Thanks to Leafman: Griso swingarm service

[guzziownr]

This is a thank you note to Leafman who has posted several detailed Stelvio how-tos on different topics.  I used this link...

 http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=66579.msg1021807#msg1021807

...which shows how to disassemble and inspect a CARC Guzzi.  Not exactly the same on the Griso but a CARC is a CARC and it was a big help.  Thanks to David for taking the time to document this for posterity.

While I had everything apart I put in a Stelvio shock.  It fits very neatly in the Griso and provides a heavier spring and longer stroke while raising the rear of the bike slightly.  The shock protector/mudflap is inspired by another list member, Pauldaytona.

[lucian]

Nice looking griso, be carefull as that stelvio shock will likely make it more , well, adventurous.

[Lannis]

Nice looking griso, be carefull as that stelvio shock will likely make it more , well, adventurous.

Two things I was thinking when I read this ...

1) I'm also appreciative of the leafman60 photo-travelogue through the wilds of the CARC swingarm bearing access; I'll actually do this work this winter in preparation for a cross-country trip next year; at 40K miles, it's about time, probably.

2) My stock original Stelvio shock was completely sacked out after about 15,000 miles.    So were the rear shocks of several other '09 owners that we knew.   Maybe we were just being very hard on them, but I started to get the impression that the stockers weren't very good, and I replaced mine with a custom-length (shorter) Penske from RacerX.   I hope this original holds up well!

Lannis

[Wayne Orwig]

I started to get the impression that the stockers weren't very good,

My stock shock was fine, just that the spring was too weak. Traxxion Dynamics installed a new spring and re-valved the shock for it, and it is great. Much less $$$ than an entire replacement.

[guzziownr]

The Stelvio shock was recommended by yet another list member Udizit.  He has nice things to say about the build (and rebuild) quality of the Sachs stuff. I got mine for (Guzzi content) $75 with shipping from Pinwall.

If you look at the Griso and Stelvio shocks side by side pic you can see the crushed bump stop on the Griso item.  N.E. roads will do that.  It's not all a Fall fairy tale of Autumn leaves and cinnamon in your cider.

[Lannis]

My stock shock was fine, just that the spring was too weak. Traxxion Dynamics installed a new spring and re-valved the shock for it, and it is great. Much less $$$ than an entire replacement.

I probably should have tried that first ... but the Penske shock at about $800 all in has worked well for us two-up, so I won't regret it too much.

Lannis

[Lannis]

The Stelvio shock was recommended by yet another list member Udizit.  He has nice things to say about the build (and rebuild) quality of the Sachs stuff. I got mine for (Guzzi content) $75 with shipping from Pinwall.

If you look at the Griso and Stelvio shocks side by side pic you can see the crushed bump stop on the Griso item.  N.E. roads will do that.  It's not all a Fall fairy tale of Autumn leaves and cinnamon in your cider.

Sounds like a good deal!

Most of our riding to, from, and around the National in New Hampshire last month was on lovely cinammon-cider roads, but there were a few that looked and felt like Colombian Camino del Muerte roads.   To their credit, there was a lot of resurfacing going on too ....

Lannis

[leafman60]

Thanks for your kind words.  I'm glad my little contributions can help and serve to pay back the many beneficial aids others have provided me.