Stelvio Shock

So if i get a Stelvio shock to replace the standard GRiSO one, i have three questions, that after searching i cannot find an answer too.

1/ I assume that the adjustment is rebound only? however are the rebound and compression linked at a set ration, like the Hagon shocks?
2/ Is the spring rate the same? I have not ridden a Stelvio, but i would guess they are softer than a GRiSO? although the spring wire looks thicker
3/ Any problems with the original sidestand being too short?

All input welcome :-)

There are two adjustments.  The big knob at the top and a smaller one at the base barely visible in this picture.  I assumed the top one was rebound and the bottom compression but your post now has me doubting that.  Could someone more knowledgeable please comment.

I think the Stelvio spring is more robust in addition to the extra travel.  It has never bottomed significantly where the GRiSO shock had destroyed it's bump stop from bottoming.

The sidestand is obviously a bit shorter due to raising the rear but it is still usable.  I pick and choose my spots when I park in awareness of this.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I now weigh 220 lbs with no gear but that could change since I have started making doughnuts with my breadmaker and electric fryer.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

The top knob (pun intended !) is for pre-load and does same as the two rings at the top of the GRiSO shock. (twist it for sag, passengers etc).[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Thank you Gentlemen, I would be upset Paul if you missed an opportunity for a knob Joke :-)

I wondered if the rebound damping also altered the compression at the same time, quite often they are on a 1 to 3 ratio?

I'm looking forward to hearing how it rides - should get twitchier than a birdwatcher with all the extra rear height (especially if the front is lowered as well)......

....will let you know if I ever get my Matris sorted as currently with preload almost non-existent (adjuster rings up at the top); the bike (240kgish) gives me 14mm rear sag & I can only add an extra 6mm with my weight. Bouncing the back still feels like there isn't any suspension

Paul maybe you should take a leaf out of guzziownr post and start on the donuts. If i put it on i will raise up the front probably back to just one or two lines showing and start from there. At least the sag can be set really easily with the the "little Knob" :-)

Ok, so being the impetuous person that i am i have pressed the button and got a second hand stelvio shock winging its way to me from Germany. Guzziownr tells me the stand will be ok, so i will work the rest out when it arrives and write up my thoughts.

As its an inexpensive change i will be interested to know if the improvement solves my problems without having to spend a serious wedge. They are stronger spring, ride height increase and more travel without spoiling any damping settings.

I did not lower the front and I found the balance of weight between front and rear to my liking. Now I know how to set rear preload so something to do!

guzziownr wrote:

I did not lower the front and I found the balance of weight between front and rear to my liking.  Now I know how to set rear preload so something to do!

Preload setting will be a piece of cake with the adjuster, there is no excuse now. What ring did you leave the front forks on?

I'm sorry, what's a knob and why is it so funny?

Knob is a way to adjust your pre-load on your bike; there's also one in your underpants but you need to be careful not to turn that one too far or too quickly or you'll really upset the handling; especially when you're on a bumpy ride (going up and down too much).

Keith has kindly introduced how much ring is exposed as well; but I think we've already taken double-entendres too far already on this thread :-)

Front sag is at 1.5 CM

Rear sag 3 cm

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Paul, Guzziownr and I am setting them up for you, what with Knobs, rings and now front and rear Sag, you just have to knock them over :-)

guzziownr, thanks for the pics :-)

I am going to give that knob a twist and put in a little more rear preload.

2.5 CM at max preload so there you go.

I did this shock last year on my GRiSO 850. For the first time the front and rear ends talked to each other. Bike was so much more sure footed and the slight height increase stopped me scraping pegs and bottoming out.
My mate Gregg and I swapped it out in about an hour maybe a tad less. Went straight in, no wrestling the carc etc.

Good call.

GHTE wrote:

I did this shock last year on my GRiSO 850. For the first time the front and rear ends talked to each other. Bike was so much more sure footed and the slight height increase stopped me scraping pegs and bottoming out.
My mate Gregg and I swapped it out in about an hour maybe a tad less. Went straight in, no wrestling the carc etc.

Good call.

Now that is what i like to hear :-)

Didn't see a definitive answer to question 2; whether Stelvio spring rate is different to GRiSO ??. It certainly looks like it has more travel so could take a lighter spring rate before bottoming out.

Paul, with a little bit of investigation, the standard GRiSO spring rate is 9.0kg/mm and the stelvio 11.0kg/mm. From reading the comments on this forum, 11.0kg seems to be a good start.

It is a bit late, the Hyperpro spring is underway, but anyone install one on a GRiSO? Per Hyperpro the rate for there progressive spring is 10.7Kg/mm - 16.8Kg/mm. With my 220lbs I am at the limit of the stock 9.6Kg/mm spring so right off the beginning rate of the Hyperpro is better.
FYI, my GRiSO is used as a mild touring bike so track performance is not my goal, just a nice non-bottoming out ride.

I went from a 9.6kg/mm to a 11.7kg/mm on my 2010 8V SE for 220-225lbs but did have the shock reshimmed and 5W oil. Not progressive though so don't know if that helps.

Scratching my head with Matris (like some others) at the moment, they sent me (and insist it is correct) a 13.7kg/mm for my Norge 2 up. Is very stiff 1up or 2up. Likely going to try the 12.7kg/mm.

Any info is good! But never the less, it is on the way and worst case, I get to lube the swing area and linkage bearings.

ecs, I think the idea is to have a hydraulic pre-load adjuster on your shock.
Chose a spring based on the ratio of one up : two up riding.
ie. for predominant single riding, it should feel just a little firm with the pre-load wound off. Then for two up crank up the pre-load and a little bit extra compression damping.

I have a spare 12kg Matris spring that I'll never need, free to a good home .......................... + shipping.
I have a spare 11kg spring that I may need if I get any fatter, I could be persuaded to sell it.