My V7III Stone S, with modifications

[agdrache]

I like the fact that this Matris kit adds externally-adjustable spring preload, but it doesn't seem to offer any improvement in damping like we see with the Racetech option.  For that, you need to go to the full cartridge kit:

https://gtmotocycles.com/collections/suspension/products/matris-v7-f15k-full-cartridge-kit

Another option is the Andreani kit, which is less-costly, but it appears that some machining is needed to install it, which likely puts them in the same ballpark.

https://www.af1racing.com/Andreani-Group-Fork-Cartridge-Kit-for-V7s

I'm still thinking about which way to go, and will likely wait to see how my wife does with riding next season.

Cheers,
Shaun

I've been wondering about this as well, but I noticed recently that the basic Matris kits do come with a piece that's supposed to change the damping characteristics, but not in an adjustable way. I've done RaceTech springs and heavier oil, and today I'm putting on new tires....there's definitely been an improvement over stock with just doing the springs and oil in the front, but I'm curious what impact the damping piece in the Matris kit actually has.

[twowheeladdict]

I like the red springs!    Would you be able to give us some feedback on how your your suspension upgrades are working for you?  Did you need to change springs, as well?

Thanks,
Shaun

My thoughts on the stock suspension are that if you are a casual rider who rides at the speed limit and follows all the yellow speed warning signs in the curves, as well as are able to adjust the static sag for your weight rating then the stock suspension is fine.

For me, the bike would wallow some in the curves and was too softly sprung for my weight and the type of roads I find myself on.

Along with the adjustable rebound and compression that the cartridges provide I also went with new springs for my weight and upgraded bushings and seals.

On the rear I went with preload and rebound damping only because I didn't want the piggyback reservoir on this bike. 

The improvements for me are a more planted ride as well as better handling of square hits and bumps. 

Because of the limited suspension travel the bike will still feel like it dropping out from under you for larger depressions in the road which really makes you feel the weight of the bike, but at least it doesn't bottom out when recovering from that depression. 

If my goal was to ride "All Roads" I would see if I could get the suspension travel increased another inch front and back without major upgrades. 

[twowheeladdict]

oh dear... what made it a 'Sport' then?

I must be thinking of the V9 'Bobber Sport'

Yep.  Stone S, Bobber Sport.  I don't think it says anywhere that the S stands for Sport.

I was very tempted by the Bobber Sport once I sat on it and realized it is a standard riding position and not a stretched out cruiser riding position. 

[Kev m]

oh dear... what made it a 'Sport' then?

I must be thinking of the V9 'Bobber Sport'

Yeah, the BS came with Ohlins piggyback reservoir shocks.

Did one of the V7 Racers get them too at one point?

[twowheeladdict]

Yeah, the BS came with Ohlins piggyback reservoir shocks.

Did one of the V7 Racers get them too at one point?

Yes, the V7III Racers came with Ohlins piggyback reservoir shocks.  Except for the anniversary special.  They put other parts on that made it about the same value as putting the shocks on. 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Yeah, the BS came with Ohlins piggyback reservoir shocks.

Did one of the V7 Racers get them too at one point?

yeah that weird looking white racer with the red stripes on the tank... last V7III before the 850/E5 model

[smdl]

My thoughts on the stock suspension are that if you are a casual rider who rides at the speed limit and follows all the yellow speed warning signs in the curves, as well as are able to adjust the static sag for your weight rating then the stock suspension is fine.

For me, the bike would wallow some in the curves and was too softly sprung for my weight and the type of roads I find myself on.

Along with the adjustable rebound and compression that the cartridges provide I also went with new springs for my weight and upgraded bushings and seals.

On the rear I went with preload and rebound damping only because I didn't want the piggyback reservoir on this bike. 

The improvements for me are a more planted ride as well as better handling of square hits and bumps. 

Because of the limited suspension travel the bike will still feel like it dropping out from under you for larger depressions in the road which really makes you feel the weight of the bike, but at least it doesn't bottom out when recovering from that depression. 

If my goal was to ride "All Roads" I would see if I could get the suspension travel increased another inch front and back without major upgrades.

Thanks for the feedback!  I've heard that sliding the forks up in the triple trees by 15mm really improves the handling of these bikes, and I would imagine that raising the rear instead would have the same effect, thereby serving two purposes (additional rear travel and better turn-in).  That said, with my wife's short inseam, we might not have that option.

Cheers,
Shaun

[Socalrob]

I like the fact that this Matris kit adds externally-adjustable spring preload, but it doesn't seem to offer any improvement in damping like we see with the Racetech option.  For that, you need to go to the full cartridge kit:

https://gtmotocycles.com/collections/suspension/products/matris-v7-f15k-full-cartridge-kit

Another option is the Andreani kit, which is less-costly, but it appears that some machining is needed to install it, which likely puts them in the same ballpark.

https://www.af1racing.com/Andreani-Group-Fork-Cartridge-Kit-for-V7s

I'm still thinking about which way to go, and will likely wait to see how my wife does with riding next season.

Cheers,
Shaun

I put the full Matris adjustable fork kit  (F15) on mine, along with the fully adjustable piggy back Matris shocks on the rear.  Spendy, but worth it to me. 

The OP’s bike looks great.  Is that a stock headlight?  I would like an LED headlight for mine.

[Kev m]

I have full cartridges on my V7III from Traxxion Dynamics in GA, and Bitubo shocks on the rear because I wanted the red springs.

The more I look at that, the more I like that little screen. If I might inquire, what brand/model it is?

[twowheeladdict]

The more I look at that, the more I like that little screen. If I might inquire, what brand/model it is?

Moto Guzzi Screen acquired from Cadre on sale. 

This looks like it might be it.  Can't tell if it is glossy like mine or dull finish.

https://www.af1racing.com/oem-moto-guzzi-cafe-fairing-unpainted-led-type-af1-2b006726

[Roebling3]

My '17 V7 III R got a K-Tech fully adjustable frt fork be4 I took delivery. It works well w/the Ohlins rear shocks. Very easy to set up.  R3~

[majstevetrevor]

And here's a link to a very short clip of the bike.  Not much to see or hear, but since I made my daughter film me I figured I ought to do something with it...

https://youtu.be/NYmKIKPours

[smdl]

And here's a link to a very short clip of the bike.  Not much to see or hear, but since I made my daughter film me I figured I ought to do something with it...

https://youtu.be/NYmKIKPours

Nice bike, and your daughter did a great job!  👍

Cheers,
Shaun

[majstevetrevor]

Nice bike, and your daughter did a great job!  👍

Cheers,
Shaun

Thanks!

[9fingers]

Bike looks fantastic! I did 10mm longer rear shocks on mine, Hagon Nitro, and that extra length, plus the stiffer spring for a 215lb guy, means the back end is up a bit more than 10mm, and the handling improvement is immediately noticeable.  Plus my tire stays on the ground and my ass on the seat. Oh, and changing to a Conti Road Attack 3 also helped a lot. And I went Outex tubeless, but apparently buggered it as I am now losing 5lbs per day.
Scott