V7lll Suspension is a PITA...Literally!!!

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Since the weather broke in S.E. Wisconsin a few weeks back, I have been riding my new V7lll Special to work daily.  I am really growing fond of the relaxed cadence of the motor, the music to my ears Agostini exhaust note, and the very comfortable riding position.  The bike steers predictably. It is easy to lean over and once leaned over, it holds its line well.

The suspension, on the other hand, is a joke.  I take Lake Shore Drive from downtown Milwaukee north about nine miles to Glendale where I work.  It is a beautiful, scenic and relaxing way to start the workday. But with one small issue.  The road surface is filled with potholes and sharp heaves.  It is the heaves that give me trouble.  The bike's suspension snaps sharply when I go over them.  On numerous occasions, the bucking has caused me to snap my wrist which causes a sudden, sharp acceleration. Yesterday, while I was adjusting a mirror and steering with one hand, I went over a heave. The bike bucked and the front wheel flicked from one side to the other.  Thankfully I was quickly able to regain control. This morning I went over a heave and the bike snapped so hard and sharp that it hurt my lower back. I think that I damaged a lower vertebra.  I have been taking Advil all day to lessen the pain.  This not good.  I can't believe that Moto Guzzi, in this day and age, would sell a bike so poorly suspended. 

With that said, I really love the look and visceral qualities of the bike.  I am struggling with the thought of spending money on what is an already pricey entry level machine just to make it ridable, let alone safe. I am hoping that there is an affordable fix or I'm afraid that what I hoped would be a long-term partner will be an expensive blunder.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Mario

[SmithSwede]

No worries.  This is easily fixed with Ikon rear shocks.   7610s I believe.   

I was like you---the OEM shocks made the bike painful to ride, especially over sharp edged bumps.  I switched to the Ikon rear shocks, and now it is ride-able all day or 750 miles no problem.

I'm told that you can also upgrade the front forks in various ways to make it even better.  I may get around to doing that at some point, but haven't done so.

[guzzisteve]

For the front end something like this

http://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/matris-v7-f15k-full-cartridge-kit/

[Toecutter]

I must be the only man alive that doesn't feel this way. I've got 30K on my V7, commuting, long distance, backroads, fire roads and no roads... and I've yet to experience anything that makes me feel the way so many others do about the suspension.

Could it be improved? Of course it could... everything could. I just don't understand the "this is the worse thing since the bubonic plague" mentality about it.

but hey... it's just like, my opinion, man.

[kingoffleece]

His report reads like a lot of others, mine included.  Owners state the they get THROWN OUT of the saddle in certain situations.  That's unacceptable.  It's unsafe.  And, if a poor road happens to present a poor surface in the middle of a spirited turn the bike can get bump steered to the extreme outside of the turn.

There are a host of realistic solutions for very reasonable cash and the shocks can be switched at home in 20 minutes.   The OP should, IMO, buy one time, cry one time, and then enjoy his bike for many years.
Hagon Nitros are also a very good solution.  There are others.

[SmithSwede]

Toecutter:

Do you live down on a farm?  Ever been to Paris?   

I don't doubt that you are ok with the stock shocks.  Just wondering what you would say if you tried better shocks on your V7. 

[Toecutter]

I live on my homestead, surrounded by farms, at the end of 10 km of truly horrendous dirt/sand roads, that I tend to ride far faster than I would, had I a lick of sense in my head.  I have been to Paris. I have ridden high end bikes, and have been riding for 38 years. I have ridden better, I have ridden worse. I weigh 185 pounds, and I put about 10,000 km a year on my V7.

I have never been bucked out of my seat , I have never felt that I was at the mercy of the suspension.

Do I think it could be improved? Of course I do. Do I think it's the melodramatic "worst suspension ever" that people go on about? No, I don't. But that doesn't discount those opinions, they're perfectly valid, I'm simply offering a differing opinion. And as I said. it's just my opinion.

[roadscum]

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The suspension, on the other hand, is a joke.  I take Lake Shore Drive from downtown Milwaukee north about nine miles to Glendale where I work.  It is a beautiful, scenic and relaxing way to start the workday. But with one small issue.  The road surface is filled with potholes and sharp heaves.  It is the heaves that give me trouble.  The bike's suspension snaps sharply when I go over them.  On numerous occasions, the bucking has caused me to snap my wrist which causes a sudden, sharp acceleration. Yesterday, while I was adjusting a mirror and steering with one hand, I went over a heave. The bike bucked and the front wheel flicked from one side to the other.  Thankfully I was quickly able to regain control. This morning I went over a heave and the bike snapped so hard and sharp that it hurt my lower back. I think that I damaged a lower vertebra.  I have been taking Advil all day to lessen the pain.  This not good.  I can't believe that Moto Guzzi, in this day and age, would sell a bike so poorly suspended. 

With that said, I really love the look and visceral qualities of the bike.  I am struggling with the thought of spending money on what is an already pricey entry level machine just to make it ridable, let alone safe. I am hoping that there is an affordable fix or I'm afraid that what I hoped would be a long-term partner will be an expensive blunder.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Mario

Mario, you hit the nail square in the head, the suspension on the V7 III is indeed down right dangerous. I had the dealer add emulators to the forks on my Special before I took delivery then rode about 3K miles home to Florida . Yeh, I did a fly/ride.


Several times on the trip home I had that spine tingling encounters with sharp bumps in the road and tail wagging when pushed modestly in the curves. Two week ago I installed a pair of Wilbers 630 TS Road Blueline shocks and now I'm a happy rider. I was reluctant to spend the money but realize it's was money well spent for the enjoyment of the ride and the elimination of a safety hazard.

For the record..... Shock installation took me about an 1 1/2 hours, seat latch cable was stuck, luggage rack had to be loosened, same for grab rail. Sometimes the simple tasks I undertake turnout to be not so simple. 

Paul

[wyno]

I used to have a 750 Breva and I got Pete Roper to put Ikon front springs and rear shocks on it and it really was a chalk and cheese improvement. Much better in handling potholes and lumps in the bitumen, and also much better at going round long sweepers that have undulations that cause wallowing with the original suspension.

[mjptexas]

The OP should, IMO, buy one time, cry one time, and then enjoy his bike for many years.

Common problem.  Triumphs & many Harleys also suffer from this build to price problem.

Buy absolutely the best shocks you can.  You do not want to have to buy the second pair.

[pete roper]

There are two problems. Firstly the incredibly crappy quality of the Kaifa forks and god knows what 'Poverty Pack' shocks and secondly you're still dealing with what is essentially a 40 year old chassis. If you want to ride a fossil then chances are its going to behave like a fossil.

Pete

[kingoffleece]

Well, he says it's ok for him, and that's that.  I'd have rather not spent more $$ on a new bike but it was unrideable stock.  Which I knew going into the deal.

[usedtobefast]

The talk of the suspension being good or bad ... compared to what? 

A Suzuki SV-650 rear suspension has 5.1" of travel.  The Suzuki V-Strom 650 has 6.3" of rear wheel travel.  The V7 iii models have 3.15" of rear suspension travel.

Ride down a rough bumpy road, which might be better?

I'm glad you guys are finding shocks that are making them better, but I still don't see how 3.15" of travel can ever be great.  On my Racer, with Ohlins shocks, I just stand up now for the bumps, dirt bike style.

[blu guzz]

"Common problem.  Triumphs & many Harleys also suffer from this build to price problem."  same for bmw, or it was when i owned them.  none of them worth a darn without aftermarket suspension. 

i had a victory that was pretty good, but it was a 750 lb bike.  i believe the problem is magnified on a lighter bike, over sprung and under damped - the typical formula for cheap shocks especially when you have short travel suspensions such as the 750.  anyone seen the new indian scout.  i think it has about an inch and a half of travel. 

[kingoffleece]

Good point, usedtobe fast.  I did assume we all understood the discussion was within the limits of stock travel.  That said, quality travel is available in any length.  It's a matter of degree.  It is possible to not get thrown off the V7 bikes with available rear travel at stock height.
That does not mean optional rear treatments transform the bike into a 'comfo-lounger" but it is possible to eliminate the, IMHO, dangerous hopping the as delivered bike provides for a certain number of owners.

Not splitting hairs or anything like that,  nor trying to be difficult.

[roadscum]

The talk of the suspension being good or bad ... compared to what? 

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Compared to suspension that provides a well controlled, safe, and comfortable ride in the environment and the style in which you ride.   
Simple really. 

Paul

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

OP here.

I wish to thank everyone who responded with both advice and opinion.  I am taking everything under advisement. I spoke to my Cheif Finacial Officer this morning and she made it clear that I must upgrade the suspension and not sell or trade the bike.  I am very lucky to have such a supportive, unselfish wife by my side.  That still doesn't help me feel better about spending over a thousand dollars on parts and labor just to make the bike rideable and safe.

Again, Thank you so much for your advice and counsel.  I appreciate it!

Mario

PS... My back still hurts from yesterday

[jpv7]

The suspension is bad, but i'd stop short of saying it's dangerous.  When i tried to go fast on my stock V7ii, it would let me know when i was pushing it.  Things would get a little nervous, and I'd just slow down.

I wouldn't do just rear shocks.  I did Racetech springs and valving in the cheap Kaifa fork which seemed the best bang for the buck, and it works.

Yes, it's an old chassis, but i sure can hustle it quickly now without scaring myself.  Lots more fun to ride.

[roadscum]

OP here.

I wish to thank everyone who responded with both advice and opinion.  I am taking everything under advisement. I spoke to my Cheif Finacial Officer this morning and she made it clear that I must upgrade the suspension and not sell or trade the bike.  I am very lucky to have such a supportive, unselfish wife by my side.  That still doesn't help me feel better about spending over a thousand dollars on parts and labor just to make the bike rideable and safe.

Again, Thank you so much for your advice and counsel.  I appreciate it!

Mario

PS... My back still hurts from yesterday

You're a very luck guy to have that CFO in your life... good on ya and good on her. 


Paul

[pyoungbl]

Hi Mario.....I had the same decision.  At the time there were darn few options for shocks or forks.  Even though my vendor experience was less than optimal I'm really happy with the end result, a bike I can take on a multi day trip and enjoy the ride.  Now you have many more shock options.  The Ikon shocks seem to be a good value.  Emulsion shocks are OK, don't think you need to go over the top here.  It's really a matter of getting the correct spring and decent valving for your weight and riding.  I installed RaceTech emulators and springs in the forks so now I have some adjustability.

It took a few rounds of testing to get the preload and dampening where I like it.  The good news is that these changes are not difficult.  Two hints:  it's really easy to remove the emulators for dampening adjustment if you use a magnet on a stick; be careful with the aluminum caps on the forks, the metal is quite soft and the flats are pretty shallow.  I ground down a socket to give a better grip (after chewing up one of the caps!)

[kingoffleece]

You don't need to spend 100.00.
High end Hagons are under 600 and you can do it yourself in 10 minutes per side.  REALLY easy.  There are a few good options under that price, too.  Hagon has a less expensive shock that works ok as does ICON.  While doing both ends is really the way to go IMO you do need to solve getting bucked off the bike first.  You can service the front when you remove the forks for scheduled maintenance.  Lots of folks do it that was as it's a bit more involved, but the rear is VERY easy and quick to do.

[rider33]

about the only thing better than a suspension thread is an oil thread :).
Read this kind of thing on just about any bike & you’ll find a range of impressions from pretty good to terrible & odds are, all of them are right.  Some people are bigger, some people are smaller, some have several bikes with which to compare others only one, some travel fairly good roads, some don’t etc., etc.  If you are not happy with the suspension, replace the shocks first.  Given the travel limits, that’s apt to return the best bang for the buck. ‘Alot of options on that & not all of them are that expensive.

[kingoffleece]

Well stated.

[egschade]

Will V7 II spec shocks work on the III? Most manufactures don't show a listing for the Mk3. As far as I can tell the Mk2 is about a 1.25" longer and I wouldn't mind a bit more ride height.

[usedtobefast]

I wasn't trying to insult the Moto Guzzi     but people shouldn't think they can bolt on a pair of $400 or $600 or even $1800 shocks and it will transform these bikes into pot hole absorbing cush-o-matic Lincoln Town Car bump floating heaven.   

My $1800 Ohlins rear suspension on my 2017 Racer is way way way worse than a stock Suzuki V-strom 650 at bump absorption.  And that makes sense.  the V-strom has lots of travel, is made to ride on bumpy roads. 

So one great upgrade/approach is a vision check, good glasses/contacts (if needed) and miss all the bumps!   

[usedtobefast]

Will V7 II spec shocks work on the III? Most manufactures don't show a listing for the Mk3. As far as I can tell the Mk2 is about a 1.25" longer and I wouldn't mind a bit more ride height.

Raising the rear that much is probably not a good idea for the chassis geometry.  Seems the III's come with the fork tubes flush with the top triple clamp so you can't raise the front ride height that way.  I'm also not sure about the swingarm angles and the drive shaft ... like if you go out of spec by 1.25" does that do anything to the drive shaft?  Not sure if that angle would cause any odd wear issues?   But I'm just guessing and speculating.   

[egschade]

Raising the rear that much is probably not a good idea for the chassis geometry.  Seems the III's come with the fork tubes flush with the top triple clamp so you can't raise the front ride height that way.  I'm also not sure about the swingarm angles and the drive shaft ... like if you go out of spec by 1.25" does that do anything to the drive shaft?  Not sure if that angle would cause any odd wear issues?   But I'm just guessing and speculating.   

I have similar concerns hence the question. Will also be adding stiffer springs in the front that should help offset increased rear height a bit.

[rider33]

keep in mind “plush” and “controlled” don’t necessarily play well together.  My DR650 has something like 10” of travel & will float over just about anything but dropping it into a curve at 90 is not exactly it’s strong suite.  Conversely, most sport bikes are a bit of a handlful on a fire trail...

[egschade]

keep in mind �plush� and �controlled� don�t necessarily play well together.  My DR650 has something like 10� of travel & will float over just about anything but dropping it into a curve at 90 is not exactly it�s strong suite.  Conversely, most sport bikes are a bit of a handlful on a fire trail...

Can't agree more. With the rough roads and lower speeds I ride plush make sense but it no fun to have a bike diving and wallowing in turns when you're making time. You have to be honest with how you really ride before you go making suspension updates, especially if it's your only ride.

[Muzz]

I thinking is that with a shaft drive you are never going to be given plush, long travel suspension. Again, my thinking is if they fitted a CV joint instead of a UJ they could get more movement.

My 2003 Brve does have crap suspension. Going to 10 weight in the front made a big difference to the Marzocchis. I run the preload on the rear backed off as far as it can go and it is about right for two-up or a decent load.