Cali Stone fork swap with Cali EV adjustable a good upgrade?

[Steph]

My Cali Stone forks are pitted and now leaking. I can get either used Stone or Adjustable EV forks.
Couple of questions:
-are the EV forks a straight swap (I'm 99% sure they are)
-what are the adjustments on the EV like, do they work or are they there just there for gimmicks?

[Sheepdog]

The EV forks are the same as the units on my Vintage. They are nice for double front disc set-ups and they have adjustments for compression and rebound dampening. However, if your Stone has a single front disc you will have an extra set of caliper mounts. Also, the adjustment feature is great for when you first ready your bike for your use, but I only altered mine after changing fork springs...a ten year interval. The disassembly for oil/spring/seal change-outs is more complex on the EV forks, also. You may be better off with the original-type...

[Steph]

The EV forks are the same as the units on my Vintage. They are nice for double front disc set-ups and they have adjustments for compression and rebound dampening. However, if your Stone has a single front disc you will have an extra set of caliper mounts. Also, the adjustment feature is great for when you first ready your bike for your use, but I only altered mine after changing fork springs...a ten year interval. The disassembly for oil/spring/seal change-outs is more complex on the EV forks, also. You may be better off with the original-type...

I have added a second disc on my Stone, the mounts were already there. 
Just wondered how 'adjustable' these EV forks really were and if it was noticeable in the ride comparing max to min settings

[oldbike54]

 Guzzi did a good job getting the damping rates sorted on the Jackal/Stone series forks , plus as Sheepdog mentioned , they are simpler to rebuild .

 Here is a story from a few years ago . A friend owns an EV with those adjustable forks , and we spent days moving the dials around , finally settling back to the factory settings . He commented that after all of that fiddling , they work like my Jackal forks 

 Dusty

[Steph]

Guzzi did a good job getting the damping rates sorted on the Jackal/Stone series forks , plus as Sheepdog mentioned , they are simpler to rebuild .

 Here is a story from a few years ago . A friend owns an EV with those adjustable forks , and we spent days moving the dials around , finally settling back to the factory settings . He commented that after all of that fiddling , they work like my Jackal forks 

 Dusty

Thanks for that. Too bad, I was hoping to hear you'll get aCadillac ride ! :)

[Carlo DeSantis]

I remember messing a bit with the fork settings when my EV was new, but pretty soon just left it alone.  Whatever the settings were, I was always pleased with the ride an compliance of the forks.  I can't say whether they are better than the Jackel/Stone or not.

The shocks were a different matter, and a much bigger issue for most folks.

Best,

Carlo

[Kent in Upstate NY]

I added EV forks to my Cal Special. I cranked them up to max on comp and rebound and had a noticeable improvement. I also installed Hagon Nitros in the rear.

[Orange Guzzi]

I used Bassa forks on my Special Sport.  Used the stock lowers and the Bassa tubes and guts.  I really cannot tell a difference on the adjustment though.  I changed out the the fluid from heavy to light oil and it still does not seem to make a difference in rebound or compression adjustments. 

[yogidozer]

I recently changed the fork seals on my 99 EV. really no big deal. getting the seal out would be a PITA if you didn't have a seal pulling tool.
here's a helpful link. http://motogoose.com/tech-tips/ev11-fork-seal-replacement/

[pete roper]

I recently had a rather tired and well used EV through and it's forks were absolutely rooted. Swapped them over for a set of non-adjustables off a Titanium and the owner is as happy as Larry.

The EV, (A 2003 Hydro.) had I believe Bitubo inserts and to be honest I've never been enamoured with Bitubo stuff be it shocks or damper inserts.

As others have said the non-adjustable forks used in the 'Poverty Pack' models actually work pretty damn well within the limitations of what they are, they are easier to work on and have fewer bits to wear out or replace. In reality, what's not to like?

Pete

[Sheepdog]

Just wondered how 'adjustable' these EV forks really were and if it was noticeable in the ride comparing max to min settings

In order to feel a difference, you must put the dials about 5 clicks from max. It is a noticeable difference. It helped me dial in a great ride once I installed HyperPro fork springs...

[bigbikerrick]

I drilled/tapped the top caps on the non adjustable forks on my 03 aluminum, and put in schrader air valves. I can add a little air pressure, and adjust the ride pretty nicely for cheap. Between that ,and playing around with different fork oil weights, you can really dial it in for a nice ride.
I settled on 10wt Bel Ray fork oil.
Rick.

[PeteS]

Had a friend with an Aluminum. He put Racetech emulators in them for a Yamaha (bike????). It was night and day. Transformed the suspension. He is no longer with us but maybe a call to Racetech will help.

Pete

[rodekyll]

I thought my EV forks didn't seem to respond much to adjustments, but then I put them on the trike, which is 2x an EV's weight, though distributed about the same.  I find the shock adjustment to be quite noticeable on the heavier rig, especially during braking and when going over endless progressions of tar snakes.  Two clicks can really soothe the neck bones!

The big thing I learned is that if the rear shocks aren't right, there's not much you can do to improve the feel of the front ones, adjustable or not.

[Gusable]

Tiny bit off topic what should the EV fork knobs be set to default?  I think the rear shocks are at no.4

[yogidozer]

I thought my EV forks didn't seem to respond much to adjustments, but then I put them on the trike, which is 2x an EV's weight, though distributed about the same.  I find the shock adjustment to be quite noticeable on the heavier rig, especially during braking and when going over endless progressions of tar snakes.  Two clicks can really soothe the neck bones!

The big thing I learned is that if the rear shocks aren't right, there's not much you can do to improve the feel of the front ones, adjustable or not.

maybe you had too heavy oil in them? just because they come with 10w, doesn't mean you can't experiment. around here, roads are pretty rough, lighter oil seems to help.

[yogidozer]

Tiny bit off topic what should the EV fork knobs be set to default?  I think the rear shocks are at no.4

to me that's a personal thing. try midway point and go from there. rider's/passenger's weight, and road conditions will be different for everyone

[Sheepdog]

Tiny bit off topic what should the EV fork knobs be set to default?  I think the rear shocks are at no.4

I don't remember what the standard settings were, but they were set for a really soft ride (and got a little wallowy in sweepers). With the stock fork springs, my Vintage felt best at 7 clicks back from fully turned to the right on compression and 5 clicks back from full right on rebound. I was able to reduce dampening on both by 2 clicks when I installed the HyperPro springs. I weigh 225 lbs...

[geoff in almonte]

All of this is meaningless until you have the preload and sag set properly.

Do that and THEN mess with the damping.

G

[Guzzidad]

   I must have got a good set on my 01EV. The adjustments make a big difference which seem to be mostly affected by temperature. When the temp cools off I have to back them off and when it gets hot I have to turn them up. I do have a really good set of shocks on the rear, as someone else has mentioned. Makes a difference. Stock rear shocks didn't work well the front.

[John Ulrich]

. I was able to reduce dampening on both by 2 clicks when I installed the HyperPro springs. I weigh 225 lbs...

The best upgrade you will make...... HyperPro Springs.   

[Steph]

 To get back to the original question, after much consideration, I bought a used non-adjustable Cali Stone fork as replacement.
- should get it in a few days. Why changes something that ain't broken eh

[yogidozer]

To get back to the original question, after much consideration, I bought a used non-adjustable Cali Stone fork as replacement.
- should get it in a few days. Why changes something that ain't broken eh

yeah, you can always fine tune it with different weight oils if you feel the need.

[Sheepdog]

Also, if you need to increase the fork spring's rate, cut off about an inch of the springs and replace them with 1 1/4" of PVC pipe in the same diameter. It makes about a 10% difference...