V9 raising the rear end?

[neoeagle]

Hi All,

I hope is all well - I am after some advice! I am starting the process of customising my V9 Roamer , which I really like apart from the slightly squatting look of the rear end. I am thinking of bobbing the rear fender and raising the rear suspension by 25mm to achieve the flat frame look and lose the pooping dog back end.

I have researched that Raising rear suspension by increasing the length of rear shock absorber will result in a reduction in castor angle, lower trail ratio, slight reduction in wheel base, increased swingarm angle & higher center of gravity.

These geometrical changes results in quicker steering/turning, better handling, better squatting performance under acceleration & more ground clearance. However this also results in higher seat height, lower stability during braking, lower high speed stability & oversteer behaviour.

How noticeable will it be with an extra 25mm in the rear shocks, should I consider better internals in the front suspension too?

Anyone undertaken this? What is the experience?

 

[john zibell]

It is probably easier to raise the fork tubes 15 to 20mm to achieve the same effect. So long as you have fender clearance, try it.

 

[neoeagle]

It is probably easier to raise the fork tubes 15 to 20mm to achieve the same effect. So long as you have fender clearance, try it.

Thanks John, Has anyone tried this? It sounds like a sensible experiment ;-)

 

[neoeagle]

It is probably easier to raise the fork tubes 15 to 20mm to achieve the same effect. So long as you have fender clearance, try it.

I seem to recall that many journalists preferred the sharper turn in on the Bobber. Due to the tire differences the Bobber trail is 116.1mm and the Roamer 125.1. So a difference of 9mm. Apparently lowering the front end by 4mm decreases trail by 1mm, which would indicate lowering the front by 20mm would change the trail to around 121mm, which would be less than the Roamer, but not as sharp as the Bobber. Does the bigger tyre slow thing down on the bobber?

I don’t want to make the bike twitchy!!! Any suspension experts out there?

 

[GTM®]

All your answers live on this Forum. Simply look in the V9 suspension thread, and try a search.
I’ve been dropping the forks (and both raising rear ride height) on Guzzis for 19 years, and even longer on others. My resume in addition to being the Founder of this site; http://ridemalibu.com/instruction/todd-eagan-bio/
All of my good journo friends prefered the Bobber during the original press event/release in Mandello. Not sure which ones you are reading. I dislike both wheel/tire combos.
Hope that helps. Enjoy.

 

[neoeagle]

Thanks, Todd

I see that you recommend 15-20mm for sharper handling anyway!

I see you offer the Matris and Öhlins - do they come with the European approvals for the V9?

 

[GTM®]

Thanks, Todd. I see you offer the Matris and Öhlins - do they come with the European approvals for the V9?

Welcome, and since they originate in Europe, I would say yes.
Also, see our GT exhaust offerings here; https://gtmotocycles.com/collections/exhaust/products/gtm-v9-gp-ss-megs