forks too soft on Cali vintage

[lazlokovacs]

Ok, a massively modified cal vintage that is... 17 inch front wheel and clip-ons and quite a bit of weight taken off it in various places!

Got the marzocci forks on maximum damping settings but forks are just too soft, -a good shove on the bars at rest goes down-up-down-up, and I'm getting some wallowing in corners.

Do you guys think a thicker oil will fix it? Or do I need to get some fancy springs etc

[guzzisteve]

They are same as EV forks and I think there is the large nut on top for springs. Maybe not any spring adj, couldn't find a reference to it.
Mine's not here to look.
I think Todd over on GT has a set up .

[Tkelly]

Shocks are shot.

[aklawok]

 I recently posted about same thing with my Calvin. Was also thinking of a heavier oil but got no response from the brain trust here. Also looking for disassembly advice, have not found info specific to the adjustable forks.

[guzzisteve]

I guess no one uses a service manual anymore in a utube world. You would be surprised at the info in one, same as a late EV.
The braintrust is gone to analog.

Good stuff cost $$ & 15W does wonders

https://gtmotocycles.com/products/california-1100-s-fork-kit

At least I answered, cause I don't belong to any click and everyone deserves an answer even W/O social medea

[lazlokovacs]

thanks again steve 15w is in my future, took her out for a more spirited test today and the forks really aren't that bad but I'd like em a bit firmer

[Indypikes]

Before I sold my 07' Cal Vin back in 2013 I had purchased a set of aftermarket fork springs and the recommended heavier fork oil. It's been my experience, on other bikes at least, that going to a heavier fork oil only did not provide much improvement. I ended up selling the bike before I got the new springs installed and included them with the deal. I don't remember the brand on the springs but if I remember correctly they were not terribly over-priced. If upgraded springs provide as much improvement as the upgraded, aftermarket rear shocks that I did get installed, I believe that you will be really happy. Good luck and please let us know the outcome.

[kingoffleece]

Gold valve kit, perhaps?

[aklawok]

Out of my own curiosity and to keep the thread going, does anyone know how many other models besides the Calvin came with this type of adjustable forks? Not having an actual shop manual for this particular unit and  what I suspect low numbers of them made, makes me hesitant to tear into it. Don't get me wrong, the shocks work ok, but for my conditions and weight they can be better, if not for the adjuster ( I don't want to ruin) I would definitely get the spring kit, an which is available. And just throw it in.

[rocker59]

Out of my own curiosity and to keep the thread going, does anyone know how many other models besides the Calvin came with this type of adjustable forks? Not having an actual shop manual for this particular unit and  what I suspect low numbers of them made, makes me hesitant to tear into it. Don't get me wrong, the shocks work ok, but for my conditions and weight they can be better, if not for the adjuster ( I don't want to ruin) I would definitely get the spring kit, an which is available. And just throw it in.

98-up EV and EV Touring, 99-02 Bassa and Special all had the adjustable 45mm Marzocchi fork with separate compression and rebound adjustment.