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V7 C-S Suspension Thread

GTM®

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GT di Razza Pura
Joined
Jul 1, 2009
Messages
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Location
Malibu
This thread will chronicle modifications for your '09-12 V7C-S (w/Marzocchi forks) & '13-16 bikes (w/Kaifa forks). Feel free to add your notes/measurements below to be included.
Yes it is important to do front and rear upgrades together, especially if you are outside of the target stock weight ranges (155-170 lbs in gear). If your car needed a suspension upgrade, you wouldn’t do one end only, correct? On a motorcycle, it’s even more critical.

For the V7 III, see the thread >HERE<.

For purchase info on any below, see the Store tab above or click >HERE<

Data:
Rider: 190 lbs./86 kgs. in street clothing
Spec: Sport riding
OAT: 58-62º F
My test course is ~10 miles, starting on a very rough asphalt paved road with broken pavement. The bulk of the distance is on smoothly paved banked twisty canyon roads with center divide divots for reflectors, and big undulations/dips at high and low speeds. Video at the bottom of this post.


FORKS:

OEM Marzocchi Forks*:
Total travel: 130mm
Extended: 165mm
Static sag: 130mm
Laden: 115mm
Target total sag: 43.33mm
Total sag as delivered: 50mm (no easy adjustment avail)
Notes: Visual compression of forks to near bottoming sitting on bike and applying force. Very little visible compression or rebound damping.
Marzocchi Mupo Kit:
140mm oil level w/10w
Target Sag: ~43mm
Total measured sag: 45mm kit installed out of box.
Notes:
(Mated with RG3 PB's below) Impressive low speed compliance. Very good ride under quick speeds, and high speed damping very very good. Under aggressive riding, the first time I felt and paid attention to chassis flex. A very first, as the suspension has been the weakest link.

OEM Kaifa Forks*:
With Mupo Kit installed as delivered, thanks Dmitri.
120mm oil level w/10w
Target Sag: ~43mm
Total measured sag: 37mm*
*He is going to reduce sag and report back.

*I recommend pushing the forks up in the triple trees 10-20mm. This will help with stability and turn in for those who enjoy twisty road riding.

FORK OPTIONS
HERE:

Bitubo
Cartridge Kit
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/bitubo-v7-full-fork-cartridge-kit
Notes:

  • Coming soon.
Matris
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/search?type=product&q=v7 fork matris*

FK & FKE
Notes:
  • Drop-in (often without removing the forks from the bike) - offering spring preload adjustment only
  • Offers a massively improved ride, with drop in flow-valves and springs if/as needed.
  • Value add when replacing the rear shocks, as matching the front is mandatory for a safe and fun ride improvement.
F15K
Notes:
  • Simple/easy drop-in installation - Fully adjustable damping, Compression, Rebound & Spring preload adjustment.
  • Also offers a massively improved ride, with with the easy option to adjust damping as temps change.
  • Brings archaic damper rod forks into this decade.
Mupo
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/mupo-v7-v7ii-full-fork-kit

Notes:
  • Drop-in (often without removing the forks from the bike) - NO adjustment options
  • VERY plush and controlled ride. Recommended for basic street riders, who occasionally ride on rough roads.
  • Very good value, but be sure to order plush ride shocks to go with this. This is the kit installed in the video below.

Ohlins-Andreani
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/v7-andreani-fork-cartridges

Notes:
  • Requires full fork disassembly and machining required - CLICK HERE.
  • Generally proven to offer harsh ride in the minimal feedback we've gotten.

SHOCKS:

OEM Ollé Shocks
2016 V7 II - 195# rider
Extended: 370mm
Static: 360mm
Laden: 339mm
Total sag as delivered: 31mm
Set to: 38mm

OEM BiTubo Shocks
Total travel: 114mm
Extended: 370mm
Static sag: 364mm
Laden: 343mm
Target total sag: 38mm
Total sag as delivered: 27mm*
Notes: I didn't decrease the sag #'s due to a short initial ride showed visible bottoming of shock body (see pic below). Shocks exhibited a very harsh ride with little compression damping, and moderate rebound adjustment on all settings.

V7 BiTubo Bttm

GTM SHOCK OPTIONS



GTM S2W
Length: 381-391mm - Can be made -20mm shorter for a 1" lower seat height (no charge - see video below as well)
Static: 355mm
Laden: 325mm (spring length set to 200.0mm)
Out of box: 30mm - Target/set to: 38mm (-4 turns on preload)
Rebound was +16
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/gtm-s2w-ifp-twin-shocks
Notes:

  • The Shock Factory delivers an affordable series that is fully CNC machined, and made for durability, without sacrificing ride. We installed, dialed in sag, and balanced the damping to the stock forks. The shocks were built for our weight. Ride is markedly improved with both small and sharp edged bumps absorbed with little hit to the seat. Small ripples were also well absorbed, but still felt. Shocks are easily rebuildable by any suspension specialist and comes with a 2-year unlimited mile warranty.
Install and set sag info below:


K-Tech Razor III emulsion shocks (rebound and length adjustable)
Length: 381-391mm
Extended: 360mm
Static: 355mm
Laden: 322mm (spring length set to 200.0mm)
Out of box: 36mm - Target/set to: 38mm (-1/3rd turn on preload)
Rebound was +18 of 36, set to +24
Notes:
  • UK-based K-Tech has been on the serious suspension radar and racing scene for many years. New to the twin shock market, we were sure not to be disappointed. Out of the box, there were some clearance issues to resolve (the solution will now be included with the shocks here from GuzziTech), set the sag and match the rebound to the GT hybrid kit forks, and ride. At first I was a touch concerned as the shocks felt too soft on the bench, and seem to lack rebound from what I'm used to. Couldn't have been more wrong on the ride. Happy to report that it is impressively good. Only criticism would be in hard hit bumps (high-speed compression) gave a sudden jolt, but this is a tough one with twin shocks. For the price and availability, along with much higher then average build quality, I am happy to include them in the GuzziTech offerings here on the Store page. Click image above for details and to order.

V7 MATRISM40D
M40D - Twin IFP shocks (rebound and length adjustable)

Length: 388~397mm - arrived set to 390mm
Extended: 374mm
Static: 355mm
Laden: 336mm
Set target total sag: 38mm
Total sag measured (out of the box): 10mm
Rebound was +16 of 26 clicks, reduced to +10
Notes:
  • This is the first pair of Internal Floating Piston (IFP) shocks I've installed where it was a wow, even when pulling it from the box. What an amazing shock. I set the sag (WAY too stiff as arrived), and balanced the rebound action front to rear, and rode. Usually the stiction out of the box always makes shocks seem way to firm, but this set, even on my choppy private road delivered and amazingly compliant ride. It was the first time I had to remind myself to think about the shocks, rather than the road on my 10 mile test loop (video now below). I wouldn't touch another thing, they are that good. Another triple thumbs up to Matris.

V7 MATRISM40KC
M40KC - Twin piggyback fully adjustable shocks(compression, rebound & length adjustable)

Length: 388~397mm - arrived set to 390mm
Extended: 374mm
Static: 355mm
Laden: 336mm
Set target total sag: 38mm
Total sag measured (out of the box): 10mm
Compression was +12 of 26, reduced to +6
Rebound was +16 of 26 clicks, reduced to +4
Notes:
  • Matris never disappoints, another wow out of the box, and it should be at this price. This set, unlike the 40D above, took a few trips to dial in, and the stiction got better on every ride. Important to again note that all settings, including sag *must* be set out of the box. This set delivered a very advanced tractability, which came into it's own the harder I rode (used on the video shot below). Likely not an investment for many riders, but for those who are willing to spend the money on this set, you'll likely never look at another set of shocks the same way. Thanks yet again Matris.

****Mupo Suspension Options****

V7 ST03
ST03 - Twin IFP shocks (rebound and length adjustable)

Extended: 369mm
Static: 356mm
Laden: 330mm
Target total sag: 38mm
Total sag measured (out of the box): 39mm
Rebound was +8 of 16 clicks, reduced to +1
Notes:
  • Edit: (I unknowingly had a lowered seat on the bike, so with a stock seat in place, my observations...) Shocks exhibited firm but controlled compression damping, and very good rebound damping set to +1 from full soft. Small sharp edged bumps were nicely absorbed, but still felt through the chassis, as were moderate bumps and dips. Clearly shows how poor the OEM front fork springs and damping rates are. Turn in of the bike with forks pulled 1/2" above the top triple, offers better turn in, and stability, but I will likely go more to help with the slow turn-in characteristics of the bike.
V7 ST01
ST01 - Twin piggyback fully adjustable shocks (compression, rebound & length adjustable)

Extended: 369mm
Static: 364mm
Laden: 330mm
Target total sag: 38mm
Total sag measured (out of the box): 36mm > set to 39mm
Compression arrived +16 of 26 > Set to +10 from full soft
Rebound arrived +18 click 40 > Set to +7 from full soft
Notes:
  • Shocks exhibited superior compression & rebound damping to the ST03 or BiTubo shocks. Small sharp edged bumps were mildly transferred to the rider. Moderate bumps and dips were transferred to the frame. Again showns how poor the OEM front fork springs and damping rates are. Turn in of the bike with forks pulled 1/2" above the top triple, offers more decisive turn in, and stability through the corners. The bike tracked noticeably better with the ST01s.
Mupo ST03 & ST01 no feel of bottoming:
V7 MupoST Bttm

****Ohlins Advanced Suspension Technology****

S36PL - Twin piggyback non-adjustable shocks (length only adjustable)
Out of the box:
Extended: 374mm
Static: 369mm
Laden: 332mm
Total sag measured (out of the box): 42mm
+3 turns of preload = Target total sag: 38mm

Notes:

  • From the Italia division, these are on the firm side, but exhibit excellent bump absorption high and low speed. I ran them fully extended on the ride height adjuster, as I spec all of my truly custom build shocks at +20mm over stock. These go to +9mm over stock.

****RaceTech Suspension Options****

RT V7Shocks
RT RG3 PB - Twin piggyback fully adjustable shocks (compression, rebound & length adjustable)

Extended: 372mm
Static: 358mm
Laden: 330mm
Target total sag: 38mm
Total sag measured (as delivered): 42mm
Compression arrived +2.5 rotations from full soft - left as delivered
Rebound arrived +30 of 40 click range > Set to +10 from full soft
Notes:
  • RT IFP Shocks exhibited superior compression & rebound damping to the BiTubo shocks. Small sharp edged bumps were barely felt. Moderate bumps and dips were transferred to the chassis. These shocks were built in-house at RT with the main tech putting 150 miles on the bike for tweaks. This design offers an impressive amount of travel, and they used all of it. I rate this shock as one of the best (so far), at a cost.
  • V7 MupoST Bttm


Enjoy the ride with us below... you'll likely have to watch it more then once. Once to enjoy the ride, and once to watch the fork action:
 

Attachments

  • Andreani-DR-Install.pdf
    1.4 MB · Views: 6
Last edited:
Great post Todd. It would be really interesting to eventually compare all shock and fork after-market options you carry, to the stock setup.
 
Mupo fork kit and ST01 shocks on the V7R

After about 500 miles on these suspension components on my 2013 V7R, here are some sag numbers and impressions.

Front (Kaifa forks) with the MUPO fork kit:

Spring and spacer as provided, without modifications. On the first install, the free/rider sags came to 15/37mm, and now after 500 miles it's 20/40; very much in the ballpark so I'll leave it alone for now. Possible next experimentation will be with the air gap (120mm currently).

Rear, MUPO ST1 shocks:

Preload adjusted (very little load on the spring) to get 12/36mm free/rider sag.

Interestingly, Todd and I came to almost identical compression and rebound damping settings independently of each other: I settled on 18 clicks rebound and 10 compression, from full soft. Still playing with a click here and there but the ballpark is the same...

After putting in these suspension upgrades and setting the sags I felt that the bike still had way too much rear weight bias for me, so I added 8mm to the shock length using the adjusters, and also dropped the front 10mm by raising the forks in the triple trees.

The handling and control of the bike are transformed. The valving seems on the stiff side for sportier handling (how I generally prefer to set up my bikes) but does not neglect comfort for bumpy roads. In either case, much more confident feeling all around. Tracking and stability, both at high speed and low, are much improved.

I will experiment with dropping the front some more.
 
Re: Mupo fork kit and ST01 shocks on the V7R

makarushka said:
The handling and control of the bike are transformed. The valving seems on the stiff side for sportier handling (how I generally prefer to set up my bikes) but does not neglect comfort for bumpy roads. In either case, much more confident feeling all around. Tracking and stability, both at high speed and low, are much improved.
I will experiment with dropping the front some more.
Thanks for posting. You're headed in the right direction on the front. I dropped mine 20mm.
My V7R has been COMPLETELY transformed suspension/handling wise. I'm going to get some more seat time in here soon, as the current set up has <20 miles on it... and I'll go back and forth between stock and rear shock options to compare still, as well as I'm getting Matris' offerings in here within the next few weeks, so I'll report back again then.
 
I think I have finally found a good balance between the front and rear suspension on my V7 Special. Today I put in just 20 miles as a test of the new setup. The suspension is much more supple, no hobby horse action, expansion joints don't launch me from the seat, the front end soaks up more of the action and is more in balance with the rear. Now for the numbers:

The shocks are Race Tech, don't know the spring specs but I did have RT re-valve the shocks for less dampening. Now I have 40mm race sag on the rear and am not bottoming out.

At the front end I now have .80kg springs (4.60mm wire), 150mm spacer (that gives 7mm preload on the spring), and 140mm air gap with 10W fork oil. Free sag is about 3mm, race sag is 30mm, and total travel over a 20 mile loop was 48mm. I suspect these numbers will get a bit larger once I have put real miles on the suspension. It is worth noting that RT initially spec'd stiffer springs, .95kg and they were entirely too stiff. I weigh about 200 lb with gear

While trying to get the front end sorted out I tried various amounts of preload, 165, 160, and 150mm; various amounts of air gap (140mm, 150mm, 160mm.) It's fairly easy to make these swaps once you have done the drill a time or two. All this has buggered up my fork caps so I have a new pair on order from AF1, back ordered but only $16 each. That's a much better price than another dealer quoted at $64! A word of advice, it helps to grind a socket flat so you can get a better grip on those fork caps.
 
I spent another half day swapping out rear shocks yesterday, and added my notes for the Matris offerings to the first post of this thread. Matris: Very nice stuff.
For anyone interested in any of these items, I want to extend the offer to come demo them for yourself, either on your bike, or on our V7R rental (RentAGuzzi.com). If you rent the V7R, I will apply 50% of the rental rate towards the purchase of a shock & fork kit. I'll also offer free installation for the first taker for the Matris Fork Kit for the Kaifa forks (and I'll happily swap out the shocks in inventory for you to test/sample). Who will be first?

Come enjoy a nice leisurely ride on our hill... you'll have to watch it at least twice. Once for the view, and once to watch the forks.

 
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put me on the list for the Matris Kit for the Kaifa Forks. great video, i can't wait to take the same ride home after mine are installed!
 
Received an installed a pair of Mupo ST03 today. It has transformed the bike. Former wallowing through 150 kmh sweepers is now 'set the course and apply throttle'. (of course this is only hypothetical because I'd never exceed the posted limit)
Todd: you rock. Crappy stuff going on in your life, me screwing up exchange rates (twice), and yet the items arrived as promised on time, fully ready to install. You have earned my respect as well as my future business. Thank you.
Yukonica.
 
Hello all!

I just bought a V7 Stone, matte black.

I had the foam in the seat shaved because I am short (5'4"), but I still want to get a little lower by adjusting the rear suspension as well. I'm looking for tips on this. The owners manual isn't super helpful although it does say that you can do it.

Thanks for your help!

Hannah
 
You can back off the shock pre-load, but that may make handling a little weird. You might want to contact Todd about shorter shocks for your V7. At 5'4" a 1/2 inch shorter shock may do it. Do measure the standing height a the rear of the bike and front of the bike before you change the rear shocks. You will need a helper to do this. Take the new measurement for the rear, then slide up the fork tubes until you get an equal drop at the front. This will preserve the stock steering geometry.
 
Thanks John. Hannah, I sent you a direct email.
 
Hi Todd.
I am new to this forum and GuzziGrrl asked exactly the same thing I would like to know. I am in a similar situation although I am a bit taller, 5'6". I too would like to lower my V7 stone's front and rear suspension. Could you also send me some information on different options across various prices points?

Thanks for your help.
 
Hi Todd. I am new to this forum and GuzziGrrl asked exactly the same thing I would like to know. I am in a similar situation although I am a bit taller, 5'6". I too would like to lower my V7 stone's front and rear suspension. Could you also send me some information on different options across various prices points? Thanks for your help.
Welcome aboard, and congrats as well on the V7! I sent you a direct email, but as to pricing and options for the V7, see this link; https://www.guzzitech.com/store/category/suspension/?filtering=1&filter_model=77
 
I have been AM (After Matris) for about 2 months now and I could not be happier with them.
I purchased both the shocks and front fork kit - https://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/v7-standard-twin-shocks/ and https://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/matris-v7-full-fork-kit/

I do a good mix of freeway, city and canyon driving and the transformation is beyond comparison to the stock setup. I can even go as far to say - this is the best suspension setup I have ever ridden (granted I have limited riding experience but true nonetheless).

Rebound, Compression, overall feel of the bike, corning - all make me smile. I used to curse if hit a pothole / bump as it would inevitably travel up and jolt me but now the suspension takes it all in stride.

The look of the shocks are also superb and adjusting the pre-load for a 2 up is a quick allen wrench away. If you are thinking of upgrading, this is the way to go.
 
Adding photos of the rear Suspension.


15683510955_5ffa06c41b_b.jpg




15677637625_e98645cfbd_b.jpg
I have been AM (After Matris) for about 2 months now and I could not be happier with them.
I purchased both the shocks and front fork kit - https://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/v7-standard-twin-shocks/ and https://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/matris-v7-full-fork-kit/

I do a good mix of freeway, city and canyon driving and the transformation is beyond comparison to the stock setup. I can even go as far to say - this is the best suspension setup I have ever ridden (granted I have limited riding experience but true nonetheless).

Rebound, Compression, overall feel of the bike, corning - all make me smile. I used to curse if hit a pothole / bump as it would inevitably travel up and jolt me but now the suspension takes it all in stride.

The look of the shocks are also superb and adjusting the pre-load for a 2 up is a quick allen wrench away. If you are thinking of upgrading, this is the way to go.
 
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Just got my Racer back after having the Matris fork (K-fork) installed. I was hoping for some improvement, but I'm simply amazed at the change, and I haven't even touched the pre-load/sag yet. I've only taken two short rides (about 40 miles) over typical back roads and its like a completely new bike. The front feels solid and planted, soaks up bumps and feels like it turns in quicker and holds the lines better. What is most shocking is that the rear also feels better. I was afraid I was going to have to replace the BiTubos but I may be able to work with what I have. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait for spring before I can get things all dialed in (riding days are now limited here in WI) but my first impressions are VERY positive. I'd encourage anyone that is unhappy with your V7s suspension to start at the front with the Matris Kit. You will not be disappointed.
 
That's good to hear Tonup.... I'm in a similar situation as you were. I was going to start with the front forks and Todd has recommended the appropriate kit for me. I'm assuming that you went with one of the Matris kits on a non adjustable stock fork? You said that you havent gotten around to pre load and sag on the rear.... Have you been provided any recommendations on preload and sag to help you dial things in?
Glad to hear that initially things feel that much better!
 
Todd, how much travel do these shocks provide, and how cheaply can we get the ST01s to Australia?

Thanks, Mal
 
Todd, how much travel do these shocks provide, and how cheaply can we get the ST01s to Australia? Thanks, Mal
Mal, direct email sent. Travel info shown above. Let me know here if you don't see it.
 
That's good to hear Tonup.... I'm in a similar situation as you were. I was going to start with the front forks and Todd has recommended the appropriate kit for me. I'm assuming that you went with one of the Matris kits on a non adjustable stock fork? You said that you havent gotten around to pre load and sag on the rear.... Have you been provided any recommendations on preload and sag to help you dial things in?
Glad to hear that initially things feel that much better!
yes, I went with the Matris kit since I have the Kaifa fork. I can't recall offhand what the recommended settings for static sag are, I think maybe btw 20 and 30 mm. There's a lot of online guides for getting setup. here's a link to one: http://www.sportrider.com/suspension-setup-guide?dom=sri&loc=rightrail&lnk=suspension-setup-guide My biggest problem is finding the time and a helper! My winter project is to get some weight appropriate front springs and then re-assess the rear. How much do you weigh?
 
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