LaGrasta

A bit of confusion somehow. My bike does not have the bar holes in the triple tree, and it does have a chin pad.

Great explanation, thank you. After reading this, I believe I need only add a 1 inch spacer, thus affecting preload. I did set my sag' strangely, it seemed my shock spring was too light. I adjusted it all the way out. Being only 165lbs, I would expect OEM springs to cover my weight range. Maybe it was swapped out by PO, but it doesn't appear to be. My wife is traveling with the daughter this weekend, visiting SJSU, so I'll have time to add my PVC. We'll see how it reacts…

From all of these variations, inconsistencies, and differences; I actually gleaned something just now (thx @docc). I'm going to add a 1" PVC spacer, to help with preload. I believe this is all I'm missing to make this suspension acceptable. It still won't be great, but acceptable. Since I can add the spacers, cheap and easy, it seems like the thing to do. Plus, my only other alternative is to invest in a set of Traxxion Dynamics or Matris cartridges, and that I cannot come to terms with. I figure 1 inch is a good place to start. Advice? Do I need to cut the spring an even amount of the spacer? This is what I normally do.

I have the black forks, C adjustment on the left, R on the right.

Thanks @GuzziMoto My bike is an early 2003. It's been some time since I rebuilt my forks, I can't remember if they had the holes or not. I sort of think they weren't supposed to be on my year, but can't really remember. The Marzocchi cartridges that are currently sold on Andreani, I don't believe are the same as mine. I'm not opposed to breaking my forks back down, and welding up the hole, but I hate having to break them down, just to confirm if I have the holes at all. I guess I've got another project.

Sheesh, just when I though I had found some hope. I guess this only leaves AK from Traxxion, but that price!

After researching and testing, I'm believe my cartridges is what's wrong with these OEM Marzocchi forks. I had thought it was merely needing an adjustment, or spring replacement, but now I don't think so. Admittedly, I'm not understanding everything 100%, but this is where I've landed. I read the thread of welding up the holes on the OEM cartridges and it influenced my current stance. Having an AK20 kit on my V7, I'm a huge fan, but they are over $1200. At half the price, Andreani seems to be offering the same style kit. I've reached out to them, in hopes of being able to move forward. I'll report back when I learn more. Thanks to @al_roethlisberger for letting me know about this brand, with their new branch in America.

Many OEM hoses I found listed, weren't actually available. I agree though, if I could have purchased the OEM one, I would have. At the time, I think the only place that had it was in Germany and it was like $80 plus shipping. Interesting enough, I only paid $18, and free shipping. I see now, it cost twice that amount!

Yes, it fit perfect. I ride SoCal freeways to work, 25 miles one way. The entire trip I'm averaging 75-95mph. Even at extended high speeds, no leaks, no issues.

is a fantastic source thread! Here is my replacement of this breather hose. Crankcase oil vent hose, $20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C2Y22S?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I currently am using this on my 2003. Note: As this hose is intended for water, it is not oil certified. However others have noted no signs of wear for well over 10,000 miles. Even then, no loss of oil, only degradation of the rubber. At this price, and ease of replacement, it serves us to install, and monitor, and replace as needed versus OEM that is hardly available and cost threes times this amount.

yes, you can plug it, but there is no need; you can leave it open.

@Scud I hadn't realized you've not used the tool as of yet. Clear out that garage, then I'll swing by and we can sync both our bikes. I'll treat us to lunch afterward.

I'm ashamed, I have yet to have ever balanced mine. Or on my V7 either. @Scud is local to me and I believe he has the knowledge and tool to do this. One of these days, I hope to meet up with him, if not for a ride, than a beer in the garage.

I can't believe I'm actually reading this thread, reliving my past nightmare with my speedo. It still surprises me there is no mechanical replacement, cheap and easy. The internet is full of cheap and easy mechanical cable-driven speedos/tach. I ended up replacing both angle gears and cable, spending far too much and all seems well now. However, I spent even more money when I found an NOS white face speedo (It may be a unicorn). It now lives on a shelf, waiting for it's turn. Hope you get this sorted.

…well, what one was it?

Rode to work again today, all is still well. Whatever it was, it's gone.

I did the Lucky Phil Shift Improvement, and all is well. I have no wish to perform this other spring upgrade as it's so involved. I have about 15k on my 2003, am I destined to be forced to do so? As I read through this thread, it seemed it may be so.

@OuijiVeck I just read through this thread, welcome back. You mentioned handling, etc. I might mention, as I have the long wheel base as well, I pulled the forks up through the triple tree 15mm. The helpd the sluggish slow steering.

Having owned an Opel GT in both Ohio and California, I learned first hand DMVs aren't always in the know. My advice, register it as you're supposed to do, and let them figure out how to do it on their end. Congrats on the new bike. Change those fluids and filters, add fresh gas and a battery and more than likely, you're on the road!

If I knew for certain the best effective and economical suspension choice, I'd have no problem purchasing and installing it myself. As I'm local to GuzziTech, I'd like (and need) to have them look at my suspension. I'm waiting to become more comfortable with the cost.

@Gmc28 Wouldn't you know? I rolled it into the garage Saturday morning, prepared to evaluate the mishap. Just as the forum suggested, turned the key, heard the pump prime, so I hit the ignition. Started right up, idled perfect! I drove it a bit later to Home Depot, about 8 mile round trip, no problems. Then this morning, ride to work, 25 miles one way, no problem. Sheesh. btw, I've ridden about 3k or so since replacing the filters, fluids, injectors, plugs, etc.

Cranked and cranked the V11, but to no avail. Yesterday it was also a hard start, then ran the 50 mile day as if it had a miss. Today, it started after a tremendous amount of cranking, but would not idle. Now late for work, I parked it and hopped on the V7. I'm not sure what to check first, maybe I'll pull the plugs, see if they're wet. If so, see if each wire is firing. Any other suggestions?

https://traxxion.com/product/ak-20-axxion-motorcycle-fork-cartridge-kit/ The PO sent the forks to TD, to be tooled for this upgrade. As for the back shocks, he upgraded to Wilburs.

I also have Traxxion Dynamics AK on my 2010 V7, and they weren't even purchased for me, but rather the PO! They are great, but I believe these were $1100.