2013 ST Shock choices .... no Fox

[IGETAROUND]

2013 ST shocks

read the fine print carefully on the elkas; they recommend rebuild at what seems to be a ridiculously low mileage/time. Perhaps understandable if your running on a track; doesn't seem practical for the road use. Elkas were all the rage here 2 years ago; then people started reporting problems and failures and don't seem to hear nearly as much about them now.

I knew I'd seen a post on the forum about this; take a look @ this:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?80248-ELKA-problem

And your correct; they tell you NOTHING about required maintenance on their web site!!!

 

[SNOOPY]

I had Elkas installed at Spyderfest on my 2013 STS
Made a significant difference in the ride and handling.
For me the springs are the best feature. They are preloaded for my weight.
Damping improved the highway high speed handling.
Overall my confidence in riding improved with the Elkas.
Yes I have a Baja Ron sway bar and laser alignment too.
Cheers, David C

Thanks :thumbup:

 

[SNOOPY]

call john at elka shocks 1 800 557 0552 ext257

Cool, thank you. :thumbup:

 

[SNOOPY]

Whatever you end up putting on the front of your Spyder, I agree with Fox that you don't want a brand new shock on one side and a 1.5 year old shock on the other. It is important that the shocks have equal function. No way to get that with 1 new and 1 used.

I didnt think about that :sour:

 

[jcthorne]

John came back and told us the rebuild interval is for race shocks, not the street use shocks on the Spyders. They also stood behind the shock that failed.

 

[SNOOPY]

I knew I'd seen a post on the forum about this; take a look @ this:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?80248-ELKA-problem

And your correct; they tell you NOTHING about required maintenance on their web site!!!

thanks

nice thread

wonder if there is info out there on how to rebuild these type shocks, I'd do that.

 

[BajaRon]

John came back and told us the rebuild interval is for race shocks, not the street use shocks on the Spyders. They also stood behind the shock that failed.

Exactly! You'll find the same (ridiculous) rebuild interval for other things like mufflers. Race rebuild intervals are very short. Street rebuild intervals are pretty much 'As Needed' and much more reasonable.

 

[PMK]

thanks

nice thread

wonder if there is info out there on how to rebuild these type shocks, I'd do that.

I have been doing suspension work on motorcycles since the mid 70's. From experience, I will say that often it is not really difficult, but rather involves specialty tools.

I am guessing Fox quotes $150 for a rebuild. Honestly, that is pretty typical of a rebuild price. Does not matter if it is a truck, Spyder, Dirt Bike, Buggy, Sled or Bicycle.

The FoxShox are not bad, I personally prefer them over ELKA. I would much rather have Ohlins, but they are not yet offered when I last checked.

As for the rebuild, do a little internet research and look for shops that do FoxSHox for sleds, they may be able to help.

Downside is, if you have a leaky shaft seal, the true cost of the two seals is small, the cost is in the labor and other rebuild items. The fluid alone runs about $80 per gallon and will take one quart to do a single shock, little bit less than 2 quarts for a pair.

All the best whatever you decide, just remember, if you decide to do it yourself, the internals are gas pressurized to around 200 PSI and will basically explode in your face if you do not know what is going on.

 

[SNOOPY]

Okay, I'll send them to you for rebuild. :roflblack:



Havent decided what to do yet. Bike "seems" to ride fine for now.

 

[PMK]

Okay, I'll send them to you for rebuild. :roflblack:



Havent decided what to do yet. Bike "seems" to ride fine for now.

Seriously, I could, but not interestedhyea:

 

[SNOOPY]

:thumbup:

Cool niche to know.

 

[Questions]

I still have my Fox shocks if you are interested but if I were you, I wouldn't bother.

Do you still have those shocks? I can't afford Elkas, but Fox shocks would be better that what's on my 2013 ST-S now. I already installed the Baja Ron bar and am interested in seeing what else I can do to upgrade on a budget. PM or email should reach me ok if you would like to sell.