guzzipete

...and 7.5 turns from full open? (or 7.5 turns back from fully closed?)

The owners manual states "The shock absorber is calibrated in the factory to the following standard values...", and it goes on to provide these standard values (what I refer to as "stock settings") for the front and rear shocks. It also provides a standard value (stock setting) for the Ohlins damper, but not for the non-Ohlins damper, hence my question. Thanks for the forward to the other thread though, it was quite an interesting read. Cheers.

Thanks for that guys! I've set it approximately half way between fully open and fully closed. It is still quite easy to maneuver in the garage, and like you say, whether it makes any difference at speed or not remains to be seen. I ride like a grandma, so I'm not so worried about high speed (110 km/h +) stability. Cheers.

I'm trying to find the factory set specifications for the V11 Sport steering damper (non Ohlins), as I would like to return all of my suspension specifications to stock (as a clean slate before making my own adjustments). I've had a look around the forum here, but haven't been able to find anything other than some people have suggested removing it altogether! Any suggestions? Also of great help would be suggestions for final settings (regular two-up, no luggage - rider weight 70 kg, pillion weight 55 kg). Thanks for any help that you can provide to this Guzzi nubie!

Actually, manufacturers put a fair amount of engineering nous into determining tyre specifications. The manufacturers recommended pressures are designed to make the tyre contact patch as large and evenly weighted as possible, whilst also providing steering/handling, wear, and fuel economy characteristics that will please the greatest number of customers. Over inflating the tyres will feel like the handling and grip is sharper because at low cornering forces there is less steering weight. However, ultimate grip, which depends on maximising the contact patch in strong braking or lateral G situations will be reduced. i.e. ultimate braking and cornering grip will suffer, even if it doesn't feel that way. As an extreme example, look at how sensitive F1 cars are to tyre pressure (where a variation of just 0.2 kg/cm2 can “ruin” the performance of the car) to understand the effect on grip.

Charlie Boorman will be departing Manly (Sydney, Australia) on Monday 18/05/09 for his new series "By Any Means 2", and is inviting all fellow motorcyclists to join him for a ride. The Manly Daily reports: 10am: Charlie Boorman will arrive at Freshwater Reserve to meet fans 11am: The motorbike convoy will depart and head to Frazer Beach in the Munmorah State Conservation Area, north of The Entrance 12:30pm: Arrival at Frazer Beach and sausage sizzle for convoy participants Hope to see you there!