Help and Information

[ma and pa]

We own a 2012 RT. We now have five thousand miles on our bike. We have read a lot of discussion about the elka shocks. What advantage would we have to replace the original shocks on our bike with the elkas?

[rcturner]

The general opinion seems to be that they are a great improvement. However, I think how you ride would be just as much of a consideration as anything else. I have a 2012 RT Limited and have set my shocks to the fourth detent and find them to be everything I need. There is no way that I could see enough additional improvement to spend the kind of money that the Elkas command. However, if you are an aggressive driver, they may be money well spent.

[NorthStar]

Agree with everything rc said. Heavier shocks, such as the Elka's, will reduce the body roll during aggressive cornering. Cranking your stock shocks up to 4 or 5 will give you a stiffer ride and reduce body roll in cornering.

I found the biggest difference with the change to the Elkia Stage 1R+ front shocks was observed during highway driving in heavy winds. I found the RT to be much quieter as a result of the addition of these new shocks. Mind you, I was running with the much weaker 2010 RT shocks.

[Illinois Boy]

Your overall body weight (especially if two-up); and luggage can be a consideration as to whether you will like (or need) a "stiffer" shock.

If you are equal to, or exceeding the weight limits of your RT, then a stiffer-shock may help improve your Spyder's handling.

Just an added thought to consider.

(Personally, stock shocks of my 2011 are fine for me (set on 5); with the read air shock set fairly high.)

[bmwlarry]

I have the Elka shocks on my bike and love it. I have just added the new BajaRon sway bar and the difference is night & day. Both are great but if you do not ride aggressively, the $200+ sway bar will probably make the difference you are looking for. That said, both make great riding and each have added benefites, so if the $$ is not a great concern -- go with both.

[ma and pa]

95 % of our riding is with two people. When we first got the spyder we were afraid we made a mistake once I turned the shocks up to 5 we liked it a lot better. West Virginia interstates are more curvy and uphill than most flat land interstates. That is where I am having the problems at seventy miles an hour.do i sell and get the 2013 model so i can get the running boards and better suspension?

[ARtraveler]

If you don't think there is a problem, then nothing needs fixing. I would not spend the extra money unless I felt I had to change the shocks for better performance.

[BajaRon]

This is a difficult question to answer because most people don't have the option to try before they buy. I never considered a heavier sway bar until I got comfortable riding my RS. Then I found the Nanny to be extremely annoying and the wheel lift/body roll to be excessive. Just when things started to get fun in the twisties the Nanny would say; 'Oh no you don't'. And really, with the way the Spyder dove and leaned in the corners she was probably right.

When I first installed the upgraded sway bar I seriously doubted it would do much for me. I was hoping for at least a noticeable (even if only barely) improvement. I have to admit, I was blown away. I never expected one mod to do so much for the Spyder. It was amazing! I was going faster and it felt slower because of the reduced body lean and increased control. The Nanny was much happier as well.

So, happy as a clam with my new sway bar I thought I was satisfied until one day I rode another RS that had the custom sway bar installed, but also had upgraded shocks. I was again impressed with the improvement and realized I simply did not know what I was missing!

Some of this depends on how you ride. But if you encounter strong cross winds or ever need to make a sudden, evasive maneuver these upgrades will certainly be appreciated.

[Bob Denman]

What has been said here is completely true...
Now the question that you'd need to ask yourself is, "Do I ride aggressively enough to warrant a shock upgrade?

(For the record: I put 2011 shocks on my 2010, and have a BajaRonBar in the garage awaiting installation...)

[Netminder]

I found riding over rough roads with my Elkas compared to the stock shocks was like night and day. I hardly ever bottom out with the Elkas and was often enough with the stock. I had them installed a SITA and took it down the rode over some railroad tracks and deliberately hits some bumps and noticed the difference immediately! Best mod I have done so far, and I would imagine when I order my BajaRon sway bar early next year it will the next best mod and will complete the front end. You will not be dissapointed!

[SpyderAnn01]

If money isn't an issue I'd put on the Elka's and a Baja Ron Sway Bar. But if cost is an issue maybe you should start with the sway bar and see how you like it before you add the shocks. I have a 2010 RT with 2011 shocks and I just put on the sway bar and the difference is amazing.

[jerpinoy]

I'm a sensible rider, I don't ride my like a thrill seeker,cornering like no tomorrow with one wheel on the air and do the impossible wheelies. . We all have different idea how to ride, and we tailor our self and our accordingly. Ride safely and God Bless.

[rhansen309]

We have 2011 RT and ride two up about 95% of the time. I have my shocks set at 5 and noticed a difference. I am going to order a pair for Spyderfest (where ever it will be held). I can't wait to order them. I am not very aggressive so I think I will be getting the Stage 1. Can't wait!!!

[Bob Denman]

I I have a 2010 RT with 2011 shocks and I just put on the sway bar and the difference is amazing.

When you got the RonBar nailed in place; did you dial back your preload settings?

[Oldmanzues]

I had the Elkas put on at the BBQ, a 2010 RT. I think it makes a difference for a not fast ride. I felt the difference going the grass hill. At the same time, I hear the later RTs had much better shocks. Might depend on the year of yor Spyder
Oldmanzues

[bmwlarry]

Re riding style: When I first had some Elkas delivered (not from a sponsor) they came set up wrong for a much heavier load. Len from Cowtown reviewed the springs and settings and told me that they were way wrong. I liked the cornering but they rattled my fillings. I returned them, got proper ones from Len and installed them. They rode much better and I called Len and told him that I liked the cornering better on the heavier setup. His response was that often folks ride much more aggressive that they thought. I cranked the springs down 3 turns and upped the rebound 8 clicks and liked it. Now I have the new sway bar and I have returned the shocks to the original settings and the ride is comfortable and the cornering is like it is on rails! I certainly AM a more agressive rider now with a properly setup front suspension!