v7 suspension upgrades

[mdhen]

Hey all, recent buyer of a new '19 Stone here. Got a good deal on her, $6700 out the door. Anyways, I am thinking of upgrading the suspension and I've pretty much settled on the k-tech razor iii twin shocks or the k-tech razor iv twin shocks (these have a piggyback) for the rear. Price difference between the two is $335, so I am wondering if getting the piggy back version is worth it over the regular ones. The piggyback ones do have compression damping adjustment while the regular ones do not.

Just not sure how big of a difference I will see, wondering if anyone has any opinions on this. I am not heavy (165~lbs) but will be doing a lot of traveling and camping with luggage and would be good to have something that can also handle a passenger.

For the front I will likely be getting the matris cartridge kit, since the cost of the k-tech one is nearly double. If anyone has experiences to share about these I would appreciate that as well.

[Chethro]

I have the Razer III's and really like them. I weigh 260#'s and needed a spring upgrade anyway. The Razers paired with Racetech springs up front and 15wt oil are fantastic. The bike responds as expected on hard bumps and other surface irregularities. WV has no shortage of rough roads with plenty of curves in between. I still don't like the bike on interstate joints, but it is 100 times better than stock and I can tough it out for a few hours. No more spine jarring hits even on bad roads.

[usedtobefast]

Have you called them?  Be interesting to know what would happen if you got the III shocks and didn't like them.

That then leads to the question, is it worth $1300 for the VI version?!  There are guys that have replaced their shocks for way less than that and they seem very happy. 

With ~3" of rear suspension travel the V7 is never going to be one of the best suspended bikes around.  So do you just say oh well, put on some $400 shocks, better than stock, and live with it?  Or do you spend mega dollars and try to make it the best that it can be (and that "best" is still way worse than many other stock motorcycles).

There was someone, I think they posted on here or over on the mega thread on advrider, they did a special order shock with slightly longer travel and the price was reasonable.  I think I would go that route ... better shocks than stock, and get more travel.

[usedtobefast]

Did some searching ... looks like the post over on advrider is the longer shock post I was thinking of:  https://advrider.com/f/threads/anybody-have-a-moto-guzzi-v7.835438/page-613#post-39723313

Also, using the Search box in the upper right on this site with something like       V7 iii shocks       or v7 iii suspension         will give you tons of stuff to read.   

[mdhen]

Thanks for the tip. It seems that people have had success putting on 370mm shocks on it to get an extra inch of travel. Is there anything special I need to do to install a pair of those correctly?

[Tom H]

Keep in mind that longer shocks will raise the seat height.

Tom

[Bert Remington]

Just not sure how big of a difference I will see, wondering if anyone has any opinions on this. I am not heavy (165~lbs) but will be doing a lot of traveling and camping with luggage and would be good to have something that can also handle a passenger.

You didn't mention what your luggage plans were but be aware some luggage options are not compatible with aftermarket shocks.

I recommend the Givi Tail Rack if you want to use the excellent Givi Monolock top cases.  And if you buy the Monolock side cases, you can buy a rekey kit so they all use the same key.

[mdhen]

You didn't mention what your luggage plans were but be aware some luggage options are not compatible with aftermarket shocks.

I recommend the Givi Tail Rack if you want to use the excellent Givi Monolock top cases.  And if you buy the Monolock side cases, you can buy a rekey kit so they all use the same key.

From what I understand the givi rear rack isn't compatible with any after market shocks. If that is incorrect please let me know. So I was planning on getting the oem rack, could do h&b but I'm not a fan of how it looks when it isn't loaded.

[Bert Remington]

The MG and H&B tail racks have a cross-over bar that I think will inhibit installation of the Givi top cases.  They also look flimsier than the Givi rack.  I made my choice by keeping stock shocks and installing the Givi tail rack.  I have three Givi top cases for various purposes plus H&B 38L Xceed side cases adapted to H&B C-Bow brackets.  Not bolt-on -- some cutting and drilling required.  Some San Diego roads trigger the TCS which is annoying but otherwise rear suspension is acceptable.  If I upgrade the front suspension beyond fork oil (level and viscosity) it will be RaceTech's emulators.

Member kingoffleece may have a seat cover alternative to aftermarket shocks leaving money for luggage.

[Bert Remington]

I've configured my 2019 V7 III to be my Urban Assault Vehicle (I just purchased a 2014 Can-Am Spyder to be my Freeway Commuter Pod).  Key components of that configuration are:

• Helmet Hook so my helmet doesn't hit the ground while gearing up/down.
• Givi E300N2 to hold my PPE when riding and helmet when parked.
• Amber fog lights on engine guards for visibility/conspicuity.
• LED turn and rear bulbs for visibility/conspicuity.

[jpv7]

For the front, i think you will find the Race Tech kit to be more economical.  It works very well.  And don't just do the springs and oil...

[Vagrant]

mdhen, you don't have where you live in your ID but remember what works on my excellent Georgia roads SUCKS on Arizona roads. So you need to take that into consideration so you only buy upgrades once.

[Bulldog9]

I'm running the 420MM Hagon enduro rear shocks and KTech Fork springs for the last 6K miles. Very happy with the setup and cost. Suits my needs perfectly.

[usedtobefast]

I'm running the 420MM Hagon enduro rear shocks and KTech Fork springs for the last 6K miles. Very happy with the setup and cost. Suits my needs perfectly.

Ah, there you are. 

What was the change in rear wheel travel?  Like did it go from ~3" rear wheel travel to 4"? 

[mdhen]

I'm running the 420MM Hagon enduro rear shocks and KTech Fork springs for the last 6K miles. Very happy with the setup and cost. Suits my needs perfectly.

I've decided to get the k-tech fork springs as well, found a good local guy that will do the install for a reasonable price.

420mm seems very high. What has it changed about the bike? How much more travel and seat height? How's handling? Are your forks pushed up at all?

Edit: I'm guessing you don't have a v7iii? What's your stock height? 390?

[Larry]

 My 2c worth.
I can't see the sense in buying a new shock with adjustable rebound damping if it doesn't also have adjustable high and low speed compression damping.  Ok,  so it costs a bit more,  but certainly worth it.

[egschade]

Here's my thread on using 1" longer Hagon Trail shocks https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=96739.0

[mdhen]

Here's my thread on using 1" longer Hagon Trail shocks https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=96739.0

did you ever come up with a solution to the side stand issue from raising it?

also I have a question about buying one and rider weight. I am getting a zard 2 to 1 exhaust that weighs significantly less than the stock exhaust. Should I mention this when ordering my suspension and giving them my rider weight?

and I am looking at these k-tech shocks, is there any reason I wouldnt be able to use the ones made for the v7 ii on the v7 iii? specs seem pretty much the same other then the 40mm length difference. specs on them (v7iii then v7ii): https://store.ktechsuspension.com/shock-absorber-razor-moto-guzzi-v7-iii-294b-160-350-guz.html?find=moto-guzzi-v7-iii-2019-388871 and https://store.ktechsuspension.com/shock-absorber-razor-moto-guzzi-v7-294b-160-390-guz.html?find=moto-guzzi-v7-ii-2016-390650

[egschade]

did you ever come up with a solution to the side stand issue from raising it?

also I have a question about buying one and rider weight. I am getting a zard 2 to 1 exhaust that weighs significantly less than the stock exhaust. Should I mention this when ordering my suspension and giving them my rider weight?

and I am looking at these k-tech shocks, is there any reason I wouldnt be able to use the ones made for the v7 ii on the v7 iii? specs seem pretty much the same other then the 40mm length difference. specs on them (v7iii then v7ii): https://store.ktechsuspension.com/shock-absorber-razor-moto-guzzi-v7-iii-294b-160-350-guz.html?find=moto-guzzi-v7-iii-2019-388871 and https://store.ktechsuspension.com/shock-absorber-razor-moto-guzzi-v7-294b-160-390-guz.html?find=moto-guzzi-v7-ii-2016-390650

For the side stand I added a 1/2" pad on the bottom but it's not quite enough. Will eventually get the stand extended 1".

I tried a pair of Bitubo V7 II shocks but found them too long, creating too much of an angle on the swing arm/driveshaft joint. The Hagon's I bought are 20mm or about 3/4" longer. 40mm is too much in IMHO.

I installed after market pipes on the bike after I installed the Hagons and didn't notice a difference despite the weight reduction. Don't think it's that much of a change to worry about.

[mdhen]

I tried a pair of Bitubo V7 II shocks but found them too long, creating too much of an angle on the swing arm/driveshaft joint. The Hagon's I bought are 20mm or about 3/4" longer. 40mm is too much in IMHO.

Yeah the 420mm that bulldog9 mentioned threw me off but thinking about that now I'd guess he isn't talking about a iii and has a 390 stock.

[Bulldog9]

Yeah the 420mm that bulldog9 mentioned threw me off but thinking about that now I'd guess he isn't talking about a iii and has a 390 stock.

Yes, is on a Stornello. I'll have to go and recheck my #'s but if memory serves, the 1.25" increase in rear height dropped to 1" static and about 1/2" seated at the lowest pre-load. The Ktech fork springs were about 1/4" longer overall, and static ride height was 3/4", and seated was 1/2" keeping (by dumb luck) balance front to rear about stock when sitting on the bike.

So far no issues with the increases suspension height on the u-joint, but time will tell. Very happy with the shocks overall for my purposes. Not ideal for a canyon carver or twisty monster/track bike, as the Hagon shocks are 'adequately' damped, but with the changes, I have yet to bottom the front or rear suspension. The little rubber bumper is about 1/4" from being pushed to the bottom of the piston over the last 5-6K miles. The bike is well controlled, and balanced with bags empty or full, holds a line and are perfectly suited for my use and the whopping 45hp capabilities of the Stornello.

Price is right too.... I may change out the fork oil for something a bit thicker for a bit more damping, but we will see.

[mdhen]

so I think I am going to get this for the forks: https://www.andreanigroup.com/prodotti/moto/105%7CG09E/?lng=en

Can get it for a good price. I do need to make sure they will fit in my '19 Stone though. These appear to be for the trofeo racer kit, seen here: https://www.motoguzzi.com/pt_PT/Fast-Endurance/the-motorbike/

the '19 racers use kaifa forks as well right? If they do should fit fine, would be interested in hearing anyones thoughts on this.

Edit: this fork kit does go with the kaifa shocks, confirmed with andreani.

[Vagrant]

JMHO, you might be trying to save $ so hard that you might be sorry. I think if you search you can get the Matris from an overseas vendor for within $100. and we know they work and drop right in.

[Bert Remington]

mdhen -- I say go for the Andreani kit.  I consider my projects a success if I only have to do them twice.

[Rich A]

From what I understand the givi rear rack isn't compatible with any after market shocks. If that is incorrect please let me know. So I was planning on getting the oem rack, could do h&b but I'm not a fan of how it looks when it isn't loaded.

Ikons fit with the Givi rack.

Rich A

[mdhen]

mdhen -- I say go for the Andreani kit.  I consider my projects a success if I only have to do them twice.

I pulled the trigger on the andreani fork kit and k-tech razor iii shocks, total with shipping was about 1150 usd. The andreani does require some lathe work, but there's a couple automotive machine shops near me that should be able to take care of it for me. I need to get my endbar mirror screw on mounts lathed as well so I figured I'd get them both done at the same time.

[Bert Remington]

Yep I'm pretty sure there's going to be some iteration reaching the final solution.  You've got a friend with a car -- right?