Shock Quandry

[JerryB]

Hi folks,

I am looking for info on 3rd party shocks for my '08 Spyder.

After finding out that Elka wants them to come back to the factory for servicing every 6-12 months, I decided they were not for me. And only for that reason.

I then looked into Fox shocks. I contacted Fox Shox and they told me that they did not sell Fox shocks for Spyders and to contact my dealer. I then contacted my closest dealer and they said that they know nothing about Fox shocks for my Spyder. So I sent a message to BRP and they only responded with a generic email that they would be in touch within 24 hrs. After waiting 9 days, I called BRP. They said that they would not provide any info on non-factory parts for any Spyder.

So I tried Fox Shox once again and they had nothing in the way of info.

So what might be some options for 3rd party shocks?

Thanks for any info,

Jerry Baumchen

[SpyderAnn01]

219400403 is the part number for Fox shocks for the 11 & 12 RS. Anyone know if they will also fit the 08?

[JerryB]

Hi Ann,

Re: 219400403 is the part number for Fox shocks for the 11 & 12 RS. Anyone know if they will also fit the 08?

Are those for the fronts?

And, Thank You,

Jerry Baumchen

PS) I'll run that number by my dealer tomorrow.

[Warlock]

Hi Ann,

Re: 219400403 is the part number for Fox shocks for the 11 & 12 RS. Anyone know if they will also fit the 08?

Are those for the fronts?

And, Thank You,

Jerry Baumchen

PS) I'll run that number by my dealer tomorrow.

I'm running RT shocks on the front of my 08 and stock on the rear. Like yourself will need a rear one before long. Got mine set on the highest number right now. I ride solo all the time.
David

[JerryB]

Hi David,

Re: RT shocks on the front of my 08

Would you happen to know what year(s) RT shocks will fit the '08?

That might be an option as I have read good things about the GS/RS with RT shocks.

Jerry Baumchen

[Warlock]

Hi David,

Re: RT shocks on the front of my 08

Would you happen to know what year(s) RT shocks will fit the '08?

That might be an option as I have read good things about the GS/RS with RT shocks.

Jerry Baumchen

Any off 12 model and previous will work. We just need to figure out something for the rear that doesn't break the bank.
David

[Chupaca]

I have the fox podium shocks up front. I also ordered the kit once offered by BRP with the better swaybar and fox shocks for RS unfortunately they were for the 13 and up. Some models came with the fox shocks on them. Fox Racing Shox factory is about 10 min from my house. Could check with them.

Progressive used to make shocks for the early GS RS but not for the 12's on up. The pricey ones like Race Tec, Elkas do need servicing. We have seen others here a search may help. Don't know about Olin, Bilstien or the european brands....

[JerryB]

Hi Gene,

Re: Fox Racing Shox factory is about 10 min from my house. Could check with them.

That would be great. If you do, just get back to me on what they say.

Re: fox shocks for RS unfortunately they were for the 13 and up.

When I talked with Fox today, they said that they make them for the '12 & up. He said since they had not tested them on the '08, they could not offer them.

I got the idea that maybe Fox only has them for the fronts. Anyone know anything about that?

I could live with just the fronts; but I am in need of a rear shock soon.

Jerry Baumchen

[robhowen]

Have you considered Wilber shocks? I don't know that they have something for you, but they seem to offer quite a variety. I put them a BMW R1200GS, and loved them. Ted Porter is a great information resource and Wilber dealer. His website is https://www.beemershop.com/. You may find Wilbers America (Ted) at www.wilbersamerica.com/.
Don't be concerned that it's a Beemer shop as I've talked to Ted about Spyder shocks.

Good Luck.

Rob

[jcthorne]

Elka has repeatedly in this forum stated that the annual service is for racing shocks. NOT the ones sold for Spyders. The Elkas do not need to be removed and serviced until they wear out and leak. Then they are rebuildable.

Suggest reconsidering the Elkas. They really are great shocks.

[robhowen]

Thank you, as this makes me reconsider Elkas myself.
Rob

Elka has repeatedly in this forum stated that the annual service is for racing shocks. NOT the ones sold for Spyders. The Elkas do not need to be removed and serviced until they wear out and leak. Then they are rebuildable.

Suggest reconsidering the Elkas. They really are great shocks.