Guzzi V9 Suspension - almost had a tank slapper

[RandomGRK]

Hey all

Not even a hundred miles on my V9 Bobber so I havent had any real saddle time with her.

Right off the bat, riding in my neighborhood I hit some minor potholes but wowsers, felt like I was riding on zero suspension. I felt that through my spine and right into my rattled dome.

This Friday morning I was riding into Philly and I hit some bumpy parts on the bridge. It was rough and I had a minor tank slapper experience whcih scared the pants of me considering the road really wasn't that bad.

What on earth is up with the suspension of this bike? I've owned a Triumph Tiger, 2 Guzzi V7 Racers, a Street Triple, a Speed Triple and Honda Hornet and I have never felt anything as bad as this.

All the above being said, I never messed with any of bikes suspension from factory and they were fine for me. I have not touched this suspension either. Can the shocks be made to be less turdy? I'm 210lbs so maybe I'm too heavy?

See below pic. I have no idea what I should be looking for.




upload a photo

[guzzisteve]

I would inspect the light moving steering head bearings. All new Guzzis seem to be on the light side, just no play. Make sure they have grease not just a smear.
The front end and shocks are usually low budget on a Guzzi, there are kits for forks & better shocks out there for sale.

[RandomGRK]

My Guzzi mechanic checked the front. He said it feels as it should. Its going in to him once this Coronavirus passes over because I want him to help me with some non related stuff but he can have a closer look at your suggestions. THanks

[kingoffleece]

The V9 is not that lame out of the factory.  Check everything.  Start with tire pressure and work all the obvious easy items.
I've ridden several and while I am one of the first to recommend upgraded suspension I've never ridden a new small block that even lived in the same zip code as dangerous.

And not for nothing, but did they even road test the bike prior to delivery, and if so, who, and for how long over which roads?

[malik]

Suspension is something most of us tend not to concern ourselves with, especially if we are around median weight. At least until it bites us where it hurts. You've an incentive now. And your test track. There's plenty of books on the subject, & probably more on the interweb than you can poke a stick at. Keep browsing until you find a couple of sources that "speak your language". As Steve says, ensure your head bearings are good, tyre pressures correct, handlebars tight, wheels run free. Learn about sag, play around with your settings, ride your test track & see what the differences are. Refresh your fork oil - my Racetech expert maintains fork oils start going off in six months - it's amazing how well the back end tends to behave with new oil in front, all for a litre of oil and a couple of hours effort. Better to find out what you can do with what you've got, before splashing out for new bits; that can get expensive.

[RandomGRK]

The V9 is not that lame out of the factory.  Check everything.  Start with tire pressure and work all the obvious easy items.
I've ridden several and while I am one of the first to recommend upgraded suspension I've never ridden a new small block that even lived in the same zip code as dangerous.

And not for nothing, but did they even road test the bike prior to delivery, and if so, who, and for how long over which roads?

They put 3 miles on the bike to road test it. It felt fine when I test rode before purchase but the roads out by the dealerr are pretty smooth so I assume it felt fine to them. Once I got it into the city it was jarring.

Thanks for the feedback. The idea is that this bike is my errand/commuter bike for the streets of Philly. Streets can be poor so I want it to be a little more plush.

[LowRyter]

When you said the bike has 100 miles on it, does that mean you bought it new?  Or did you mean that you bought it used and put on 100 miles?

Either way, if you purchased from a dealer, I would have them assist you setting the sag while sitting on the bike strapped and chocked.  A bike shouldn't ride like it has no suspension.  It sounds like it's too stiff.   If that doesn't improve the ride with adjusters, then it might need an upgrade or different springs.

[bad Chad]

What your describing is almost certainly not what a tank slapper is, but I get that it may have caused the bike to jump and beat you up.

In my opinion, the rear shocks on v9s are way to unforgiving, I'v ridden two with stock shocks and they were killer on anything but the smallest bumps/potholes.  I then rode one with Ikon shocks, and the difference was night and day.

[Perazzimx14]

Fixing the shocks is only 1/2 the problem. The archaic damper rods fork most certainly need attention as well. Springs weighted to you and you riding style along with new fork oil and some sort of fork internals like Riccor Intminators or Gold valves to add some 1/2 assed valving will go a long way to making them at least latter 20th century. The shock are easy. Just dial up Ohlins and break out your wallet. 


 

[RandomGRK]

When you said the bike has 100 miles on it, does that mean you bought it new?  Or did you mean that you bought it used and put on 100 miles?

Either way, if you purchased from a dealer, I would have them assist you setting the sag while sitting on the bike strapped and chocked.  A bike shouldn't ride like it has no suspension.  It sounds like it's too stiff.   If that doesn't improve the ride with adjusters, then it might need an upgrade or different springs.

I purchased it brand new and the dealer delivered it. I might take a ride to them in a few weeks when we are allowed to move freely.

One thing I just noticed, they delivered it with the very low pressure in the tires. I should never trust a dealer when it comes to this and shame on me for not double checking.

I'll pump them up and check if it changes at all. Raining right now.

[RandomGRK]

What your describing is almost certainly not what a tank slapper is, but I get that it may have caused the bike to jump and beat you up.

In my opinion, the rear shocks on v9s are way to unforgiving, I'v ridden two with stock shocks and they were killer on anything but the smallest bumps/potholes.  I then rode one with Ikon shocks, and the difference was night and day.

Maybe it wasn't a tank slapper but the handlebars definitely developed a mind of their own momentarily. Scary stuff. Which Ikon shocks were they if you can recall?

I can get Ohlins S36PL from Europe for about $750 or look local for Ikons 7610 and save myself some money.
https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=80534&sku=MG76101684&description=Ikon+Rear+Shock+Pair+for+V9%27s

Not really sure what I need or if the Ohlins are far superior/overkill for my needs.

[Kev m]

Where'd you pic it up, Wide World WC or?!?

Funny I saw a V9 on 202 heading south towards Delaware a month or so ago and was pleasantly surprised, remembering that dealer was close by.

Anyway, the only time I've had any sort of steering head wiggle o on a Guzzi was my Tonti Cali (Jackal), but only when it had slightly shorter rear shocks and something heavy in the topcase. But then it was regular anytime I chopped the throttle and eased on the grips.

I would second the recommendation to check/set the sag and go from there.

[alanp]

One thing I just noticed, they delivered it with the very low pressure in the tires. I should never trust a dealer when it comes to this and shame on me for not double checking.

I wouldn't worry about anything else until you ride the bike a few more times with the proper pressure.  I haven't heard of anyone having a tank slapper sort of issue with the V7's or V9's. 

[MotoG5]

Got my Bobber last fall. Have a bit over 1k on it. I dont think there is anything wrong with your bike. I am at about your weight and out of the box found the suspension to be VERY stiff. Big bumps and large potholes feel like a solid shot to the posterior. Set the shocks to the softest setting (just like yours in the pic) and it helped but still very unforgiving. The stock thin hard saddle dosen't help either. As you have already been advised the true fix is a new set of shocks if you can't live with the stock units. As for me I went to a different saddle and have found I can live with the stock set up. I am not motivated to spend the money for aftermarket units as they are a pretty expensive. But that's just me.
As for your tank slapper feeling, when I hit several bumps/pots in a row I experience what I would call a head shake. Disconcerting for sure but not to me a real danger. Got used to it and either avoid this situation or expect it when it happens and compensate. Not an issue for me or I would have replaced the shocks by now.

[kballowe]

One thing I just noticed, they delivered it with the very low pressure in the tires. I should never trust a dealer when it comes to this and shame on me for not double checking.

I think that every motorcycle that I have purchased new - had low tire pressure upon delivery.
You'd think that they could at least air up the tires, but you'd be wrong.

[Ncdan]

If you had a tank slapper and you have pretty much described one, in my opinion, I would haul it or ride it very cautiously to a professional motorcycle mechanic, preferably Moto Guzzi mechanic, and ask them to diagnose what happened. This is not something you need to be experimenting with yourself unless you are a professional rider or Qualified motorcycle mechanic. This type of equipment failure is nothing to be self diagnosing or Messing around with, it can kill you! Good luck with the bike.

[LowRyter]

I rode Don's V7 Carbon (local shop) with pipes and found it was dialed in. The suspension was pretty good, actually better riding than the V85.   Not ridden the V9 but it looks pretty close.  Don and I are both north 200lb.

[mtiberio]

Hate to say it, but doesn't the bobber have the big fat front tire. That could easily be the cause of tank slapping type behavior. Perhaps you should look for a roamer front wheel and fender.

[Bulldog9]

Maybe it wasn't a tank slapper but the handlebars definitely developed a mind of their own momentarily. Scary stuff. Which Ikon shocks were they if you can recall?

I can get Ohlins S36PL from Europe for about $750 or look local for Ikons 7610 and save myself some money.
https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=80534&sku=MG76101684&description=Ikon+Rear+Shock+Pair+for+V9%27s

Not really sure what I need or if the Ohlins are far superior/overkill for my needs.

Hagons are also a good option, they will custom spring the shock for your weight. http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/HagShocks.htm

I bought the Type B Trail/Offroad shock at 420MM. Very happy with them.  Also added KTECH front fork springs while retaining the stock oil and valving, though I did level the fluid, left fork had about 1" more oil than right. I just syphoned the difference and balanced them.

I would try to set the sag on your rear shocks first.

[joe-dean]

on my 2018 Milano the suspension was stiff as you describe, I read on a forum the rear was calibrated for a 300 lb. rider
I weigh 230 lbs. I backed off the bottom lock rings about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch which made a big difference.

also make sure your tire pressure is correct front & rear with a gauge not eyeballing it

[Vagrant]

on my 2018 Milano the suspension was stiff as you describe, I read on a forum the rear was calibrated for a 300 lb. rider
I weigh 230 lbs. I backed off the bottom lock rings about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch which made a big difference.

also make sure your tire pressure is correct front & rear with a gauge not eyeballing it

this! from your pic they are cranked way up. my 15 V7 was delivered the same way (I'm 235#) and damn near threw me off the bike. that also screws up the front end. crank them down to 1/4" threads showing or less and I bet it works much better. also it will take about 2000 mile to settle in.

[bad Chad]

The big fat front tire is not a factor.  There are a lot of bobbers out and about, and have never heard a complaint about handling that wasn't found to be related to overly stiff shocks.   The 7610s are the way to go if you want a far superior shock in every way, and still keep your investment under $500.  There are better shocks, but you start talking much bigger bucks.

[Cam3512]

Go see Roland at Spare Parts (6th and Vine)  He's a very competent mechanic, but not necessarily current on the newer stuff.  They haven't been a dealer for a very long time. 

[RandomGRK]

Where'd you pic it up, Wide World WC or?!?

Yes, it was Wide World. Nice guys but a little ticked off that they deliver a bike with basically flat tires.

[RandomGRK]

Go see Roland at Spare Parts (6th and Vine)  He's a very competent mechanic, but not necessarily current on the newer stuff.  They haven't been a dealer for a very long time.

I know Roland. He's a good guy and I've used him for previous bikes but he didnt have much advice on suspension. He did mention that Ikon is what he would use.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

1 - first thing I will do is get the tire pressure right.
2 - if it is still horrible I'll figure out how to adjust sag. I hear its a two man job so I will have to get someone to help me.
3 - If it is still not to my liking, I'll spring for IKONs. At $350, they might just be a great upgrade. I'm not looking for magic, just a compliant ride for Philly roads.
 

[Kev m]

I know Roland. He's a good guy and I've used him for previous bikes but his advice on suspension seemed a little light. I have no doubt he can get any engine running but he did mention that Ikon is what he would use.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

1 - first thing I will do is get the tire pressure right.
2 - if it is still horrible I'll figure out how to adjust sag. I hear its a two man job so I will have to get someone to help me.
3 - If it is still not to my liking, I'll spring for IKONs. At $350, they might just be a great upgrade. I'm not looking for magic, just a compliant ride for Philly roads.

Sounds like a man with a plan!


If you want/need any help isolating Cam and I live in opposite sides of a 100,000 acres forest surrounded by other forests. You can always pop out for a ride, or after this crap is over a beer.

Ride safe man!

[brider]

Hate to say it, but doesn't the bobber have the big fat front tire. That could easily be the cause of tank slapping type behavior.

You'd have to assume that the bike was designed/dialed-in at the factory with that fat front tire, but I was running what every one on this sight regarded as a too-fat front tire even though that's what the factory manual specified, and I experienced steering anomalies in sweeping corners that mimicked the beginnings of a tank-slapper. Changed to a smaller front tire and the phenomenon disappeared completely.

That was on corners, though. Your problem sounds to me like over-damped rear shocks; they're "packing up" on series of closely-spaced minor bumps that you wouldn't sense on smooth test-ride-type pavement.

Are they damping-adjustable?

[RandomGRK]

Sounds like a man with a plan!


If you want/need any help isolating Cam and I live in opposite sides of a 100,000 acres forest surrounded by other forests. You can always pop out for a ride, or after this crap is over a beer.

Ride safe man!

Kev, I’ll definitely take you up on that offer when all this madness is done with.

[Kev m]

Kev, I’ll definitely take you up on that offer when all this madness is done with.

Sounds good man!

Stay safe till then.

The Jersey guys are pretty good.

We've tossed a few bottles back at some campgrounds.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Yes, it was Wide World. Nice guys but a little ticked off that they deliver a bike with basically flat tires.

So they forgot to check the tires, I'd much sooner have them check the oil.
I forget to check my tires all the time.