Extended Length Shocks for V9 Roamer

[greer]

The factory shock measures 13.75 inches center to center of the eye bolts, best we can tell.  How about a set of shocks measuring in the neighborhood of 14.50" in an attempt to increase ground clearance a bit?  If you were to try such, which manufacturer would you choose?

Sarah

[Petrus Rocks]

My concern is how much angle is too much for the cardaman joint.  I have raised my shock length about 3/4" so far on my Cal II.

[greer]

Yes, that's our concern, too.  We're looking at the GTM 2S Twin Shocks with 20mm increased length, per Todd this will not cause an issue with the driveline on the Roamer.  We'd like a few more opinions and and hope to hear some past experiences if we could.  How did it go with your Cal II? 

Sarah

[MMRanch]

You might try the HD Shocks , off ebay before you invest big $$$ .   

[TalbotMatra]

Wilbers offers shock absorbers with raising:

https://www.wilbers-shop.de/Motorrad/Moto-Guzzi/V9-Bobber-V9-Roamer-LH/Federbein-Typ-630-TS-Road.html

Ciao
Lars

[Huzo]

One of the very early posts I made here involved me suggesting putting a big block Guzzi on the centrestand and running the bike in gear for a particular reason.
Before I knew who Pete was (so that’s how new I was) he posted a suggestion in no uncertain terms that this was not a recommended practice due to the magnified angle on the u joint and a couple of other factors.
Armed with this knowlege, I would seek his advice and follow it were it me..
Not only will you be working the joint through a larger angle as would have been my error, you are also loading it heavily..
The argument suggesting this is cruel, is now very clear and I would not do it.

[greer]

Thanks, everybody.  Yes, really hoping Pete chimes in.  Way back in the early discussion and speculation regarding the Roamer longer shocks were mentioned, that's what got us thinking.

MMRanch, cheaper would be better, at least as an experiment.  We don't know Harleys other than our experience with Sportsters.  Is there a particular model's suspension you would consider?  Thanks again.

Sarah   

[Petrus Rocks]

depending on how handy you are you can make shock extensions that bolt to the shock mount and the shock before buying shocks.

[MMRanch]

 greer

I've changed shocks length on my LS650 (belt drive) by asking the seller about eye to eye length.    Also noticed the belt gets tighter as the line from pulley to pulley grows , so I have to run the belt a little looser at the normal ridding position .   
That advice about "Leaving-it alone" might be a good idea on a shaft drive ??? 

How much spline engagement do you have to play with ?     

[Huzo]

This is starting to sound like what the Doctor said the day I was born.
“This is gunna’ get ugly...”

[Red]

I am just going to go with a pair of IKONs, it should do the trick inexpensively. If the 3.8 " travel is managed well, you could stay with the stock length. If you do raise the back, it will quicken the steering which is already quick on the Roamer.  Best of luck sorting it out!

[greer]

I'm mostly hoping to gain a little ground clearance, better handling would be a plus. Even one up, no luggage and me at 160 lbs ready to ride it grinds the pegs (feelers removed)  in curves that are really not that bad. We are headed out this week on a 6000 mi trip with the bike loaded for traveling so I'll have to be pretty cautious going onto curves. To me the steering doesn't feel that quick, not much different from our Sportster which shares the same tires.   Doug