DMENTR
New member
I know that is risky to dare criticize Cowtown and Elka on this forum. But the following is just facts, no emotion.
During the weeks of July 9[SUP]th[/SUP] and 16[SUP]th[/SUP] I called Cowtown to talk to Len about Elka shocks and his performance pkg. I left three messages, I never got any call backs from anyone. I called Elka to talk with them, the moment I mentioned I had a Spyder, I was told to call Cowtown “they do all the Spyder support” (Site sponser, Honda East Toledo should take note). Based on the pages and pages of positive comments on this forum, I went ahead and ordered Elkas from Cowtown last week. I spoke to a Jim or James. He took the order information, and said, “Ok they will ship out today”. I asked him, “Don’t you need my weight, riding style and other information to adjust the shocks”. His response was “You can adjust them yourself”. I asked him if the set-up instructions were clear, “its simple” was his reply.
I opened the box today nothing references the Spyder. The Owner’s manual is written for ATV’s and the stage 5 shocks. The Quick set-up guide attached to the shock only says rebound 25, basically set to the middle. The manual tells “how” to make the adjustment, no information on the initial set-up for a Spyder or rider or performance style.
Since I ordered the 1+R, I believe that I only have two adjustments, preload and rebound. I really do not what to blindly start down the road of trial and error with settings. I would greatly appreciate any guidance. What measurements and setting are others using? How do I determine a starting point for the preload?
Saying start in the middle and adjust up or down from there, is hardly the custom personal settings described by Elka and at $700 I would have expected at least a Spyder specific manual or insert. The ATV manual does clearly state “Without proper adjustment…. shocks could render the vehicle harder to control…”
During the weeks of July 9[SUP]th[/SUP] and 16[SUP]th[/SUP] I called Cowtown to talk to Len about Elka shocks and his performance pkg. I left three messages, I never got any call backs from anyone. I called Elka to talk with them, the moment I mentioned I had a Spyder, I was told to call Cowtown “they do all the Spyder support” (Site sponser, Honda East Toledo should take note). Based on the pages and pages of positive comments on this forum, I went ahead and ordered Elkas from Cowtown last week. I spoke to a Jim or James. He took the order information, and said, “Ok they will ship out today”. I asked him, “Don’t you need my weight, riding style and other information to adjust the shocks”. His response was “You can adjust them yourself”. I asked him if the set-up instructions were clear, “its simple” was his reply.
I opened the box today nothing references the Spyder. The Owner’s manual is written for ATV’s and the stage 5 shocks. The Quick set-up guide attached to the shock only says rebound 25, basically set to the middle. The manual tells “how” to make the adjustment, no information on the initial set-up for a Spyder or rider or performance style.
Since I ordered the 1+R, I believe that I only have two adjustments, preload and rebound. I really do not what to blindly start down the road of trial and error with settings. I would greatly appreciate any guidance. What measurements and setting are others using? How do I determine a starting point for the preload?
Saying start in the middle and adjust up or down from there, is hardly the custom personal settings described by Elka and at $700 I would have expected at least a Spyder specific manual or insert. The ATV manual does clearly state “Without proper adjustment…. shocks could render the vehicle harder to control…”
pps:
