Guzzi V9 Suspension - almost had a tank slapper

[RandomGRK]

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.

Now that you mention it, I'll check that today to be sure.

[guzzimatic]

I know this is kinda thread drift but something I have noticed in Illinois is the deterioration of road surface,especially the seams where two lanes meet.I find linear holes about 1-2 feet by 4-6 inches,perfect for a front tire to get caught in! That can ruin your day in a big way!

[Ncdan]

Yep, bust a tire in a heart thump and at speed it’s very difficult to remain upright when the front tire blows👍

[drbone641]

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.

This!!! I bought a Honda Nighthawk from a gentleman for $1200. Had 1500 miles on it. Sold it on Ebay for I think $3200. When I bought it, he said he "just couldn't control it anymore" and thought he had messed up the frame when he hit a pothole. I rode it and it felt like he was probably right. Got it home and he had less than 20 in both tires. Aired up and perfect.

[Cam3512]

This!!! I bought a Honda Nighthawk from a gentleman for $1200. Had 1500 miles on it. Sold it on Ebay for I think $3200. When I bought it, he said he "just couldn't control it anymore" and thought he had messed up the frame when he hit a pothole. I rode it and it felt like he was probably right. Got it home and he had less than 20 in both tires. Aired up and perfect.

Always said, you can't fix STUPID!

[Vagrant]

I bought a 90 mille Gt from a long defunct dealer loaded it into the truck and went home less than 10# in each and they thought I was driving it home.

[wallyging]

Just a suggestion ... affix zip ties snugly around each fork leg (the inner tube just above the seal), and the shaft of each shock absorber. Go for a ride. Now look where the zip ties are.

I'm 240 lbs and had a V7 II that rode harshly. The zip ties on the shocks were buried in the rubber bumpers at the bottom of the stroke, and the ties on the fork kegs were almost all the way to the top, indicating I was using all of the travel. Rather than the suspension being too firm, it was much too soft! It was way under damped, and with me on it the bike was sitting too low.

[drbone641]

So, did you ride it with proper inflation? Better?

[ampm7]

Sounds like low tire pressure with too much preload on the rear shocks. Sometimes on my Eldo the bumps (and there some terrible roads here in SoCal) are absolutely jarring but the bike does stay planted. My Softail was a lot more forgiving on the bumps but when going into turns you could get some head wobble and you would say 'whoa'. I had approx. 3/4" sag on the Eldo when measured but I put in only 1/2" or less on my 944's. I experimented a lot and the front end changes with the preload at zero and then I did 3/4 preload and came up with 3/8- 1/2 about 3 1/2 threads on the hand adjustable shocks. Next step is the front forks...

[kingoffleece]

Cheap shocks are typically under damped and over sprung.

[ff73148]

RandomGRK I own a 2017 V9 Bobber.  First of all the stock seat that came with the bike was a piece of crap. It looks good but hit a pot hole and you feel it. The stock suspension was sufficient but not great. This is a light 500 lb bike. I made the decision to invest in a complete suspension upgrade and I don’t regret it. It was a costly upgrade but it completely changed the bike‘s ride. Jim Hamlin installed K-Tech RazorIII rear shocks and the Tracker Fork Cartridge kit. I now have a 500 lb touring bike. I also bought a Corbin seat for comfort but I don’t think it’s necessary if you change the suspension. Consider it. The V9 Bobber is a great bike. Contact me if you want more information.