Andreani fork kit, 2014 v7 Special

[SeanF]

I recently installed the Andreani kit on my '14 v7 Special.

I ordered it from Omnia-Racing on eBay, shipping from Italy. No delays or surprises with customs. Shipped via DHL with a tracking number. Note that there is a different kit for Kaifa & Marzocchi forks.

Manufacturer link

The included instructions (link) are OK. There are a few steps that could use more detail. I'll talk about those steps. (Yeah, I know a picture is worth a thousand words. Since I took no photos, stand by for lots of words.   )

There is a step where a reducer bushing needs to be removed from the bottom of the inner fork tube. It appears that the bushing is held in by an interference fit from a 1/8" crimp at the bottom of the tube, and a lip at the bottom end of the tube. I had a local machinist start by just cutting (with a lathe) as little as possible from the bottom of the tube...at about 1/16"-1/8", the bushing fell out. $20 & about 10 minutes later, all done.

The instructions call for Ohlins fork oil, but I substituted Motul 7.5w, which I believe is the equivalent, weight-wise. I bought 2 quarts, but one would have sufficed. (I'll update this if it turns out I was incorrect on the weight equivalence.) I measured the 160mm air gap with the fork compressed, spring & spacers removed.

The final installation steps are not really clear at all, and here is where I'll probably take some photos while I fart around with it to get the final setting. But it is necessary to set the damping & preload a certain way before installing the fork caps. At this point I've only been able to test it by bouncing the front end in the garage, so no real-world R&D yet. I'll have time to mess with it this evening. Stay tuned.

[rocker59]

 

[DucDucGuzz]

My Andreani/Ohlins kit should arrive within the next week. Currently, my '13 V7 Stone has the Matris pre-load kit and .80 kg linear Eibach springs. Cut spacer 15mm and mixed 10W & 15W Maxima to achieve 32mm of sag.  This settled the rebound nicely.

The front works well enough with the V7R Bitubo shocks and I've been able to take the bike on very spirited rides in the twisties, but I could use a bit less harshness all around.

I'm excited about the Andreani kit.  Curious to hear your results...

PS: Drop-in Matris Pre-Load Kit w/ .80 kg Eibach Springs for sale soon! haha...

Thanks

Rick T.

[leafman60]

Are you guys being charged any customs fee for these fork kits.  I've been stung a time or two when ordering from Italy and the shipper does not declare a customs description and US Customs imputes a basic charge.

.

[SeanF]

Are you guys being charged any customs fee for these fork kits.  I've been stung a time or two when ordering from Italy and the shipper does not declare a customs description and US Customs imputes a basic charge.

.

No additional charges or paperwork. It arrived as if I'd ordered from within the US, probably 18 days from Buy-it-now to delivery.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

I put the the Ohlins shock/ Andreani cartridges on my 09 stelvio.. It completely transformed the bike.. Good stuff, engineered well.

I may do the same on our new Stornello..

[SeanF]

I've been *nearly* perfectly happy with the fork kit upgrade. I found it a bit harsh over small, high speed bumps. I changed out the fork oil for 4wt, and now it is right where I want it!
And I managed to drain & fill the fork oil without making a huge mess, which by itself is a win.

[Roebling3]

Hey X-WitchCity. Might we see you and the missus at Sweet Evalina's tomorrow? Ride my V7 III racer conversion. Try my frt. brake, K-Tech fork, Ohlins, seat covering and the Look.  It's been a looong time and I owe you a ride. Miss you two.  Good fortune,  R3~

[earemike]

Awesome upgrade, paired with a mupo rear on my V11