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  1. #1
    Active Member JS3535's Avatar
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    Default F3T or L air suspension vs Elka

    What is better? Has anyone replaced the rear air shock with an Elka or added the air shock? Just wondering what has a more comfortable ride. Thanks
    2015 F3S-T , Black Black & Black

  2. #2
    Very Active Member Highwayman2013's Avatar
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    The shock is separate from the air bag. Ride depends on the spring and damping control. There is a new vendor here that sells shocks.
    2016 F3 Limited
    2019 Ryker Rally
    2014 Suzuki V Strom 650
    2020 CSC TT 250
    2016 F 3 Limited , Vegas White

  3. #3
    Active Member JS3535's Avatar
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    I thought it was all one assembly. So does the air bag make a difference in ride quality? Or is it just there to take weight off the shock?
    2015 F3S-T , Black Black & Black

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by JS3535 View Post
    I thought it was all one assembly. So does the air bag make a difference in ride quality? Or is it just there to take weight off the shock?
    It is to adjust ride height.
    Bob

  5. #5
    Very Active Member Peteoz's Avatar
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    What Bob said, JS. You can swap out your stock shock for any of the aftermarkets like Elka, Wilbers etc without going anywhere near the air ride bag........as an aside, I called it an air bag on one of the Facebook forums, and was swamped with people saying they didn’t get an air bag on their Spyder, even though the thread was about suspension. They all immediately thought of a crash airbag like comes on the Goldwing

    Pete
    Harrington, Australia

    2021 RT Limited
    Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.

    HeliBars Handlebars
    Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
    Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
    Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
    Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
    Kenda Kanine rear.
    2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red

  6. #6
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    Default Help

    Quote Originally Posted by Peteoz View Post
    What Bob said, JS. You can swap out your stock shock for any of the aftermarkets like Elka, Wilbers etc without going anywhere near the air ride bag........as an aside, I called it an air bag on one of the Facebook forums, and was swamped with people saying they didn’t get an air bag on their Spyder, even though the thread was about suspension. They all immediately thought of a crash airbag like comes on the Goldwing

    Pete
    I just brought my 2021 F3-T home last night. I spent half the night checking on it in the garage cause I’m in love with it. After noticing that it was extra mushy, and ending up on this fine forum, I found my way to the valve under the passenger seat. Wouldn’t you know it— zero PSI. The people at the dealership are a gang of bozos (for many reasons).

    Can you please tell me what Can Am recommends as a psi? I’m reading 15 40 even 60.

    Thank-You.
    Ted

  7. #7
    Active Member Michaelscs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RNBOB View Post
    It is to adjust ride height.
    Bob
    I would agree, but it also affects the ride. It defiantly makes a difference in ride for me. I have 65# in when my wife rides with me and the ride is perfect. If I leave the 65# in when I'm by myself the ride is very firm. Usually have about 35 or 40# for great ride and handling by myself.
    2020 RT Limited , Petrol Blue

  8. #8
    Active Member Michaelscs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Theodore View Post
    I just brought my 2021 F3-T home last night. I spent half the night checking on it in the garage cause I’m in love with it. After noticing that it was extra mushy, and ending up on this fine forum, I found my way to the valve under the passenger seat. Wouldn’t you know it— zero PSI. The people at the dealership are a gang of bozos (for many reasons).

    Can you please tell me what Can Am recommends as a psi? I’m reading 15 40 even 60.

    Thank-You.
    Ted
    Please read your manual. Lots of important info there, including recommended PSI. There's also a label near the fill valve I believe.
    2020 RT Limited , Petrol Blue

  9. #9
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    Thank-You Michael. Couldn't seem to locate that particular topic upon glancing last night but I'll read it inside out when I get home. (FYI-- no sticker anywhere near the valve on the 2021)

  10. #10
    Active Member Michaelscs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Theodore View Post
    Thank-You Michael. Couldn't seem to locate that particular topic upon glancing last night but I'll read it inside out when I get home. (FYI-- no sticker anywhere near the valve on the 2021)
    Your right about the sticker. I just went and looked at mine and it the sticker is on the bottom of the passenger seat. I knew it was there somewhere.
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    2020 RT Limited , Petrol Blue

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Peteoz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Theodore View Post
    After noticing that it was extra mushy, and ending up on this fine forum, I found my way to the valve under the passenger seat. Wouldn’t you know it— zero PSI. The people at the dealership are a gang of bozos (for many reasons).
    Can you please tell me what Can Am recommends as a psi? I’m reading 15 40 even 60.
    Thank-You.
    Ted
    Wow.......it’s great to know that the manual set option is still available on the 2021 F3 T, Ted. I MUCH prefer that to the auto adjust option..... and you certainly aren’t the first to leave a dealer with zero in the air bag... it’s an all too common occurrence.
    .....and just by way of info, as you now know where your sticker is, I am running my airbag at around 65-70psi for my 310lb frame.

    Pete
    Harrington, Australia

    2021 RT Limited
    Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.

    HeliBars Handlebars
    Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
    Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
    Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
    Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
    Kenda Kanine rear.
    2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Michaelscs View Post
    Your right about the sticker. I just went and looked at mine and it the sticker is on the bottom of the passenger seat. I knew it was there somewhere.
    Found that exact chart in my owner’s manual. I’m about 175 lbs and I often ride with my wife or kids (all really light) so I set up at 40psi :-)

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Peteoz View Post
    Wow.......it’s great to know that the manual set option is still available on the 2021 F3 T, Ted. I MUCH prefer that to the auto adjust option..... and you certainly aren’t the first to leave a dealer with zero in the air bag... it’s an all too common occurrence.
    .....and just by way of info, as you now know where your sticker is, I am running my airbag at around 65-70psi for my 310lb frame.

    Pete
    Beautiful !! And thanks Pete. It’s my first bike of any kind and you guys here on this forum are awesome. I’m glad I found it.... and you all. :-)

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Theodore View Post
    I just brought my 2021 F3-T home last night. I spent half the night checking on it in the garage cause I’m in love with it. After noticing that it was extra mushy, and ending up on this fine forum, I found my way to the valve under the passenger seat. Wouldn’t you know it— zero PSI. The people at the dealership are a gang of bozos (for many reasons).

    Can you please tell me what Can Am recommends as a psi? I’m reading 15 40 even 60.

    Thank-You.
    Ted
    Ted...

    I have played with the psi and like 15psi for one up. For me, it lowers the center of gravity and helps my F3T hug the road better than any higher setting. I run up to 60psi or more if I have 2 up and perhaps other weight.

    Regards,

    Don
    2017 F3T , Triple Black

  15. #15
    Very Active Member Peteoz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dondje View Post
    Ted...
    I have played with the psi and like 15psi for one up. For me, it lowers the center of gravity and helps my F3T hug the road better than any higher setting. I run up to 60psi or more if I have 2 up and perhaps other weight.
    Regards,
    Don
    Yeah, that is far and away the best option if you have the patience, Don. Everyone’s thresholds and gut feelings are different. You HAVE to find what suits you personally

    Pete
    Harrington, Australia

    2021 RT Limited
    Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.

    HeliBars Handlebars
    Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
    Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round.
    Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
    Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
    Kenda Kanine rear.
    2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red

  16. #16
    Very Active Member ulflyer's Avatar
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    At 175lbs, one up, I find 25Lb works for me.
    Two Wheelers from 1963-2011

    Three Wheelers:
    2011 RT(Red)
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    2016 F3T(red)
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    2016 Slingshot
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  17. #17
    Very Active Member Mikey's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ulflyer View Post
    At 175lbs, one up, I find 25Lb works for me.
    Everybody's pucker factors different!!
    2012 RTL , Pearl

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