Shock Recommendations?

[JC85]

So my Calvin sits just a little higher than I'd like it to. I'm not really tiptoeing with both feet down, but I can't flat foot it, either. And when I have my airhawk pad on, it makes it uncomfortably tall, making me feel unstable at a stop. The front forks have been raised in the triple tree as far as they can be, and on the advice of Ace Mallot, I'm going to look at putting some 12.5" shocks with strong springs on the back to get it to a height that's more comfortable.

The thing is, I know basically nothing about rear suspension, when it comes to brands, quality, compatibility, etc. Ideally, I'd like to find some that are good quality, but won't break the bank. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[kellercycle]

Be aware that when you lower the motorcycle you may have to shorten the kickstand as well . I put K-Tech Razors on my 2020 Racer .They may also produce something for your application .Pricey yet a step above Ohlins

[kellercycle]

I just put 12.5 inch motorcycle shocks in my search engine  and ended up with a large selection .Motorcycle shocks are usually done by Bike    weight of rider  weight of bike and type of riding you prefer. There are so many choices it can become overwhelming .Progressive suspension have proven to be a good choice as is Race Tech .Most of the companies will work to get you a proper fit .I am sure there are people on this site that have more experience with Moto Guzzi than I do .

[mtiberio]

go with a lower rear tire

[Guzzistajohn]

Hey JC, you can ride my Tiger for a while, It'll make the Cal Vin feel like a low rider 


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[Turin]

I'd look at having the seat reworked.
Hagen makes a decent shock at a reasonable price.

[JC85]

Guys, I'm really not interested in getting the seat reworked or any of that. Apparently, the shorter shocks work really well for lowering these, it's a simple swap out that I can do on my own, and 12.5" ones should put the seat height right where I want it. Thanks for the suggestions, but I'm really just looking for advice on shopping for shocks.

[John A]

go with a lower rear tire

That’s how I lowered Deb’s 02 Stone, after shorter shocks and raised fork tubes weren’t quite enough. Works well and comes with the added benefit of a slight gearing change.

[bad Chad]

Have you tried wearing thinner pants?

[Tom H]

FWIW: '04 EVT. 12.5" Koni rear and raised the forks about 1". maybe a tad more, I'd have to check. Got it to about where I want. But...........

You DO lose cornering clearance. The side stand should be fine, IIRR you have the same stand as I have, police style. Center stand now becomes unusable. Bike is too low to get it on the stand. A 2" thick piece of wood makes it work again.

Fork travel was my main concern as well as the angle the swingarm was at. My swingarm is just barely downhill to the rear wheel. My Guzzi shop said it was fine. Fork travel, I loosely put a zip tie around a fork leg against the slider to see how far up it would get pushed over bumps. So far no problem.

If you still have a problem, you might want to consider narrowing the seat. Don't lower it, just narrow it.

Good luck,
Tom