Elka Shocks and Two Brothers Exhaust

[Barbwire]

On a recent Fall Foliage Ride lead by the owner of our local HD Shop I was the only Spyder and here I am surrounded!!!:yikes: They were all so nice and curious about the Spyder no attitudes.

I am having a ball riding twisties again, thank you Elka Shocks!!!! I also am loving the low rumble of my new Two Brothers Exhaust:yes: I can still hear my tunes at high speeds and the pipes sound so good on start up. We have been doing a lot of riding with different groups for Fall Foliage and some Toy Runs and some of the questions are just too funny. Mainly I get "how much does that thing cost?".

 

[partzman]

The cost question is usually one of first I get. Did the Elka shocks make a big difference?

 

[WingmanRT]

Elka

The cost question is usually one of first I get. Did the Elka shocks make a big difference?

I've had mine for about a month and had the same question. My personal answer is: yes.

Just as an indicator, when I get on my bike now, it doesn't 'sag' an inch, whereas before, it used to tilt several inches on mounting. (I am a big guy) Because the shocks are firmer, I do get a "bumpier" ride (pot holes are not as smooth as the stock shocks, but they were softer and mushier, in my opinion). With the Elkas, the ride is slightly more "jarring" BUT....

I do NOT get that "tipping" feeling at all in hard turns or curves where the road curves one way and tilts the opposite. The overall riding experience is improved at least 50% and the pucker factor I used to get in hard curves is gone. I can take 90 degree turns at 20-40 with fear. I no longer feel like I am tipping over and I barely have to lean to maintain balance in normal road curves. I love my Elkas because they enable me enjoy the Spyder even more. I went from "kind of enjoying the ryde with nervous tension" to "I can't wait to get back on!!!!"

Yes, the Elkas were expensive, but mentally I am amortizing mine over 5 years and it come to about $13 a month and frankly I am getting way more than that in enjoyment out of the bike now.

 

[Trooper]

Because the shocks are firmer, I do get a "bumpier" ride (pot holes are not as smooth as the stock shocks, but they were softer and mushier, in my opinion). With the Elkas, the ride is slightly more "jarring" BUT....

Are the springs installed towards the bottom of the shocks unlike the stock ones where they are up?

If they are installed right, turn the bottom knob towards the left by 3-4 "clicks", it should soften the shocks a little. :thumbup:

John @ Elka

 

[SteveMac]

Are the springs installed towards the bottom of the shocks unlike the stock ones where they are up?

If they are installed right, turn the bottom knob towards the left by 3-4 "clicks", it should soften the shocks a little. :thumbup:

John @ Elka

John
Just to clarify. If I am standing on the outside of the wheel and I turn the knob left (counterclockwise) that will soften the ride? I thought just the opposite. My ride seemed more firm in the leftmost (most counterclockwise) position. I am really looking forward to your session at Spyderfest!!!

 

[Trooper]

John
Just to clarify. If I am standing on the outside of the wheel and I turn the knob left (counterclockwise) that will soften the ride? I thought just the opposite. My ride seemed more firm in the leftmost (most counterclockwise) position. I am really looking forward to your session at Spyderfest!!!

If you are standing on the outside of the wheel ( left side for example) and moved to the front of the vehicle, I would turn the knob towards the left to "open" to valve to allow more oil flow. Because its an emulsion shock, opening the rebound will both quicken the response time of wheel recovery after a bump, and also slighty soften the compression damping. The ratio of rebound adjustment to compression is about 90 to 10 ( 90 rebound, 10 compression), especially in low speed compression situations ( weight transfer, undulations in the pavement). You wont feel a huge difference in high speed compression ( cracks, potholes, etc), but a slight difference nonetheless.

I am also looking forward to the the suspension seminar. It's so much easier to explain in person.

 

[pitbull]

Glad you are enjoying your set up! Your Bike is pretty killer with your setup and your rear fender is really sharp! Have to love Elkas they really bring out the spyders Preformance side!