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Very Active Member
Increasing Height of RT Front End
I'd like to get about another 1" of road clearance on the front end of my 2014 RT Ltd.
I've got more than my money's worth out of my SpyderPops Bumpskid. I've only have 2 1/2 to 3" clearance up front and just want to raise it a bit.
Would switching out the stock shocks to a Fox or Elka shock increase the height?
Any other options that might improve height?
All opinions welcome including the Fox vs Elka debate!
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Very Active Member
Well
You could take of the bumpskid that would increase clearance. But I have several friends that use the Elka Shocks and that has given that increase of about an inch.
White 2013 Spyder RT Limited. BajaRon Swaybar, Custom Dynamic Third Brake Light. Ultimate Custom Black and White seat with driver and passenger back rest. Gloryder Led Wheel lights.Custom Dynamics Led Bright sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright sides.
2016 F3 Limited Intense Red Pearl. Lidlox, BRP Driver Back Rest, BRP Passenger Back Rest,Fog Lights, GPS, Signature Light! Custom Dynamics LED Bright Sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright Sides.
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Very Active Member
2016 F3 Limited
2019 Ryker Rally
2014 Suzuki V Strom 650
2020 CSC TT 250
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Very Active Member
Last edited by Jim&Teresa; 03-24-2017 at 10:01 AM.
Happy and safe rydin'
2014 Spyder RT Limited - January 2014, Cognac/Black Seat, #958, born on 1-8-14
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Active Member
I have a 2012 RTL and Len at Pitbull installed a set of Elka shocks and were also checked by the Elka rep. I have 6" of clearance at the lowest point at the front end. I like the clearance and can also role a 3 ton floor jack under the front end. I do not have a bumpskid.
Roger
2012 RT Limited
Vertika Floor boards
Painted rear fender & dash
Carbon fiber panels
Utopia back rest
Baker air wings
Elka shocks and relocaters
CB radio
ISO hand grips
Tric LED fender light
Turn signal lights in mirrors
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I alao did BajaRon adjusters and got an increase in height.
I have the video of some of the work
https://youtu.be/d2sOACUyYjo
CapeSpyder
Sent From my Note 5
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Please throw another vote on the pile for BajaRon's shock adjusters...They ROCK!!
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Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Purple Guy
I'd like to get about another 1" of road clearance on the front end of my 2014 RT Ltd.
I've got more than my money's worth out of my SpyderPops Bumpskid. I've only have 2 1/2 to 3" clearance up front and just want to raise it a bit.
Would switching out the stock shocks to a Fox or Elka shock increase the height?
Any other options that might improve height?
All opinions welcome including the Fox vs Elka debate!
The question to consider is where does the suspension settle / ride with a rider aboard in the seat?
Somewhere I have a chart that was published that shows desired ride height vs rider weights.
Suspension, beyond the front arm geometry can get complicated.
Springs have a certain rate, typically lbs/in or kg/cm. A heavier rider or more performance based rider may require a a firmer spring. The casual rider or someone on more bumpy roads may prefer the softer spring.
Here is the kicker in all of it. Ride height is important, you wish to increase yours. When ride height is increased and the same spring is utilized, the spring rate does not change, however the spring force is increased along the suspension movement.
The downside of this increased preload to raise the vehicle is the initial bump compliance is not as supple.
With a firmer spring, less preload is required. Yes the rate is firmer, and the same net spring force is required to support the vehicle. The difference is the firmer spring running less preload most times can provide a better ride quality since the end force is often lower. More importantly, the firmer spring, running less preload reduces the harsh tendency of making the shock top out.
Raising the front will not change the castor angles. The camber angles will change, whether they will go more positive as Peter mentioned or my thought was more negative, but I did not go look at the arms initial position, can be a benefit or detriment. If your oem suspension has settled, adding some preload may improve handling and offer some ground clearance. If the supension is riding low on account of the rider and payload, then firmer springs may be needed.
So, without debating Fox vs Elka, since I would prefer Ohlins anyway, I think you should bring in all parameters, ride height increase, suspension wear, rider size, rider performance desires, how much junk in the frunk etc, then decide if you need spring rubbers, BajaRon adjustable preload collars, new aftermarket front shocks or maybe get a warranty replacement of the oem fronts if possible.
Whatever you decide, it will need an alignment if you raise the front. These vehicles have very simple designed front suspension and steering geometry. Basically a go kart with a little bit of suspension. Because of the direct linkage without idler arms or rack and pinion ends placed further outboard, as the suspension moves, both up and down, the front wheels will toe in or out constantly changing. Technically, the term is excessive bump steer.
All the best with it.
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Highwayman2013
I put on the
I put the spring adjusters on my 2015 RT, works well for me.
2015 RTS SE6 Special Series Red/Black w/Magnesium front fenders(bought in Nov. 2018 w/9,400 miles)
Dynojet Power Commander V, Power Commander POD-300 Display, PCV Map Switch, Pedal Commander (WOW)
Passenger Arm Rests, Windshield Air Wing
Baja Ron's Sway Bar & Spring Adjusters
Air Scoops, LaMonster's Hiway Pegs
Magnetic Mirror Mounts, Air Innovations Seat Cushion
Red Chrome pin striping on Black hood
Federal Formoza AZ01 front tires (they're GREAT)
Kumho Ecsta AST KU25 All-Season Tire - 225/50R15 91H
LED bars above radiator inlets
LED brake/running/turn signals on license plate frame
Tag-Along trailer
LED headlights LED fog lights (WOW)
2" x 2" Road Lights inside front fenders
7' x 10' Cargo trailer
Garmin 396 LM GPS
RLS Cat-delete resonator with China Akropovic muffler
New Banshee AGM
M3 TPMS on front tires
Remote Control for Heated Jacket and Heated Riding Pants
Analog Clock and Analog Volt Meter
Loose Nut Behind Handlebars
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Mr. Gasket #1287 or #1901 (can't remember which one) Donut Style Coil Spring Spacer is what I used to raise my spyder 1" and stiffen the front suspension. The cost was about $4 each and a little cutting and fitting along with some Dawn dishwater soap and "walla," they slipped right in. Jack up the front end to release some of the spring pressure and it makes the install much quicker and easier. Got the idea from the internet where a person who installed a snowplow on his quad had the weight of the plow compressed his front shocks just enough to make it hit the ground. The Polaris dealer where he bought the quad and the snowplow GAVE him the rubber donuts and it solve his problem.
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