Author Topic: test drove a red 2015 today (Read 18995 times)

rocker59 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:09:58 PM »

Quote from: tiger_one on May 13, 2015, 04:53:50 PM

I wish Moto Guzzi would specify the suspension travel at both ends on these bikes. The next to no travel on the Griso is what finished it off for me. There was no way I could modify it either, due to the design of the swingarm and the mono-shock placement.

The Cali14 and family however have shocks on the sides of swingarm, so should be more potential travel.

Um. I think you have that backwards. Usually monoshock suspensions have more travel.

Griso rear wheel travel is 110 mm / 4.4-inches. Stelvio is 155 mm / 6.10 in., so some parts exchange could make a difference for you on the Griso.

California 1400 Custom rear suspension travel is listed as: 4.3 in - 110 mm.

tiger_one · « **Reply #31 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:18:34 PM »

The Griso was very restricted even after RT rebuild of OEM shock, did make it better tho. Guess I'm just spoiled from the big ADV bikes, and the 4.4 or so inches of travel on the rear seems very limited.

My last cruiser was like, 2007 (99 FXDX), probably not much travel on that bike either, and I don't seem to remember it caused a problem.

I'm not so sure the Stelvio has that much travel without actually testing on a lift without the shock, but pretty sure the Griso cannot be made to have more. If the swingarms are the same, then I agree, parts from the Stelvio, either linkage or shock could make a difference. (I was involved with the linkage recall, and think they both had the same part, which to me appeared the only one that would fit in that tight space).

Anyway, the suspension travel is a pet peave of mine with all bikes. Guess I am rebelling already on thinking of what I must give up to move to a Cali14 or compatible, Indian. No HD for me tho, knock on wood.

Kev m · « **Reply #32 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:54:08 PM »

Fwiw, remember wheelbase has an effect on the perception (harshness) of suspension travel.

kern16 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:28:05 PM »

Quote from: smartin108 on May 13, 2015, 07:50:24 AM

I am surprised to see the Eldo is only in black. The show version was red and looked so good it is my screen saver. To me it is much better looking in red. YMMV

I was thinking the very same thing? Love black but the RED really makes the bike shout........"Ride Me!"

tiger_one · « **Reply #34 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:52:02 PM »

Quote from: Kev m on May 13, 2015, 05:54:08 PM

Fwiw, remember wheelbase has an effect on the perception (harshness) of suspension travel.

Yep, I'm trying not to notice the longer wheelbases and relaxed rakes on this category of bikes compared to well, what I have become used to.

PICKLEKOOKEN · « **Reply #35 on:** May 13, 2015, 07:05:11 PM »

The bags look great but the exhaust takes up a lot of space, can you even put a full face in it?

rocker59 · « **Reply #36 on:** May 13, 2015, 08:09:42 PM »

Quote from: tiger_one on May 13, 2015, 05:18:34 PM

The Griso was very restricted even after RT rebuild of OEM shock, did make it better tho. Guess I'm just spoiled from the big ADV bikes, and the 4.4 or so inches of travel on the rear seems very limited.

My last cruiser was like, 2007 (99 FXDX), probably not much travel on that bike either, and I don't seem to remember it caused a problem.

I'm not so sure the Stelvio has that much travel without actually testing on a lift without the shock, but pretty sure the Griso cannot be made to have more. If the swingarms are the same, then I agree, parts from the Stelvio, either linkage or shock could make a difference. (I was involved with the linkage recall, and think they both had the same part, which to me appeared the only one that would fit in that tight space).

Anyway, the suspension travel is a pet peave of mine with all bikes. Guess I am rebelling already on thinking of what I must give up to move to a Cali14 or compatible, Indian. No HD for me tho, knock on wood.

FWIW, the Guzzi dealer in Fort Collins Colorado uses Griso parts to lower Stelvios for shorter customers...

I'm sure it could go the other direction...

tiger_one · « **Reply #37 on:** May 14, 2015, 07:09:08 AM »

I see, thanks for that info. The lack of ABS plus the ergos is what probably forced me to sell. Well that and I can not fill my garage with bikes, something has to go when I move to another bike.

But after the change in fuel map plus some better ones from the guys in Australia, I did enjoy the motor. Wished I could use guzzidiag on all my bikes!

If I could keep the 1190, getting something else would be much easier, but with Jean yearning for a bike now, sorta complicates things.

May rent an Indian, and demo the Cali14. Trying not to rush into a change here. :beat_horse

Murray · « **Reply #38 on:** May 14, 2015, 07:29:34 PM »

Quote from: Kev m on May 13, 2015, 05:54:00 AM

I think some people just set the suspension bar way high. I've ridden the current RK, along with the Cali, Indian, and equivalent Vic offerings and the suspensions were all frickin magic carpet rides compared to a lot of motorcycles.

If you've had a fiddle around with almost any of the high performance suspension from the sports bike side of things or even ridden the results of a decent setup from your local specialist. The expectation is high because we know what can be done. If you are paying top dollar for a product expecting it to be good or at least be able to adjusted to good from the get go is not unreasonable IMO.

Kev m · « **Reply #39 on:** May 14, 2015, 07:54:43 PM »

Quote from: Murray on May 14, 2015, 07:29:34 PM

If you've had a fiddle around with almost any of the high performance suspension from the sports bike side of things or even ridden the results of a decent setup from your local specialist. The expectation is high because we know what can be done. If you are paying top dollar for a product expecting it to be good or at least be able to adjusted to good from the get go is not unreasonable IMO.

Actually, I have ridden plenty and know what it is possible.

I think the difference comes down to riding style. You push anything far enough and you find fault with the suspension.

You ride it within the limits of the chassis and you may find the suspension (even stock) at least adequate.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #40 on:** May 14, 2015, 10:36:11 PM »

I didn't need to push my V7 50 feet to know the stock shocks were horrible.

Kev m · « **Reply #41 on:** May 15, 2015, 03:02:34 AM »

Quote from: kingoffleece on May 14, 2015, 10:36:11 PM

I didn't need to push my V7 50 feet to know the stock shocks were horrible.

And they were "adequate" for me. I only replaced them because a decent used set became available along with a seat I also wanted.

You CAN generally improve upon anything OEM. But the "need" to varies with perception and desire.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #42 on:** May 15, 2015, 05:17:30 AM »

Agreed. However, for many (as it will depend on rider weight) the stock set-up will launch them right off the seat in way too many situations. This is unacceptable.

Two I rode would sent me for air at 40mph.

Kev m · « **Reply #43 on:** May 15, 2015, 05:26:32 AM »

Quote from: kingoffleece on May 15, 2015, 05:17:30 AM

Agreed. However, for many (as it will depend on rider weight) the stock set-up will launch them right off the seat in way too many situations. This is unacceptable.

Two I rode would sent me for air at 40mph.

So dial down the preload.

The stock setup was on the stiff side for me as delivered, but not to bad when softened a bit. Then again, I'm a pretty big guy.

Our last two Sportsters were opposite, too soft and bottomed out with me, but perfect for Jenn.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #44 on:** May 15, 2015, 08:13:51 AM »

Suspension adjustments and set-up are not unknown concepts for me. I'm aware. IMO there is not acceptable set-up as delivered stock.
As always, YMMV.

mtiberio · « **Reply #45 on:** May 15, 2015, 08:36:06 AM »

as a rule of thumb on bikes with simple (non carc/floating) shaft drives, you need to pick the spring rate properly as you do not want to have to dial in a lot of preload. That helps the shaft top out under acceleration.

Kev m · « **Reply #46 on:** May 15, 2015, 09:34:27 AM »

Quote from: kingoffleece on May 15, 2015, 08:13:51 AM

Suspension adjustments and set-up are not unknown concepts for me. I'm aware. IMO there is not acceptable set-up as delivered stock.
As always, YMMV.

And my mileage (my caveat) is that either you way much less than I (real possibility) and/or you're demanding more than the average guy from the shocks.

HDGoose · « **Reply #47 on:** May 15, 2015, 11:54:07 AM »

At 300 pounds, no stock suspension is set up for me. I weight more than any motorcycle is specified to carry.

rocker59 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 15, 2015, 11:59:57 AM »

Quote from: kingoffleece on May 15, 2015, 05:17:30 AM

it will depend on rider weight

Always. I weigh 240-lbs. How much do you weigh? What weight should the OEMs tune for ?

rocker59 · « **Reply #49 on:** May 15, 2015, 12:06:50 PM »

Quote from: Goose on May 15, 2015, 11:54:07 AM

I weight more than any motorcycle is specified to carry.

What do you mean by that?

If you mean your 300 lbs exceeds every motorcycle GVWR, then you are wrong. I think you'll find the load capacity to be 400-450 lbs on any bike you'd be riding.

If you mean you exceed the weight that the stock suspension was tuned for, for optimal performance, then yes. You are heavier than the average rider that an OEM would set up for.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #50 on:** May 15, 2015, 02:12:50 PM »

And my mileage (my caveat) is that either you way much less than I (real possibility) and/or you're demanding more than the average guy from the shocks.

Both are possible considerations.

roofus · « **Reply #51 on:** May 16, 2015, 04:05:50 PM »

Quote from: atavar on May 07, 2015, 10:37:18 PM

OK, did they steal those side bags off a Victory?

I was thinking the same thing!!!

Bigger is not always better! Friggin' Huge is not always better either.

JeffOlson · « **Reply #52 on:** May 16, 2015, 04:47:43 PM »

In the flesh, those panniers look perfect to me on the California 1400 Touring.

mtiberio · « **Reply #53 on:** May 16, 2015, 06:03:34 PM »

look good, leak water. I had to drill a hole in mine so it could drain out.

Vasco DG · « **Reply #54 on:** May 16, 2015, 06:25:10 PM »

On the suspension issue I have to say that once set up right the Griso works well for me. Yes, travel is limited and to increase it you need a slightly longer shock otherwise the tyre will rub under the seat at full compression if you try and get more. That in turn will steepen the rake which for a lot of people is no bad thing. Personally I don't need it, I actually like the comparatively slow steering of the Griso but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea.

I've long been a fan of rising rate rear suspension systems though and the Griso's will work well enough but the stock shock, (And forks.) are under sprung and over damped. Sort that out and it can work very well.

In contrast I found the suspension and handling of the Cali 14 very limiting. The forks felt flimsy and the shocks crude. Bear in mind though that it is a cruiser, not a machine with any sort of sporting pretensions.

The biggest issue I had with the bags on the Touring is that they weren't QD! Inexcusable in this day and age on a bike claiming to be for 'Touring'!

Pete

tiger_one · « **Reply #55 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:37:00 PM »

Yeah but. Weren't you riding 2up the whole time, or are you saying the suspension is limited for 1up.

I do think that MG in general are short travel suspensions.

I don't know who ended up with my Griso, but I bet the new owner/owners like the suspension and map! Oh, I went down on the front fork spring from 1.0 to .9 kg/mm. It did give me more travel, but I'm like 185lbs.

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Author Topic: test drove a red 2015 today (Read 18995 times)

Vasco DG