Will new shocks fix handling on windy roads

[1984]

I have a spyder rt 2010 basic manual model

The steering and handling was a worry on freeways etc.

I brought the sway bar and fitted, did help

Made sure front tyres were within o.5 psi around 16 to 18

I had done 10,000 kilometres and i was still scared to go on thefreeway, it was right,

I mentioned to the dealer a few times,

I finally got the dealer to go to the tyre shop andget it laser aligned ( they don’t have the tool from can am)

Incredible improvement. I can now ride on the freeway.


Still a problem, when it get windy here on thefreeways or roads ( thats a lot of the time)

The bike is not stable and bit scary, i cant relax.


If i cant fix the handling problem i am ready to trade thespdyer in for a v twin metric cruiser

Will elka shocks fix this problem of wind movingthe bike

Will the elka shocks make such a difference to the bike thati will want to keep the spyder . (handling has been the whole problem)

[NancysToy]

Having had a 2010, and now a 2011 RTS, I can unequivocally say that better shocks will help a lot. The 2011/2012 shocks will show a good improvement, but the Elkas would be even better. You will never be without some wandering and darting from strong winds, but it will be so greatly reduced as to become hardly noticeable. If you do an alignment again, increase the toe-in slightly to the latest spec (3/32" in 6'). That will help, too.

[eddieshep999]

I agree with comments by NancysToy

I have a 2010 Spyder RT - SE5 Auto model - I found it tended to sway from side to side with the OEM Shocks
the Front suspension was set to soft - Front on 3 - I adjusted them to 4 and this was better but was still not perfect
I also set my automatic suspension via the console to the 4th seqment 3 being the middle setting

Many had said the 2011 RT had uprated the Front shocks which was an imporvement, I did consider getting a set fitted, but Can-Am did not have any in stock (on back order) So I went with ELKA's Front and Rear - Stage 1 +R

Once my details were sent to Elka they set up the Shocks and sent them to me
They have been fitted and the Spyder has been transformed - No swaying - Ride is more smooth and I find I can
take corners at a greater speed as the confidence factor grows as time goes by

I have not made any adjustments as the setting made by Elka is suitable for my needs - I have even set my Automatic suspension via the console back to the middle position

The Elka's are a quality product and even though we have to pay import duties here in the UK - They have been
worth every cent (or in my case Pounds)

My advice for what it's worth - Contact John at Elka for advice and guidance - He will give honest advice with no pressure to purchase

Eddie Sheppard
Reading UK

[CyncySpyder]

Elkas will make you want to keep your Spyder & ryde even more than you do now

[Hokiev]

I have a spyder rt 2010 basic manual model

The steering and handling was a worry on freeways etc.

I brought the sway bar and fitted, did help

Made sure front tyres were within o.5 psi around 16 to 18

I had done 10,000 kilometres and i was still scared to go on thefreeway, it was right,

I mentioned to the dealer a few times,

I finally got the dealer to go to the tyre shop andget it laser aligned ( they don’t have the tool from can am)

Incredible improvement. I can now ride on the freeway.


Still a problem, when it get windy here on thefreeways or roads ( thats a lot of the time)

The bike is not stable and bit scary, i cant relax.


If i cant fix the handling problem i am ready to trade thespdyer in for a v twin metric cruiser

Will elka shocks fix this problem of wind movingthe bike

Will the elka shocks make such a difference to the bike thati will want to keep the spyder . (handling has been the whole problem)

Adding to the chorus singing praises of Elka's. I too had issues with my 2011 RT Limited when I first got it. Hated the ride going over 60 mph. Very unstable and I really felt unsafe.
Had dealer rebalance tires, added Ride-On, adjusted shocks to 5 and all helped.

But nothing compared to after adding Stage 1+ and Rear Elka's. Took my first ride up I-95 yesterday where if you are not going at least 75 mph, you are run over. Actually enjoyed the ride. Even going around 18 wheelers. The stability and ride were much improved.
Highly recommend the investment.

[Lamonster]

The Elka's or the 2011 RT shocks will make a big improvement in the handling and I'm sure you've heard this before but relaxing your grip will make a big difference too.

[1984]

thanks everyone jfor your helpful repies, I will give the elkas a go, and hopefully it will make enought of a difference on windy roads etc for me to keep it.
I love riding it. 11,500 kilometres in 5 months

[Fonz]

The Elka's or the 2011 RT shocks will make a big improvement in the handling and I'm sure you've heard this before but relaxing your grip will make a big difference too.

Do you have to adjust the headlights after installing Elkas

[stillriding]

Do you have to adjust the headlights after installing Elkas

You probably will have to readjust your lights. I had to, but it's easy to do. Just follow the instructions in the owner's manual.

[BajaRon]

You might also try going to 20 PSI in the front tires. It takes out some of the sidewall flex and will give you a bit more directional stability.

[Bootie]

Having had a 2010, and now a 2011 RTS, I can unequivocally say that better shocks will help a lot. The 2011/2012 shocks will show a good improvement, but the Elkas would be even better. You will never be without some wandering and darting from strong winds, but it will be so greatly reduced as to become hardly noticeable. If you do an alignment again, increase the toe-in slightly to the latest spec (3/32" in 6'). That will help, too.

with Scotty. Also, I had a 2010 and the handling was very "squirrely". I finally found that the alignment was off and the wheels "toed-out". A realignment became necessary which you can do at home with little laser pointer. Exact instructions are somewhere in Spyderlovers. After you get the wheels to toe-in, the stability is much improved.

[Bob Denman]

You might be hanging on too tightly; waiting for the death wobble to start...
It won't. Relax your grip on the bars and tyr to trust that BRP knows how to build a machine that'll track straight and true if you don't try to overmanage the whole steering thing...

[Dudley]

Here in Very Southern California, stones throw from the Mexican border, we get some pretty strong winds. I can do Freeway riding at 70 mph with 20+ mph winds without any haphazard control from our RT. I have found that setting the cruise at 72 mph, I can just sit back and relax. I guess we just have a good RT. BTW it is 100% stock except for the RSL seat and BFG G-Force rear tire.

[TOPDOGJIM]

The Elka's or the 2011 RT shocks will make a big improvement in the handling and I'm sure you've heard this before but relaxing your grip will make a big difference too.

The best advise I read on here was to detach your arms from your body when it is windy. And 100% letting up on the death grip.