activpop

What a story. Go Engineers!

@doccThanks, I will contact them. If anybody has answers, they do. Here is an interesting reply to a question posted up on an old GS thread. Some good info here. Hi, I have Wilbers (front/rear) on my R12GS since more than 30000km. I understand the basics so perhaps I can help out. The most important part on the number combination on your spring is the '150' indicating the spring rate. My Wilbers springs carry the same numbers, and I weigh 86kg, and the pillion weighs 70kg, and then there's the luggage. So you're allright as far as springrate goes. Springrate on these bikes is usually 140, 150, 160. Now some basic info. Imagine a bike hanging in the air. As it comes down and sits on it's springs, it goes down a bit called the 'static' sag. As a rider mounts the bike, it goes down even more : the 'dynamic' sag. The 'dynamic' sag is supposed to remain equal, no matter how much weight is put on the bike; that's why there's a preload knob for adjustment. The trouble is that it's not easy to find out what the basic dynamic sag is, i.e. when riding solo. That's where Wilbers are clever : in the factory they put the minimum preload according to weight of rider (as specified when ordered). This exact minimum preload means that the rider will have the correct dynamic sag when riding solo. From there on, he can adjust for more weight by increasing the preload.* What some people don't realise, is that this factory installed minimum preload can be altered on the spring, for more or less solo weight. Otherwise Wilbers would have to produce hundreds of different springs for different riders' weights. And as a nice advantage to us customers Wilbers springs/dampers can be sold on to a rider with a different weight. To be specific : you have bought a second hand Wilbers and can have the minimum preload changed so that it fits your weight (preferably by someone who knows how). But, since you are heavier than the specified weight you have this option : when riding solo you can simply adjust the preload above the minimum installed by the factory. This means trying out different preload positions and measuring dynamic sag 'till you get it right for riding solo. (To make it clear : if you were lighter than the specified rider weight, you would imperatively have to get the factory installed minimum preload decreased, or accept to ride solo with slightly wrong dynamic sag). As far as damping (rebound) goes, this is a Very Personal Matter. Damping influences roadholding AND comfort. The best way to find out what YOU like, is to testride the bike with different damping settings. If the damping is too open, the bike will start wallowing around, perhaps plushy, but not efficient in roadholding. With the rebound damping too closed the spring will not have the time to rebound before the next bump arrives, actually diminishing spring travel, diminishing roadholding... and the ride will get uncomfortably hard. It is false to think that a hard damping setup will result in better roadholding. In any case it's a compromise that you have to find out for yourself. Here's what I did : I went on a calm stretch of road with different curves and changing 'bumpiness' (that's important), and tried out different settings, always driving the same stretch. I opened the damping completely to understand the consequences, then closed it completely for the same reason, and then worked with small adjustments till I got it right to my taste. It took me a couple of hours. I like technique so I had a blast. For those who think this is all too complicated : it isn't, it's actually easy and a hoot ! And the reward is : an incredible improvement over the BMW stock solution. I'm convinced you'll enjoy your Wilbers ! Have fun ! * And here's the big difference with preload on a standard BMW spring : since BMW don't know how heavy the rider is, preload is set somewhere in the middle. It's up to the rider to find out the exact amount of preload he has to install for riding solo. This means the rider has to know about dynamic sag, and measure this for himself. I don't know dealers who explain this, I know even less riders who ride with the right basic set up. BTW the same basic error (BMW not knowing how heavy the rider is, and thus possible wrong preload) exists with ESA.

@Lucky Phil, Right on about the Wilburs. I ran the spring numbers and from what I found out the spring might be the weak link. It is a 50-50-100-130. I'm thinking the third number could be 130 for my weight with riding gear. 230lbs- 104kg. I have to see how to change that spring or who can do that.

Thanks for that input. I am going out to the shop now to read the numbers on the spring and try to reference them. I wonder what that smaller diameter grooved wheel at the rear of the shock does? I can't see what it could do. That spring seems compressed greatly by the threaded adjustment wheel. Is it normal to crank that thing so far down?

@doccWith the miles you have on your V11, what is the history of your rear shock? Rebuild or replacement?

Well, I did say wimpy. There are some numbers on the spring. I will try to trace it off of that. I wonder what I could replace it with so I dont break the bank? I probably would like to sell this bike in a month or so, and would prefer to sell it with a bit more proper rear end.

I dont think so.

Here it is.

Ok, looks like I do have the stock on one. The other is all black and no external adjuster. Just an adjusting collar for spring preload.

Two V11's have different rear shocks. 2001's built a month apart. One looks pretty wimpy, which I'm guessing is stock. The other is much better build quality. Who made the stock shocks?

https://www.facebook.com/share/GhfQGPqRCwXjFr1c/?mibextid=kL3p88

⁸ I can only deal with what is in my control. Since that post from over a year ago, I have gotten records on many more bikes. More important to me are the records telling me the recall was not satisfied. I passed on two beautiful V11's because of no recall work performed. One guy said he didn't go fast and the other guy said he didn't care. Allrighty then...

Yes it does. It was impeccably cared for. Jay Leno couldn't have done better.

No all in one in Oregon, but I never asked if they can do that. I like the way Indiana does things, at least regarding registrations.

As usual, good eye, @docc. The engine guards might be another giveaway? They look aftermarket...but I'm no expert. It's just that my 2004 V11 has different ones.

This just popped up here. Not my bike. https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/d/portland-rare-2004-moto-guzzi-lemans/7726145577.html

@red lion TNT sports

This bike is the definition of well sorted. Demonstrates the difference between price and value.

Expect owner involvement.

These bikes have always intrigued me ever since I saw one cruising years ago on the roads in Yosemite NP. It is surprising how many of these pop up for sale near me, especially late models. I can see one of these in my future, just for the thrill of that beautiful engine. It is a far cry from my '83 RT R100 which I purchased new. https://www.facebook.com/share/mVBQhNWyQPjT18SW/?mibextid=kL3p88

Now that you called them Mickey Mouse @Lucky Phil, I have to change them.

In the shop working on the Griso...this came on, brought back memories of a certain someone in NY when we were 15. 54 years ago...Wow! Perfect Love https://g.co/kgs/Q7T9sCq