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V85 front end “hop”

Sam V Napoleon

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
Sep 17, 2019
Messages
51
Location
Pittsburgh
I am experiencing the dreaded front end “hop” that has been well documented on other forums. “Hop” happens at 35-45 mph. Wheels are true and balanced, suspension has been adjusted, tires have been changed...nothing changes other than how I feel the “hop”. Has anyone else experienced this? And more importantly have you solved it?? Would upgrading the suspension fix it? I want to upgrade to Matris but may not if the problem will persist.
 
Could it possibly help to increase the damping on your rear shock. Just in case there is a teeter totter effect between front and rear with the pivot being the swingarm bearings. Just a thought and easy to try. Another quick check is front damping. I assume the springs front and back are too weak as usual but playing with damping settings cost nothing
 
I guess I should say where I am on suspension at this point. Preload all out in the front, 12 clicks out on damping. I am second to highest notch of preload on the rear, damping one turn out. I weight 185 pounds without gear.
 
Well it's sounds like you've got quite a few combinations to try before you throw money at it :) . Peter
Yea I don’t want to throw money at it and still have the hop. I wanted better suspension simply to have better suspension...but not better suspension with a hop haha.
 
I'm wondering if the "hop" is being caused because you have too much pre-load. the shock is probably not moving (i.e. similar to a hard-tail) except on very large bumps.

I'm with Vagrant, I'm heavier than you and I have no pre-load. Remember pre-load does not change the rate of the spring, only the height (assuming linear springs).
 
I agree with Vagrant and Kiwi Dave—I also have rear preload at the lowest setting and believe it would ride like a hard-tail at maximum preload without a passenger and luggage. Try reducing rear preload and then adjusting damping through entire range on both rear and front.
 
To give a different opinion on rear preload, I'm running second from the highest notch and am happy with it and no ill effects.

I changed the front tire recently and got a rumble from the front that felt a little hoppy, it seems to be calming down as the tire wears in though.
 
Please...

Assuming that the wheel rim and tire are both undamaged, then wheel hop is caused by one thing, improper balancing. It is quite common for the hop to become more noticeable at a particular rotational speed.

Remove the wheel and put it on a static balancing stand. I'l bet you that it has a heavy spot.
 
Please...

Assuming that the wheel rim and tire are both undamaged, then wheel hop is caused by one thing, improper balancing. It is quite common for the hop to become more noticeable at a particular rotational speed.

Remove the wheel and put it on a static balancing stand. I'l bet you that it has a heavy spot.
I took the wheels to a local shop and had them re-balance the tires. I’ll be on the road for 4 days so we will see if that solved the problem.
 
I agree with Vagrant and Kiwi Dave—I also have rear preload at the lowest setting and believe it would ride like a hard-tail at maximum preload without a passenger and luggage. Try reducing rear preload and then adjusting damping through entire range on both rear and front.
I have my preload that high because that’s what it takes for me to get to 50mm of rider sag. With all the preload out in the front I get 47mm of rider sag. I’ll be on the road for 4 days so I will have time to play with it and will try setting it back lower in the rear, but that would result in too much rider sag it seems. That being said...it’s a Guzzi so the rules seem to always be different lol.
 
No luck adjusting the hop out after 4 days on the road and driving my brother mad with my suspension adjustments at every stop haha. Bike will be headed to the dealer for heated grip install and I’ll have them sort it out. I will update for those interested.
 
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