You might think that the suspension only serves to make us more comfortable on the bike, but its real task is not so much to make the rider feel comfortable, but to ensure a constant suspension and brakes setup, keeping the wheels in contact with the ground even on the roughest terrain. The front and rear suspension “system” is governed by a delicate interplay of numerous components that interact with each other in perfect balance.
Much of the work that Moto Guzzi does on new bikes before production is aimed at finding the best suspension setting. Inevitably, the result is a compromise that can suit many bikers but not all. If you are among the latter, a world of adjustments and tweaks opens up for you, but be careful: before getting started, it’s important to be aware of what you’re modifying!
Though the fork and rear shock absorbers (or monoshock) may seem very different, their operation is substantially similar, as are their basic components: springs and hydraulics.
The springs, more or less soft depending on the case, are used to maintain the setup, or rather to define the height of the front and rear axle, mechanically contrasting the weight of the bike. The hydraulics – i.e. the conduits and valves through which the oil is pushed by the movements of the suspension – serve instead to regulate the compression and rebound speed of the spring by slowing it down. Just think that without oil, the suspension of your Moto Guzzi would tend to jump, swaying repeatedly after every bump. Not a very exhilarating experience. It’s better, then, to know how to adjust it and keep it in perfect efficiency.
