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:
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/search?type=product&q=v7 fork matris*
FK & FKE
Notes:
Notes:
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/mupo-v7-v7ii-full-fork-kit
Notes:
Ohlins-Andreani
Purchase info here; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/v7-andreani-fork-cartridges
Notes:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
****Mupo Suspension Options****
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:
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:
****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:
****RaceTech Suspension Options****
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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****
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.
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.
****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 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.
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
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