Bought a new V7II Stone, one small issue

[canuguzzi]

It is entirely possible that being trailered, the pressure from the cinch straps pulled the bars and thus triple clamps down the forks a bit. This could happen if the cinch straps were made very tight and/or the triple clamp bolt bolts weren't torqued properly.

That means it might not have happened at the dealer but enroute and depending on who cinched it down, they would be the source.

All in all, it's a pretty easy fix, if one is uncomfortable setting the forks right, any bike shop should be able to take care of it, it is not Guzzi specific.

[Steph]

It is entirely possible that being trailered, the pressure from the cinch straps pulled the bars and thus triple clamps down the forks a bit. This could happen if the cinch straps were made very tight and/or the triple clamp bolt bolts weren't torqued properly.

That means it might not have happened at the dealer but enroute and depending on who cinched it down, they would be the source.

All in all, it's a pretty easy fix, if one is uncomfortable setting the forks right, any bike shop should be able to take care of it, it is not Guzzi specific.

It is also possible to get VD from toilet seats.
(Sorry for the PG analogy  )

[canuguzzi]

It is also possible to get VD from toilet seats.
(Sorry for the PG analogy  )

Do tell. On second thought, noooo...
 

[oldbike54]

 Let's do this . Take the bike back to MI , have them lower the forks back to stock , problem solved . No idea how or why this happened , but this conversation has devolved into a pissing contest .
 
 Edit , or since you live so far away just do it yourself . Not hard . 
 Dusty

[drlapo]

The owners manual provides torque specs

[rocker59]

  Leave the bikes suspension alone at the factory specs.  What's wrong with that??
 

What's wrong with it is that all bikes' suspensions are compromises.  An average that can sort of work for everyone.

Suspensions on motorcycles are adjustable.  For a reason.

Fork tubes on most motorcycles are adjustable up and down in the triple clamps.  Some forks even have scored lines so it's easy to know the adjustment position without using a ruler.

[rocker59]

The stock position of the forks on my 14 V7 Special





The position of the pinch bolt on the lower clamp






The upper pinch bolts are behind the plastic ignition switch cover / filler panel.





Easy to adjust, but please don't mess with it, if you're not comfortable using an Allen wrench.

[DaSwami]

Then let me be the one who decides where and how the front forks are adjusted, I paid for the dang thing.

Talked to Dave, we had a nice civil conversation.  He has no idea how/why it happened.  He provided some pics and instructions on how to reverse it but I'm gonna let it ride for now.  Taking it back to MI is not an option for me.  I'm moving soon and do not have the time.

So there is that.

[oldbike54]

 Realistically it should not take more than 20 minutes to fix .

 Dusty

[rocker59]

Then let me be the one who decides where and how the front forks are adjusted, I paid for the dang thing.

Do what you want. I really don't care. Just trying to point out that Forks are adjustable and on many bikes lowering from the factory position can improve steering turn in.

It's easy to put it back. I took the trouble to post photos in my previous post. I hope they are of help to you.

[tiger_one]

I for one would like pictures.  You know what they say, "If there are no pictures, then . . . .".   

[DaSwami]

I for one would like pictures.  You know what they say, "If there are no pictures, then . . . .".   

This is the internet, so fair enough

Stock 2016 V7II Stone, top of fork tube




Measurement of fork gaiter, bike on side stand





New VII Stone just purchased, top of fork tube




Measurement of fork gaiter on same, bike on side stand

[oldbike54]

 You do realize that in the time it has taken to post all of this the problem could have been solved , correct ? Is the intention here to solve a problem , or is there another motive ?

 Dusty

[pokeyjoe]

Realistically it should not take more than 20 minutes to fix .

 Dusty

Unless it's a new V7II.  In order to get to the pinch bolts, you need to remove the gauges and the bracket that holds the TPS and ABS lights.  At least I did, to make it easy.

Raising the fork tubes in the Ts may also make the bike squirmish at high speed.  I raised mine to improve turn-in, but put them back to avoid tank slappers on the slab.  Everything is a compromise.

I'll go back in my hole now.

[DaSwami]

The problem can not be easily resolved, due to time and distance issues.  It is a 6-7 hour drive each way from my house.  That is the closest dealer.

There is no other motivation.  What possibly could it be?  I discovered the issue last night, posted in anger about it, finally talked to the dealer, decided to let it ride.  The only reason I post photos as proof is by request and there is an undercurrent that something sinister is going on.  Get real.  I have nothing to gain by this. 

Granted, this whole thing is pretty damn weird.  I truly wish it had never happened.

[oldbike54]

Unless it's a new V7II.  In order to get to the pinch bolts, you need to remove the gauges and the bracket that holds the TPS and ABS lights.  At least I did, to make it easy.

Raising the fork tubes in the Ts may also make the bike squirmish at high speed.  I raised mine to improve turn-in, but put them back to avoid tank slappers on the slab.  Everything is a compromise.

I'll go back in my hole now.

 Stay on the surface Joe , Rocker and I were discussing the difference in the V7II . So are they like pulling the gauges on the earlier bikes ? If so I amend my time estimate to 45 minutes .

 Dusty

[oldbike54]

The problem can not be easily resolved, due to time and distance issues.  It is a 6-7 hour drive each way from my house.  That is the closest dealer.

There is no other motivation.  What possibly could it be?  I discovered the issue last night, posted in anger about it, finally talked to the dealer, decided to let it ride.  The only reason I post photos as proof is by request and there is an undercurrent that something sinister is going on.  Get real.  I have nothing to gain by this. 

Granted, this whole thing is pretty damn weird.  I truly wish it had never happened.

 Well we all wish it had not happened . However it really isn't hard to fix , anyone who can use a computer should not have any trouble .

 Dusty

[canuguzzi]

If you are south of MI, a short trip gets you close by, I'll help you get the forks set the way you want. Just cause I don't wrench my bikes anymore doesn't mean I can't. I have the equip and space. Ride it here, fly it back. 

[fotoguzzi]

seems like You guys are being SLIGHTLY hard on the OP. He admits to not wanting to do the job or not qualified.. and he has a point, the stock configuration should be what got delivered and it was not..
I've met Dave and agree he's one of the good guys but someone messed with this bike before delivery and the OP has a right to get pissed off about it..
we should all chill a few days and see what follows.. everyone out there might not be like you who can spend endless hours in the garage wrenching, or endless time giving internet advice..

[kingoffleece]

Well now, that was entertaining to say the least.
Just to muck up the waters a bit more I believe the OP mentioned to me in a seat conversation that his weight was in the 295 range.
If so it would sure seem that a complete suspension overhaul would be in order.  I've never seen a bike leave any factory sprung for that weight.  Now we all know stock the V7 may be a tad oversprung but I'd be impressed if the stock springs were specked for that kind of chassis input.

I'll apologize in advance if I have the weight incorrect.

[oldbike54]

 No attempt from me to be hard on the OP . WG tends to be solution oriented , and since the OP has a problem and is unable to make the trip to Seattle , well , what is the answer ?

 Dusty

[kevdog3019]

So... MI didn't mess with it.  You've agreed to deal with it as you may.  Did you talk to Dave about his experience with forks up through like they are on the V7?  He could probably give you some insight.  Where I would go from here is ride both bikes and determine yourself what you like.  I wouldn't look at it as a negative and keep your eyes open to the possibility you might like it better.  I'm almost certain I would, but that's me.  Spend some time with it and report back with your findings.  Many folks do this sort of mod so learn from it.

[kevdog3019]

I agree that he probably shouldn't mess with it.  You have to get a jack under the sump and get the front wheel up off the ground.  You know what that can do to the stability of the bike.  Does he know how to properly tie down a bike or have a means to tie it to??  I would not want to do this job out of the box having never done it before.  How easily do they slide through the clamps?  I have stories about that!!  So yes... basically he will have to pay someone to do the job realistically if he wants it back full up.  This is why I suggest riding it and see what you think.  I've never felt "twitchiness" from a lowered small block.  It's always felt more planted to me.  My $.02

[rocker59]

I agree that he probably shouldn't mess with it.  You have to get a jack under the sump and get the front wheel up off the ground.   

You can adjust the tubes one at a time, without jacking the bike.  It's really not a big deal, and anyone with a basic set of metric allen keys could do the job in well under an hour.  I've adusted tubes up and down on several bikes over the years by this method.

I understand and empathize with the OP, and recommend he pay the nearest Guzzi shop and hour of time to "fix" the "problem".

[MGPilot]

When my Stone was in at MI for its 600 mile service, the mechanics strongly recommended lowering the front slightly - as in this example.

I was surprised to feel a difference right away (I previously posted about it). It improved the handling of the bike. I'd recommend it.

If the shop did it, it would have been done as a former of extra customer service beyond what would normally be expected. Too bad the OP wasn't consulted nor had the chance to try the bike before and after the adjustments. But my guess is that he would have appreciated the difference.