Author Topic: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns  (Read 490 times)

Offline RJE_MD

  • New Egg
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • Location: DMV
Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« on: August 19, 2026, 12:13:27 PM »
Hi all,
I used the search function but couldn't find anything about this.  I have a new-to-me California II.  Amazing bike- it just feels right!  However, I'm having a problem with dragging the centerstand step lever (not sure what it is called) when I make sharp-ish lefts.  It looks like the stand is up as far as it can go.  I did just put a pair of Ikon shocks on it to replace the blown-out Marzocchi shocks.  Is it possible that the step lever is bent?

I'll upload a photo later today.

Thanks in advance!
RJ

Online Bulldog9

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3582
  • Location: NY'r resettled in the Old Dominion
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2026, 01:13:39 PM »
Hi all,
I used the search function but couldn't find anything about this.  I have a new-to-me California II.  Amazing bike- it just feels right!  However, I'm having a problem with dragging the centerstand step lever (not sure what it is called) when I make sharp-ish lefts.  It looks like the stand is up as far as it can go.  I did just put a pair of Ikon shocks on it to replace the blown-out Marzocchi shocks.  Is it possible that the step lever is bent?

I'll upload a photo later today.

Thanks in advance!
RJ

WHen I've had this happen, I increased the preload on the rear shocks to raise the ride height. CHeck your rear shock preload and bump it up a notch or two.
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2007 GRiSO, 2012 Norge GT, 2016 Stornello #742, 2023 V85 TT
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 2004 Breva 750, 2008 1200 Sport
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Offline pehayes

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4806
    • Falcone Touring
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2026, 01:15:39 PM »
Is it possible that your replacement shocks are  shorter eye-to-eye than the stock dimension?  Ping the group to find someone with original shocks to measure that length.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 15150
  • Happily stuck in the past.
    • Antietam Classic Cycle
  • Location: Rohrersville, Maryland
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2026, 01:42:03 PM »
Is it possible that your replacement shocks are  shorter eye-to-eye than the stock dimension?  Ping the group to find someone with original shocks to measure that length.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Cal II shocks should be 13.25" eye-to-eye.
Charlie

Offline larrys

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1490
  • Location: SE CT
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2026, 02:11:03 PM »
Yes, the lever on the side of the stand could be bent.
Larry
'13 Monster 1100 EVO
'95 Cal 1100
'68 Bonneville

MGNOC 7248

Offline RJE_MD

  • New Egg
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • Location: DMV
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #5 on: August 19, 2026, 02:57:29 PM »
What a great group! Thank you all for the suggestions and information.  I'll check the eye-to-eye length and preload this evening. 

Offline guzzisteve

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 13017
  • "Just Ride It"
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2026, 03:59:07 PM »
You can just cut it short. It is only to deploy the stand not step on it. Cal 2 arm sticks way out like my EV. I use it even though my Cal 2 has a sidecar. I'm always banging my shin on it and on the EV not at all. At least you don't have a sharp cut on it, those are the worst. Cut it off, then you'll be grinding on the floorboard.
"Pray through Carlo & your bike shall be healed"
Location: Planet Earth

Offline RJE_MD

  • New Egg
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • Location: DMV
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2026, 06:29:35 PM »
Yes, the lever on the side of the stand could be bent.
Larry

Larry for the win!  I assumed the lever was an integral part of the steel centerstand so never considered I could actually bend it.  I pulled up on it and lo and behold it moved - lever is in a much better position.  I took it around some corners and didn't have any issues. 

I measured the eye-eye length on the shocks and it is right around 13 and 1/4 inches.  I will also look into adding some preload.

I have several other questions, but I assume that needs to be a new post?

One more thing- can't add photos.  Is that because I'm a newbie here?

Thanks all.  I hope to return the favor.




« Last Edit: August 19, 2026, 06:31:44 PM by RJE_MD »

Online Wayne Orwig

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 14134
    • Hog Mountain weather
  • Location: Hog Mountain
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #8 on: August 19, 2026, 08:08:22 PM »
Thought it was normal.






« Last Edit: August 19, 2026, 08:10:02 PM by Wayne Orwig »
Good judgement comes from experience.
And experience. That comes from poor judgement.

Offline RJE_MD

  • New Egg
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • Location: DMV
Re: Tonti dragging centerstand in left turns
« Reply #9 on: August 19, 2026, 08:32:38 PM »
Thought it was normal.







LOL!  Working my way up to that!


NEW WILDGUZZI PRODUCT - Moto Guzzi Door Mat
Receive donation credit with door mat purchase!
Advertise Here
 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here