V7III Handling

[usedtobefast]

I put Conti Road Attack 3's on my Racer at around the 3,000 mile mark (stock tires were worn to tread wear indicators). 

I had heard of all the transformation the Conti tires make, did not really believe it, but oh my, it is true!  So then I felt dumb for waiting 3000 miles to do it.  Looking back, I would have asked the dealer to put them on before I picked it up.  Why waste 3000 miles with the stock tires.  Swap them out as soon as you can! 

[bikensail]

I raised the fork tubes 12 mm as suggested and it did improve the front end feel. However I had to raise the front of the bike back up because of ground clearance. I find that the side stand touches down too early and this made it worse. What I gave up in lean angle was not worth it.  I also have to run the preload in the shocks at higher than ideal for my weight to minimize this.  BTW I measured the sag in the forks to be right on for my 190 lbs with all gear and tool kit, etc.

[Muzz]

Well I liked what you guys had to say and bought a 2018 Milano. I am loving it. Thanks.

Well done.  Enjoy your new ride.

I was about to comment that your comments did not compute either.

I don't know what tires you have on it.  I will say my Breva (bought from new 2003) came with the Demons, and other than the rear wearing out quickly I thought for an OEM they could have been worse.  I was given a loaner Breva to ride while the  shop did a warranty on it; this was fitted with Bridgestone BT45s, and I HATED how the front felt, or in actuality, how it didn't feel.  Due to running out of tire in godforsaken places, I now have a Metzeler Roadtec on the front and a Metzeler MZ2 steel belted radial on the rear, and I must say the bike feels much more planted than it did with the Sport Demons.  Cornering is neutral and it is a barrel of laughs in the twisties.

[bikensail]

As the OP of this thread I thought I should close out by saying that I followed suggestions and threw away the Demons and put RA3's on.  I agree with everyone who said that the difference is astounding. The handling is better but the main change is that the tires absorb the roughness in the road so much better. The bias Demons are like wood compared to the radial RA3's.

The bike enters corners easily and follows through neutrally. Really enjoyable. The side stand is the limiting factor.   

I was convinced that I had to upgrade the suspension or sell the bike, and now it is fine.  I will still upgrade to get a stiffer but more compliant ride but it isn't absolutely necessary.   

[Dimitri_Harkov]

Thank you for the feedback!

I'll have to look into a new pair of tyres too...

Cheers,
D.

[egschade]

Glad you're happy with the new tires. I changed to Pirellis shortly after buying the bike.

The correct spring rate is also a biggie. At 200lbs I found the springs too soft and I'd blow through the travel. .95 Kg springs in the front and taller/stiffer Hagon shocks on the back made a big difference. Being 40mm longer than OEM also helps the ride height and sharpened the steering too.

[Rich A]

V7III handling will also benefit from some better shocks and upgrades to the forks.

Rich A

[kingoffleece]

Oh yea.  Hamlin had that DIALED in big time.  He really knows his stuff on those bikes.

[Roebling3]

A follow up: Besides pulling the tubes up I had K-Tech frt. suspension added b4 delivery.
Pirelli demons stick like snot and do well on crumbly and/or wet pavement.

My only problem with that bike is weight - the bikes'! It's obvious that I have aged out of bikes weighing very near 500#.

 4 sale. '17 Racer, w/out looking like a racer. Brembo Radial mc and 4 pot radial caliper. 7800 miles.  Further details and pictures?  PM through WG.

   R3~