Author Topic: California Vintage Suspension Setup  (Read 1885 times)

Offline janguzzi

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California Vintage Suspension Setup
« on: March 19, 2019, 07:22:20 PM »
Does anybody have the optimal settings?
Thanks in advance.
Kind Regards
Jan, Schuby (near the Danish Border), Germany
www.janguzzi.de
-1992-2002: 1000S, 2nd Series
-2002-2004: V11 Le Mans "Grigio Titanium"
-2004-2011: V11 Le Mans "Rosso Corsa" & 2008-2011: 950S
-2018-2021: California Vintage
-2011: Griso 8V & 2023: V85 TT "Giallo Mojave"

Offline Sheepdog

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  • 2007 Moto Guzzi California Vintage
  • Location: Waldheim, Louisiana. USA
Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2019, 08:28:11 PM »
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.

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"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." John C. Maxwell

Offline janguzzi

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Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2019, 02:31:39 AM »
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?

 
Kind Regards
Jan, Schuby (near the Danish Border), Germany
www.janguzzi.de
-1992-2002: 1000S, 2nd Series
-2002-2004: V11 Le Mans "Grigio Titanium"
-2004-2011: V11 Le Mans "Rosso Corsa" & 2008-2011: 950S
-2018-2021: California Vintage
-2011: Griso 8V & 2023: V85 TT "Giallo Mojave"

Online Ncdan

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Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2019, 07:25:19 AM »
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.

Wildguzzi.com

Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2019, 07:25:19 AM »

Offline janguzzi

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Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #4 on: March 20, 2019, 08:11:09 AM »
May I ask .....how heavy ary guys (with gear)?  :azn:
« Last Edit: March 20, 2019, 08:11:25 AM by janguzzi »
Kind Regards
Jan, Schuby (near the Danish Border), Germany
www.janguzzi.de
-1992-2002: 1000S, 2nd Series
-2002-2004: V11 Le Mans "Grigio Titanium"
-2004-2011: V11 Le Mans "Rosso Corsa" & 2008-2011: 950S
-2018-2021: California Vintage
-2011: Griso 8V & 2023: V85 TT "Giallo Mojave"

Offline Sheepdog

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  • 2007 Moto Guzzi California Vintage
  • Location: Waldheim, Louisiana. USA
Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #5 on: March 20, 2019, 12:03:32 PM »
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.
"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." John C. Maxwell

Online Ncdan

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Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2019, 12:11:33 PM »
I'm 170 in full ridding gear, including heat:)

Offline janguzzi

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Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2019, 06:36:58 PM »
I think I might be somewhere between 170-180 lbs and I have just change the preload from 1 to 2.
Kind Regards
Jan, Schuby (near the Danish Border), Germany
www.janguzzi.de
-1992-2002: 1000S, 2nd Series
-2002-2004: V11 Le Mans "Grigio Titanium"
-2004-2011: V11 Le Mans "Rosso Corsa" & 2008-2011: 950S
-2018-2021: California Vintage
-2011: Griso 8V & 2023: V85 TT "Giallo Mojave"

Online antmanbee

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Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2019, 07:07:59 PM »
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.

Offline janguzzi

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Re: California Vintage Suspension Setup
« Reply #9 on: March 21, 2019, 05:11:45 AM »
This fits to what John Clay has written here:
http://www.motoguzzicalifornia.com/2010/07/adjust-suspension/
Kind Regards
Jan, Schuby (near the Danish Border), Germany
www.janguzzi.de
-1992-2002: 1000S, 2nd Series
-2002-2004: V11 Le Mans "Grigio Titanium"
-2004-2011: V11 Le Mans "Rosso Corsa" & 2008-2011: 950S
-2018-2021: California Vintage
-2011: Griso 8V & 2023: V85 TT "Giallo Mojave"

 

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