Question for those of you that put RT shocks on your RS's...

[IWN2RYD]

I purchased a set of "Shocks" from a fellow member here today. Plan on putting them on my RS-S on Friday. Here is my question.

Did you also install the RT spring(s) or just the shocks?

I also see the adjusting nut is different from the 2010 RT than the 2011 RS is... Though the 2011 RT and RS look to be the same now...

The springs are about $30 new (Each)... Seems reasonable, but I would hate to overkill the front end...

Thanks!

[bcspyder]

Unbolt the old, bolt in the new. It is that easy. I went right to the max setting and love it. A little firm but much better in the corners. Kind of like a stock BMW turned into an "M" car.

[IWN2RYD]

Unbolt the old, bolt in the new. It is that easy. I went right to the max setting and love it. A little firm but much better in the corners. Kind of like a stock BMW turned into an "M" car.

Yes but with or without the RT springs?

[Raptor]

Yes but with or without the RT springs?

Dude, go with the shocks and the springs. Makes all the difference in the world in terms of handling characteristics. But I charge pretty hard, so for me it's the preferred setup. Others may like a softer ride. I went with the 2010 assemblies, as the 2011's are stiffer yet and may make the ride feel a bit too hard. But you can always back the preload off a little.

I had my dealer install them for me. They hooked me up for 40 bucks! As I recall they had to change something to make the RT shocks/Springs fit the RS. I can't remember what it was at the moment, but I can find out easily for you if you like.

[tweeder]

Dude, go with the shocks and the springs. Makes all the difference in the world in terms of handling characteristics. But I charge pretty hard, so for me it's the preferred setup. Others may like a softer ride. I went with the 2010 assemblies, as the 2011's are stiffer yet and may make the ride feel a bit too hard. But you can always back the preload off a little.

I had my dealer install them for me. They hooked me up for 40 bucks! As I recall they had to change something to make the RT shocks/Springs fit the RS. I can't remember what it was at the moment, but I can find out easily for you if you like.

Yeah please do as it makes it easier for those who don't know.

[IWN2RYD]

Love to know the info as well. My dealer is not charging me to swap the parts. But I am installing them. Pretty easy for me...

I think the change is the adjustment nut.

Sounds like I will try the RS springs on the RT shock for a few days. If I am not happy I will order the RT Springs...

The ryde I am looking for... Is road hole absorbing but carve corners (Lean in a bit, not out) instead of the bike always rolling out of the turn. More sport car like is the easiest way to say it. I am not looking to race, just looking for my bike to want to stay in the corners at the speeds I like, and not fell like it hates corners...

[M2Wild]

Great thread. I am keeping my eyes on this one.

[NancysToy]

Most folks use both the 2010 RT springs and shocks. The RT springs have a higher rate than the RS springs. The RT shocks have stronger compression dampening, and possibly other changes. Your experiment with the RT shocks and the RS springs sounds interesting. Let us know how it turns out. BTW, the change in the adjusters may be because the old ones broke so often.

[Raptor]

That was a great explanation, Scotty. I am also interested to see how the RT shock/RS spring combo is going to turn out. It actually sounds promising!

One other thing to note is that I also replaced the stock sway bar with the Evo performance sway bar. It's a very simple swap and teamed up with the shock/spring replacement made a significant improvement in chassis roll. I would recommend that also...

[sabunim5]

Unbolt the old, bolt in the new. It is that easy. I went right to the max setting and love it. A little firm but much better in the corners. Kind of like a stock BMW turned into an "M" car.

I bought a set of 2010 RT stock shocks and springs from a forum member who upgraded to Elkas. They bolted right of my 2008 GS/RS. With the right jack and a friend this takes maybe 20 to 30 minutes. I have the Evo sway bar. I set the RT shocks to 4 and went for a ryde. I returned from the ryde and set them up to 5 (the most preload). I don't know that I ryde that hard most of the time (a lot of commuting when I am one up), but I do at least half of my miles with my wonderful wife in the back seat. About half of those two-up miles are pulling a cargo trailer. She likes to have her "stuff" along when we travel and I will admit that so do I. Anyway, the EVO sway bar and the 2010 RT shocks/springs have really improved the handling over the stock 2008 setup. IMHO these two mods are worth the price for the difference they make.

[Raptor]

As I recall they had to change something to make the RT shocks/Springs fit the RS. I can't remember what it was at the moment, but I can find out easily for you if you like.

OK Everyone, here is the scoop!

The part that had to be changed was the Top cap that holds the spring in place. It had to be changed because the RT spring is beefier and therefore has a different diameter than the RS spring. The shock itself was a direct replacement. So because I was going with the RT spring as well as the shock, the caps had to be replaced accordingly. Somehow they just were not ordered, as shocks and springs are different assemblies and are not sold as a single, assembled unit. This of course means you will need a spring compressor to do this job. I guess this is kind of obvious though!

So, if one wanted to replace the RS shock with the RT shock but retain the RS spring, keep the original RS spring retainer cap and you should be good to go!

[IWN2RYD]

OK Everyone, here is the scoop!

The part that had to be changed was the Top cap that holds the spring in place. It had to be changed because the RT spring is beefier and therefore has a different diameter than the RS spring. The shock itself was a direct replacement. So because I was going with the RT spring as well as the shock, the caps had to be replaced accordingly. Somehow they just were not ordered, as shocks and springs are different assemblies and are not sold as a single, assembled unit. This of course means you will need a spring compressor to do this job. I guess this is kind of obvious though!

So, if one wanted to replace the RS shock with the RT shock but retain the RS spring, keep the original RS spring retainer cap and you should be good to go!

In regards to the highlighted portion... What do you mean? The shock on the RT is the same as the RS???

Or the size/dimensions/etc are all the same but with different internal valving...

[SpyderGirl]

I bought the shocks with the springs already on them. So that made the swap pretty easy. I don't think there would be any difference with the RT shock and the RS springs. It's kind of a package deal. I have the RT shocks/springs set at the stiffest setting. I love it that way.

[IWN2RYD]

Well this sucks... I am rather bummed. Sounds like I will feel zero change for my money and should have only paid $60 ish for new springs instead...

[dlycan2]

The shocks and springs are different for the RS and RT. That is not to say that an RS shock can't be used with an RT spring and vice versa. The adjuster rings and caps must be coordinated with the springs for each. That being said, I'm also curious about trying the RT shocks with the RS springs. I would also love to see someone who has both try the RS shocks with the RT springs. It is a less expensive way to go if the results can be had.
I wish BRP would chime in on this topic.

[NancysToy]

Well this sucks... I am rather bummed. Sounds like I will feel zero change for my money and should have only paid $60 ish for new springs instead...

Don't be bummed. Trust me, you will feel the difference. Use the entire RT shock/spring assembly. It is a great mprovement...well worth the money. Elka-like performance for a fraction of the cost.

Remember, if you swap the entire assembly, this only takes a half hour or so. If you don't like it, you can change back to stock, and sell the RT shocks. Someone will want them. What do you have to lose but a bit of your time?

[Lamonster]

Seems folks are making this harder than it needs to be. Take the 2010 RT shocks and bolt them up to the RS. Done.

[freebob]

Seems folks are making this harder than it needs to be. Take the 2010 RT shocks and bolt them up to the RS. Done.

AMEN BRO....

Freebob...

[IWN2RYD]

Seems folks are making this harder than it needs to be. Take the 2010 RT shocks and bolt them up to the RS. Done.

I think some might be missing this... I ONLY purchased the "Shock" not springs. So we took the RS Springs and mounted them on the RT Shock.

This is NOT a complete kit. The seller has a 2010 RT he wanted the new 2011 suspension on and thought he was buying a complete 2011 kit, only to find all they ordered was the "Shock"... Nothing else. So that trickled down to me. When I made the deal I "Assumed" what many here are. The entire assembly. This is not the case. So we both have only changed our shocks.

So all I have is the RS Springs with the RT Shock. I sure as heck will mount them. I need to ryde. But I read these responses and it seems I should have just ordered springs and used the extra monies on lights or something else...

Regardless it is done. Most likely when I feel the need I will order the springs and nuts and do it all again.

[Raptor]

I defintely think you will feel an improvement. The RT shock is a better shock than the RS shock for sure, even without the associated spring. I think it will be a kind of "middle ground". It just might provide a better ride without it getting too hard for you. Add the sway bar upgrade and you will be doing great I'm sure! You will definitely have to keep us posted...

[Raptor]

Seems folks are making this harder than it needs to be. Take the 2010 RT shocks and bolt them up to the RS. Done.

But Lamont, it's our sworn duty to complicate things! Besides, everytime something like this goes down we ALL learn something new. Complications are the spice of life!

[dlycan2]

I thought that was....VARIETY!!

But Lamont, it's our sworn duty to complicate things! Besides, everytime something like this goes down we ALL learn something new. Complications are the spice of life!

[bone crusher]

Look...get the darn RT shocks and springs and hook them up...enuf said...stop blending, mixing, shaking, stirring, etc...

Where is that great graphic I like so much?....oh, found it!

[Raptor]

Look...get the darn RT shocks and springs and hook them up...enuf said...stop blending, mixing, shaking, stirring, etc...

Where is that great graphic I like so much?....oh, found it!

I love that graphic! And come to think of it, It IS variety that's the spice of life! What was I thinkin? I guess I got swept up in the moment!

[Firefly]

The RT springs are MUCH beefier ---- and pretty cheap.

When I did mine I ordered the springs, shocks, adjustment cams and top plates-- then had a buddy who owns a local auto repair shop compress the springs and mount them on the shocks.

Then it was just 30 minutes to swap them with my old shocks.

LOVE the ride.