Stelvio NTX: Factory Default Pre-load Set for How Much Weight?

[Bonaventure]

I weigh 225 lbs (102 kg) geared up.  I forgot to tell dealership to adjust pre-load front and rear for my approximate weight during their PDI, since the factory likely has the bike setup for a lower weight I'm guessing around 170 lbs (77 kg).  Expecting delivery this week, looking for tips on how many clicks to dial up front and rear pre-load before setting out on the break-in ride.  Meeting the 18 wheeler at nearby truck stop since they can't deliver into my neighborhood on account of street sizes. 

[pete roper]

It's adjustable. That means it's up to you to adjust it. The fact that the factory may put some blather in the handbook for legal reasons to cover their arses doesn't mean that whatever they specify is going to be a good starting point or safe compromise.

You have a new bike. Ride it from the pick up point sensibly see how it feels. Check what everything is set at when you get home, then return it to where it was and make adjustments in small increments, one at a time, until you get it to where you want it to be.

Pete

[Chuck in Indiana]

There are many Youtube videos, etc. on setting preload. It's truly important to get that right before messing with compression and rebound. Setting preload is *not* rocket science..it's easily measurable. Compression and rebound is a different matter..

[Bonaventure]

Was just wondering what assumptions the factory makes as to rider weight when they set pre-load.  I have to take delivery in a truck stop lot and can't really do a full sag setup there.  Was wondering about "Hey I'm <insert weight here> and I dialed in ___ clicks on the fork and ___ on the rear.    Dial it in and off I go... 

[rocker59]

Was just wondering what assumptions the factory makes as to rider weight when they set pre-load.  I have to take delivery in a truck stop lot and can't really do a full sag setup there.  Was wondering about "Hey I'm <insert weight here> and I dialed in ___ clicks on the fork and ___ on the rear.    Dial it in and off I go...

Seriously?  Jeez man, get on the bike and ride it.  It doesn't matter what it's set at from the factory.  It will be good enough to get you through your "break-in ride". 

Your assumption about settings is wrong.  There is no spreadsheet out there showing "clicks vs. weight".  There is no perfect setting.  It's a personal preference thing.

[guzzisteve]

Read the book and adjust it to Sport settings. Everyone I set up I put there. Factory set-up is super soft, spring is same way. This would be for 2up w/luggage.

[Bonaventure]

Never said I was seeking a spreadsheet, simply asking for hints & tips.  Doesn't seem unusual enough of a request to warrant this sort of response from a moderator. 

For what it's worth, this will be my first time back in the saddle in six months since the serious accident that destroyed my Ducati and almost me along with it.  I make no apologies for seeking tips and tricks for a new unfamiliar bike from a friendly community enthusiastic to welcome and assist new owners coming to Moto Guzzi from other brands. 

Seriously?  Jeez man, get on the bike and ride it.  It doesn't matter what it's set at from the factory.  It will be good enough to get you through your "break-in ride". 

Your assumption about settings is wrong.  There is no spreadsheet out there showing "clicks vs. weight".  There is no perfect setting.  It's a personal preference thing.

[Chuck in Indiana]

<trying to smooth out ruffled feathers> I'm sure that Rocker meant no ill will.. this is Guzzi we're talking about, and I'd be surprised if any two are the same. 
FWIW, many riders never change their bikes suspension settings from when they buy it. Rocker is right. Until you start "pushing the envelope,"  it'll be fine until you decide what changes are needed to make it fit *you.*

[DavidR8]

<trying to smooth out ruffled feathers> I'm sure that Rocker meant no ill will.. this is Guzzi we're talking about, and I'd be surprised if any two are the same. 
FWIW, many riders never change their bikes suspension settings from when they buy it. Rocker is right. Until you start "pushing the envelope,"  it'll be fine until you decide what changes are needed to make it fit *you.*

I'll second this.
Not riding an MG yet however I've owned my Triumph Tiger 955i for four years and only just changed the rear shock rebound setting.
Truthfully it was a transformation as it completely changed how the bike rode.

Preload won't have the same dramatic effect however I'd give it a go how it arrives and set it up properly when you have time.


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[kingoffleece]

As stated above, you have to have preload and sag correct prior to anything else.
Ride and enjoy your new bike-the springs need to take a set anyway so let them do that.

After several hundred miles they will find their settled in spot.  Set sag (get an assistant) and you're well on your way.

One easy tip is that if the bike is too soft in back (which I'd suspect given your weight) it'll squat too much driving out of a corner.  The nose will be high under acceleration and cause the bike to want to run wide.  TAKE IT EASY at first and get to know the motorcycle.  So much will be new that it's easy to miss the squat feeling (for some).

[DavidR8]

As stated above, you have to have preload and sag correct prior to anything else.
Ride and enjoy your new bike-the springs need to take a set anyway so let them do that.

After several hundred miles they will find their settled in spot.  Set sag (get an assistant) and you're well on your way.

One easy tip is that if the bike is too soft in back (which I'd suspect given your weight) it'll squat too much driving out of a corner.  The nose will be high under acceleration and cause the bike to want to run wide.  TAKE IT EASY at first and get to know the motorcycle.  So much will be new that it's easy to miss the squat feeling (for some).

Remember that preload doesn't change spring rate. It only changes sag or ride height.
The squat effect is definitely there as cornering has the effect of increasing the load (weight) on the suspension which takes up more of its available travel.


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[Mooney78865]

Here is a link to another thread, on another forum, I posted up during a discussion on suspension setup for the NTX. It isn't rocket science, but the front forks can be a challenge.  Keep reading the thread as it goes in and out of the suspension topic.
Good luck!  Shoot me a PM if you have questions.  http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/moto-guzzi-stelvio-merged-threadfest.113158/page-1213

[Mooney78865]

My bad!  This link actually has all the numbers etc, along with a bunch of other stuff.
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/moto-guzzi-stelvio-merged-threadfest.113158/page-1215

[kingoffleece]

Remember that preload doesn't change spring rate. It only changes sag or ride height.
The squat effect is definitely there as cornering has the effect of increasing the load (weight) on the suspension which takes up more of its available travel.


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Absolutly.  I wanted to keep it simple for him.  There is a chance he'll need a different spring rate but first things first.

[Bonaventure]

Thought I read somewhere where Guzzi upgraded the rear spring (stiffer rate) two or three yrs ago in response to some notoriety of the Stelvio being too softly sprung?

One thing.  It'll should only ever be one up riding, since my accident my fiancee' who used to ride pillion says she will not ride anymore.  She wasn't with me for the wreck but she experienced the aftermath and my recovery and it seems to have freaked her out about riding. 

[Green1000S]

I'm 230lbs and often haul 100lbs of luggage with me. After 9000 miles, still using dealer/factory settings. I've been very happy with initial the settings. Naturally the bike behaves better without the extra 100lbs on it, so there is a reasonable difference without and with the load.
IF I would tweak something, it would be rear suspension when hauling all that gear...

[DavidR8]

I'm 230lbs and often haul 100lbs of luggage with me. After 9000 miles, still using dealer/factory settings. I've been very happy with initial the settings. Naturally the bike behaves better without the extra 100lbs on it, so there is a reasonable difference without and with the load.
IF I would tweak something, it would be rear suspension when hauling all that gear...

100lbs of luggage!
That's the equivalent of two bags of cement.
What are you taking with you?


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