Just saying.

[roadscum]

Jay, Hamlins is probably the way to go, but let me add one thing. You've recently ridden Harleys with primitive stock suspensions that didn't hurt your back and handled well, so it's not the presence or lack of adjustable rebound/compression damping that is necessarily going to make the difference.

Just saying.

Before ya can make an adjustment to rebound and dampening ya gotta have something to adjust. I've had shocks that were not adjustable but were custom built(springs and valves) for my needs and they worked very well.

Paul

[pyoungbl]

I put RaceTech shocks on my V7 (2013).  As I recall the shocks were about $600.  The RT shocks (G3-S) have adjustment for rebound but not for compression.  The key is to get the shim stack correct in the first place...that is done by RT so compression dampening is correct for your riding style.  I thought their initial setup was still too harsh so I sent the shocks back to have the shim stack adjusted, they did the adjustment for free.  It appears that GuzziTech no longer sells RT products.  I suspect Jim Hamlin can get RT stuff.

Peter Y.

[Kev m]

Before ya can make an adjustment to rebound and dampening ya gotta have something to adjust. I've had shocks that were not adjustable but were custom built(springs and valves) for my needs and they worked very well.

Paul

I'm puzzled by the point of the first sentence. But the second is basically supporting my original point.

I'll go further and point out the majority of the bikes on the road don't have damping adjustments, just preload and sure that likely means they're no perfect for an amateur road racer, but they work fine for most people. I don't know that Jay's needs are much more demanding other than from a comfort standpoint, but even there I suspect he'll be fine with a quality shock that's set-up for his weight/application.

[kingoffleece]

Jim's most likely still away an his fall bike trip. 9 or 10 days IIFC.
He had custom Ohlins made for my V7 and I have all the adjustment ever needed including damping.
Jim knows his stuff, that's for sure.

[roadscum]

AF1 Racing seems to have Matris shocks for the V7 III that may do the trick for me..... in chrome!!!  A  little spendy but priced below what appears to be the same offering from GT guy.

http://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=3087

Paul

[kingoffleece]

Hamlin told me he had some good result with a K something or other shock, too.
On another note, the BiTubo offerings are so far behind the Ohlins it's not funny-or unexpected for the $$$$$$.

[Roebling3]

Another BIG PLUS for Jim Hamlin. The Ohlins on my 3 series Racer are excellent. Adjustment is stupid easy. The K-Tech front end needs  fiddling this week.  R3~ 

[twowheeladdict]

I'm puzzled by the point of the first sentence. But the second is basically supporting my original point.

I'll go further and point out the majority of the bikes on the road don't have damping adjustments, just preload and sure that likely means they're no perfect for an amateur road racer, but they work fine for most people. I don't know that Jay's needs are much more demanding other than from a comfort standpoint, but even there I suspect he'll be fine with a quality shock that's set-up for his weight/application.

If you only ride smooth roads and aren't too aggressive in the corners you can get away with non adjustable shocks.  If the shocks are set up for bumpy roads then they will be too soft when you get into the curves and you will find the bike wallowing.  My FZ-07 is definitely on the soft side so I have to be careful not to upset the suspension when I am riding. 

I would never buy an aftermarket shock that didn't have adjustability.  My triumph trophy spoiled me with electronic suspension.  See a nice set of curves up ahead, go to sport mode.  Droning down a highway, go to comfort mode.  You can adjust it on the fly. 

[Kev m]

If you only ride smooth roads and aren't too aggressive in the corners you can get away with non adjustable shocks.  If the shocks are set up for bumpy roads then they will be too soft when you get into the curves and you will find the bike wallowing.

Nope, I completely reject this as subjective dribble. [emoji6]

No seriously, there are too many absolutes there for that to possibly be "true".

[Tkelly]

My wife feels her Icons from MG offer a big improvement from the stock torture rack on her V7.

[jas67]

Give a call to my boss, Jim Hamlin at Hamlin Cycles, (203) 942-2232. He has been working with the team at Ohlins USA for .....
We also have other options less expensive than Ohlins that we should be able to get made for your needs that will be less racer-harsh than the Bitubos.

Thanks, I'll definitely reach out to him!

My wife feels her Icons from MG offer a big improvement from the stock torture rack on her V7.

I have the $400ish Ikons on my V7 Special.    While they're a huge improvement over the stock ones, they're still a bit harsh for my post-surgical lumbar spine.   

The forward lean riding position of the racer (with clippings lowered another 1.3 inches to clear the Record fairing) makes the Racer better than the special, as harsh bumps are not transmitted directly up through the spine. 

That said, I'm disappointed in the Bitubo shocks, esp. considering the price.   

I do realize that there is only so much that can be done with a short travel twin shock suspension.   My only fear is spending $600-$1000 on new shocks only to find out that no matter how good of shocks I put on a V7, it's not going to be good enough for my back.   

Given that there are only a few months left before winter ends our riding season here, and my ongoing Eldorado project is still costing me money, I might be best deferring this upgrade until spring, and see how my back is doing then.    I just had my 6 month follow up with the surgeon.  He assures me that I'm still recovering and that it will definitely get much better over the next six months or so.

Prior to much surgery, the Ikons on my Special and even the Bitubos on the Racer were good enough for my needs.

[kingoffleece]

If the shocks don't work for your back I'd think there are plenty of owners on this board who's buy them.  Most of us concede the stock offerings are less than ideal.

[twowheeladdict]

Nope, I completely reject this as subjective dribble. [emoji6]

No seriously, there are too many absolutes there for that to possibly be "true".

You have the freedom to do that.  I will not spend money on shocks that I can't tailor for the ride.  Might as well just run the OEM shocks and deal with the compromises.  That is my opinion. 

[Kev m]

You have the freedom to do that.  I will not spend money on shocks that I can't tailor for the ride.  Might as well just run the OEM shocks and deal with the compromises.  That is my opinion. 

Fair enough. Wants need not be explained.

Though as a multi-time Sportster owner, trust me there's a world of better available on some bikes without needing to go to full adjustability. [emoji6]