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  1. #1
    Very Active Member Mazo EMS2's Avatar
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    Default Shock upgrade....is it really worth it?

    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?
    2021 RT Limited

    2016 RTS , Pearl White

  2. #2
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    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.
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  3. #3
    Member Kipawa's Avatar
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    Default Fox Upgrade

    Quote Originally Posted by Mazo EMS2 View Post
    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.

  4. #4
    Very Active Member cuznjohn's Avatar
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    on both mt 13 and 14 rt's i couldn't believe the difference with the elka shocks when i put them on
    NO BIKE AT THIS TIME

  5. #5
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
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    Default Depends....

    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...
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  6. #6
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
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    Default SHOCK UPGRADE

    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

  7. #7
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    Default Elka for me

    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.

  8. #8
    Very Active Member KX5062's Avatar
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    On my 2008 GS the Baja bar was a dramatic improvement, but I never switched shocks. Then on my 2014 RT I got a Baja bar and felt it was a minor improvement. Then after long consultations with the guys at PitBull power I bought the Elka stage 2 shocks and that was a dramatic improvement in every way and under all riding conditions. Straights, sweepers, tight corners, everything. Huge difference and well worth the money.
    2020 RTL SE6

    Previously 2008 GS SM5 and 2014 RT SE6






  9. #9
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    Definitely get a BajaRon bar then if you still feel you need more try his shock adjusters. You can save a ton of money that way.

    2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
    2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
    2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
    2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
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    2010 RT- 622

  10. #10
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    This is certainly a good way to start!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  11. #11
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    guess it depends what you are looking for in your ride.

    I found the baja rons sway bar and the shock adjusters worked pretty well ,without spending 700 bucks on front shocks

  12. #12
    Very Active Member HayRog's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by trikermutha View Post
    guess it depends what you are looking for in your ride.

    I found the baja rons sway bar and the shock adjusters worked pretty well ,without spending 700 bucks on front shocks
    I agree.
    I already had BajaRon's swaybar installed, but before we made our recent big trip, I installed BajaRon's spring adjusters.
    Put them to the test over 6,000 miles and they made all the difference we needed in improved handling.
    Well worth the money IMHO

  13. #13
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Default

    I own both a 2011 and a 2014 RT. There is a noticeable difference in the plushness of the ride between the 14 and the 11. I have done nothing to upgrade the shocks on either machine. They work fine for our use.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  14. #14
    Very Active Member tehrlich's Avatar
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    You have to upgrade the shocks. There is a major improvement in quality. Even the metal and manufacturing is better. Stock shocks look like they came off a go-cart. PLUS.... you can adjust the spring as you see fit.

    I took some picture of my install here.

    http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ocks-Installed

    I think they make a much bigger improvement than the anti sway bar, but it is necessary too!
    2015 RT Limited: Fox Shocks - RonJon swaybar and links - BRP Comfort Seat - BRP Triaxis handlebars - Yokohama tires (26psi fronts 28psi back) - Centramatic wheel balancers - BRP belt tensioner - BRP Short windshield - CATdelete/Spyder1 attitude exhaust - Lamonster footpegs - sintered brake pads - LED TRYCLED lights - BumpSkid


    2015 RT Limited , black

  15. #15
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    Installed Ron's sway bar first and noticed a great improvement in handling. Added Elka shocks later and did not notice much improvement.

  16. #16
    Active Member lewisalice's Avatar
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    Absolutely worth it Elka all the way

  17. #17
    Active Member ricford's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lewisalice View Post
    Absolutely worth it Elka all the way
    What he said!

  18. #18
    Active Member Samson's Avatar
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    I agree that the stock shock should have been a bit more but I have a slightly different question.

    Which shock Fox Podium OR Elka? I think I am leaning towards the Elka since they build the shock to your weight and riding style. However, There seems to be several who went with the Fox option and I am curious what swayed you to go this route? I believe the Fox shock is about $100 more. I am no shock expert but have had after market shocks on most all my bikes and cars. The best shock I had on a bike was a Penske Shock.

    Thanks in advance

  19. #19
    Active Member BitSlayer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LisaLimited View Post
    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.
    I also upgraded to Elka Stage 2 front shocks. Made the front end more stable and did not dip as described above. Now the bike tracks through the curve instead of a dive, correct, dive, correct through the curve. May be my riding style, but I would recommend the upgrade if you are experiencing what Lisa and I are describing.
    Regards,
    BitSlayer

    2015 Spyder RT Limited - Perl White
    - Having fun with my knees in the breeze

  20. #20
    Active Member Samson's Avatar
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    I decided to get the Elkas, should have them soon and looking to see how they change the ride. Thanks

  21. #21
    Very Active Member irvin48's Avatar
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    i'll bet youre now as confused as i am. our '15 leans quite a bit 2 up.
    my wife would rather i slow down than spend more money. i would like to try
    rons spring adjusters but if the front end is raised , ive been told you need
    to realign. for now, we slow down.

    ps. i put on rons bar right after i got it.
    2015 rts-white pearl- mods- '16 F3 fat 6 chrome wheels,
    and some little stuff. setback utopia backrest, baja ron
    sway bar, oem adj. air deflectors, marlin gps compass,
    lamonster fbb foot pegs[modified brackets], lamonts
    vibration damper, rock guard, and side case stiffener kit,
    . brp comfort seat. , fomozas and
    altimax, magic mirror mts, and wide mirrors.
    [joyce & irvin toms]

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by irvin48 View Post
    i'll bet youre now as confused as i am. our '15 leans quite a bit 2 up.
    my wife would rather i slow down than spend more money. i would like to try
    rons spring adjusters but if the front end is raised , ive been told you need
    to realign. for now, we slow down.

    ps. i put on rons bar right after i got it.

    You will not need to realign unless you raise the front end way up. Normally 2 turns is all you need and it keeps it around stock height

  23. #23
    Very Active Member Lew L's Avatar
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    Thumbs up

    Ron's anti-sway bar and Doc's spring stiffeners worked wonders. Thanks to the both of you
    Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.

    2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
    2014 RTS , Circuit Yellow

  24. #24
    Very Active Member irvin48's Avatar
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    do the fox shocks have spring adjusters on the bottom or just the usual
    4 or 5 step preload? if anyone as some good used ones i might be interested.
    does the bottom preload keep the stock height?just trying to get some more
    info. between the foglamps laying here and some shocks it would be a good
    time to try frunk removal.
    2015 rts-white pearl- mods- '16 F3 fat 6 chrome wheels,
    and some little stuff. setback utopia backrest, baja ron
    sway bar, oem adj. air deflectors, marlin gps compass,
    lamonster fbb foot pegs[modified brackets], lamonts
    vibration damper, rock guard, and side case stiffener kit,
    . brp comfort seat. , fomozas and
    altimax, magic mirror mts, and wide mirrors.
    [joyce & irvin toms]

  25. #25
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by irvin48 View Post
    i'll bet youre now as confused as i am. our '15 leans quite a bit 2 up.
    my wife would rather i slow down than spend more money. i would like to try
    rons spring adjusters but if the front end is raised , ive been told you need
    to realign. for now, we slow down.

    ps. i put on rons bar right after i got it.
    The adjusters are not so much to raise the front of your Spyder as to maintain the factory height. Your Spyder is aligned at a particular front end ride height. Let's say 6" from nose to ground for sake of illustration. So 6" is always going to be the ideal position for your front suspension. There is a relatively small window of suspension travel where this perfect alignment is maintained. As you move outside of this 'Ideal' ride height. Not only will your alignment be compromised. But handling is also negatively affected.

    Let's say that when you load your Spyder (luggage, rider(s), etc) you lose 2" of ride height and your ideal 6" is now down to 4". Not only are you more susceptible to pavement strikes (entering steep driveway approaches, speed bumps, etc.) But your alignment and handling are compromised. What the shock adjusters do is give you the ability to return your Spyder to the original ride height of 6". They accomplish this by increasing the spring support which give the added advantages of reducing sway and dive, essentially giving you additional ground clearance when you need it most.

    Slowing down is fine and everyone should ride in a manner that suits them best. But adding something to control the additional weight and loading makes the Spyder safer, easier to handle and increases your confidence in the machine and the ride more enjoyable. Especially in those rare emergency situations.
    Last edited by BajaRon; 08-21-2017 at 09:15 AM.
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