Cal 1400 Suspension Thread

[Naked Dave]

I had Matris cartridge inserts fitted up front and a air of bespoke Nitron shocks for the rear. Took it for a 150km ride on some our typically dodgy roads and the results are great. I don't think I have got them set quite right just yet but initial results are for a more planted feeling that I notice especially on sweepers. The bike holds its line better. It also copes with judders and sharp bumps with more composure. You still feel the bump but it doesn't tear an organ loose the way it used to. Not a featherbed but definitely a more confident bike to ride.

The guy at the shop said that they might take a few hundred km to properly 'bed in'. I will give it until them before i start fiddling with the compression and rebound etc.

I think the only major item left on my 'to do' list is fuelling.

 

[John Martin]

I bought my Eldorado from new, I was disappointed with the action of both the forks and rear shocks. I found the forks weren't giving good feedback and the rear shocks were too harsh for me. The forks issue has been sorted out with custom cartridge / springs made by UK suspension specialists Maxton. The rear shocks posed a problem for me in that I wanted to keep the classic shrouded shock looks but there wasn't much choice on the market. In the end I went for a pair of classic shrouded shocks from UK maker Hagons, built for my weight etc, they only have 3 spring pre-load settings on 30lb springs and the damping is an improvement. The downside is that even though the Hagons give the same look they are slightly smaller in size, in comparison the original Guzzi shocks look so much better. I always wanted to have the original look, so recently managed to contact the shock manufacturer, Olle Amortidors from Spain. Their technical manager informed me that the shock has the softest spring for that damper but they could modify the damper. I have sent my shocks for the mod to be carried, €80 per shock. I'll give some feedback when I get the shocks back.

 

[Meldrew]

Has anybody upgraded the rear shocks on their Eldo and if so what with. Been out for a few rides now with the missus on the back and have set the stock suspension as stated in the hand book but find that the bike bounces all over the place and does not feel stable at all. This is with an empty 65l top box fitted and no panniers or luggage. Not very confidence inspiring. Would rather have function over form and although I like the look of the originals I want something that I can possibly adjust better and improve the ride and handling. Considering a set of Matris m40d but open to suggestions. Your opinions please, thanks, Ron.

 

[GTM®]

I have done many 1400s, including several Eldos and one MGX-21 (Matris, pic below.) I recommend and sell a full list of offerings here; https://gtmotocycles.com/collections/suspension/model_california-1400?sort_by=best-selling — and if you want a more budget aligned shock value, these are good; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/gtm-s2w-ifp-twin-shocks

 

[Meldrew]

I have done many 1400s, including several Eldos and one MGX-21 (Matris, pic below.) I recommend and sell a full list of offerings here; https://gtmotocycles.com/collections/suspension/model_california-1400?sort_by=best-selling — and if you want a more budget aligned shock value, these are good; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/gtm-s2w-ifp-twin-shocks

View attachment 16785

Thanks Todd, although I would have preferred the 'shrouded' look of the originals something that works properly is more important. Couple of other options I'm looking at but matris definitely an option.
Thanks again for the reply,
Cheers, Ron.

 

[Garwood]

I have a 2016 Eldorado which I suffered on with the stock shocks for 15,000 miles. I recently got a set of Matris shocks from Todd and the improvement has been dramatic. No more bottoming out on little road anomolies I didn't see coming and the handling is greatly improved. Todd knows his stuff!
Garwood.

 

[Meldrew]

Thanks for that Garwood, matris definately on the option list. Just waiting to see if Moto Guzzi will entertain a warrant claim for corrosion on the lower fork legs as I will possibly upgrade the front fork springs with matris units as well.
Cheers,
Ron

 

[Mr Clifton]

I recently bought a new Eldorado 1400. The ride is fine except on broken pavement. It will literally knock the handlebars out of my hands. It will turn off the cruise control. I'm looking for a fork upgrade is Matris still the way to go?

 

[roadventure]

I recently bought a new Eldorado 1400. The ride is fine except on broken pavement. It will literally knock the handlebars out of my hands. It will turn off the cruise control. I'm looking for a fork upgrade is Matris still the way to go?

Something is wrong. The OEM suspension is not what you would find on a GP race bike, but it is certainly adequate for a heavy touring bike.

 

[Trout]

I recently bought a new Eldorado 1400. The ride is fine except on broken pavement. It will literally knock the handlebars out of my hands. It will turn off the cruise control. I'm looking for a fork upgrade is Matris still the way to go?

The roads where I live & ride are pretty bad.
Many have not been updated for 20+ years.
When I had my Cali 1400 it took the lumps & bumps very well even in corners.

I'm a light weight at around 130lbs but I always have my suspension set on the firm/sport side.

Might want to get your dealer to bounce the front end & check it out.

 

[Mr Clifton]

I have a 2016 Norge that rides like a dream. My 2005 Electra Glide rode very well. Everything is fine with the Eldorado until broken concrete. The bike does not like sharp edges. It's fine on any other surface. I have read the the Matris Fork Kit is the answer.

 

[Trout]

I'm sure the Matris kit will improve the front end but I would also be checking the neck bearings for proper tension while installing.

 

[Meldrew]

Available from the Store (tab above) here. Just got back from a ride of approx 100 miles with swmbo. This is the first opportunity we have had to try out the new shocks and wow what a difference over stock. Bike handles and tracks much better especially through the twisties and roundabouts. Back end soaks up the bumps, no more wallowing or twitching and the boss says the ride is much more comfortable (and that's from someone who has had a hip replacement). All I can say is if you still have the standard shocks, get rid of them and visit the GTM Store and order up a new set of these, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Garwood]

I recently switched to a set of GTM "Todd Shocks" (Matris) on my Eldo. Same experience!!!! Definitely worth the money and effort!
Garwood

 

[GTM®]

Thanks guys... in an effort to avoid people wondering who or what “Todd shocks” are, a direct link; https://gtmotocycles.com/products/gtm-s2w-ifp-twin-shocks — or reference to the GTM Store (tab link) above is most appreciated!

 

[Rickhinnz]

Just received and installed my new GTM 2WS shocks today.

What a difference.
Of course it’s raining again here in Auckland but first ride definitely shows what the Custom was missing.

Have now modded both front and back with these and the Matris fork kit from Todd

I know these are the budget versions but best I can afford with the $NZ
Currently $NZ1 = $US0.64
And $NZ150 in taxes to land them on $US399

Next up is Todd’s Header system to go with the Agostinis
When the government pays me for my confiscated long arms.

 

[KCM]

I'm amazed that anyone who rides a 1400, in my case a touring, would think the rear suspension is adequate. Almost as amazed as the mileage claims for tires but that's another story. Got my bike, a new 2017 last year. On sharp edged bumps or dips it will launch my 170lbs with gear 2 inches up and out of the saddle. Too much compression damping and not enough rebound. Preload backed out all the way. On new smooth pavement the big girl handles well but those kind of roads are rare in Wi. Heaven help you if you're hitting the twisties and come across bump or dip whilst leaned over. Downright dangerous. My shock research is ongoing...

 

[GTM®]

Preload backed out all the way. Downright dangerous.

Agreed. You may likely be compounding the problem by taking preload out. The recommended settings are in the Owners Manual. Knowing and setting sag is critical to function. It sounds like you are bottoming out (the already shortened travel shocks of the Tour model). The Custom and non-bagger models have longer shocks as delivered from Guzzi. This is well covered on this Forum on all of the reasons to upgrade the suspension, and you can read the Reviews on those we offer in the Store (tab above). Also see two posts above on some we had spec'ed and sell.

 

[Robert Gibson]

I'm amazed that anyone who rides a 1400, in my case a touring, would think the rear suspension is adequate. Almost as amazed as the mileage claims for tires but that's another story. Got my bike, a new 2017 last year. On sharp edged bumps or dips it will launch my 170lbs with gear 2 inches up and out of the saddle. Too much compression damping and not enough rebound. Preload backed out all the way. On new smooth pavement the big girl handles well but those kind of roads are rare in Wi. Heaven help you if you're hitting the twisties and come across bump or dip whilst leaned over. Downright dangerous. My shock research is ongoing...

I have the Matris M40D fitted to my Touring, (currently on sale in the store). You won’t go wrong with those.

 

[KCM]

I don't think bottoming is the issue. Haven't taken any measurements but sitting in the saddle with no preload, the rear is barely settling, probably less than an inch. Literally dropping my weight on the bike (while sitting still) produces little rear suspension movement. Just for the heck of it I did look at the manual "When driving without luggage, only the rider, rider and passenger, completely turn counter clockwise the preload adjusting knob (completely open)." Kind of loses something in the translation...