Shock upgrade....is it really worth it?

[Mazo EMS2]

When we went from our 2010 RT to our 2016 RT I noticed a big difference in the suspension. So, is it really worth it to go from stock shocks on the 2016 RT, to after market shocks? Fox, Elka...? What say you?

[Bob Denman]

On my 2010 RT: I went with Elka shocks, and Ron's anti-swaybar. It transformed the bike's ability to bend into a turn...
On my 2014: I only added Ron's preload adjusters, and was actaully about to buy a bar... but I traded it in!
Do they need some help? It completely depends upon how you like to ride.

[Kipawa]

When we went from our 2010 RT to our 2016 RT I noticed a big difference in the suspension. So, is it really worth it to go from stock shocks on the 2016 RT, to after market shocks? Fox, Elka...? What say you?

I had my dealer install the Fox adjustable shocks on my 2016 RT limited and it was like night and day, what a difference in reduced body roll and handling especially riding 2up.

[cuznjohn]

on both mt 13 and 14 rt's i couldn't believe the difference with the elka shocks when i put them on

[Chupaca]

Mostly on your ryding style and how well it performs for you. Casual/normal ryding they are set up pretty well but for the more intense ryders they will lack/limit your handling in the backroad twisties. Get a good amount of ryding and miles and then see by changing parts progressively. Start with a good laser alignment, then the BajaRon sway bar and hiem joints and finally deal with the shocks be it stiffeners or replacement...

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

IMHO, the most noticeable improvement in handling from stock will be a better SWAY BAR ie from Ron at BajaRon ..... this not to say that a premium Shock Spring set-up won't be an improvement ....but imho ( ).... 90% of the people who get them don't have ability to set them up to achieve optimum value ...... and when you put a passenger on, do you want to start the testing process all over ...... best of luck on this ..... Mike

[LisaLimited]

I rode the hills of Arkansas and decided there was too much front end dive in the curves, so went with the Elka shocks. I even adjusted them to a fairly hard level and see a great difference. I did not feel my bike needed laser alignment as it tracks true and straight. I also did not get the sway-bar and am very happy with the performance of my 2014 RT Limited.