Goodbye Elka Rear - Spyder RT-S ('10)

[DrewNJ]

Paul, send that crappy shock my way. I'll try it on my RS and report back about the length....haha.
At least you got things straightened out and can enjoy riding...
Doug


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[SilverSurfer]

I am still puzzled by the length issue. Seems like that should have been a red flag from the start.

The RT shock is quite a bit longer than the RS shock (1-1/2" I believe). The fact that your Elka shock was too short seems to indicate that you had the wrong shock all along, no way could it do the job.

This coupled with the overwhelming customer satisfaction with the rear Elka shocks (on RS and RT models), also seems to indicate that your problem was an RS shock on an RT.

Well then, that would place the blame on John at Elka, who was so painstaking at making sure I had the right part ... for an RT ... and again, I'm not throwing Elka under the bus. I guess mistakes can be made by even the best.

 

[SilverSurfer]

In my opinion, 10% of the cost of the vehicle for shock absorbers is just WAY too much money.

I'll be checking with Elka on the QC issue ... and to your right-on statement re cost, like I said, one can buy five new stock shocks for the price of one Elka Stage I rear. So, right now my new 2012 stock rear (on the back of my 2010 RT) is working great ... and if it blows, then I can slay the dragon four more times with sheer numbers.

 

[SilverSurfer]

This is hard for me to believe. I put a Elka Stage 4 shock on the rear of my 2010 RT-S about 2.5 years ago and it is great. None of the problems you describe and nothing but a great ride and the air ride works just like you would expect and the ride heigth was not affected. Great combination in my book.

An Elka Stage 4 is much more of a shock than a Stage 1 ... more flexibility on set-up and a heartier part.

 

[BajaRon]

Well then, that would place the blame on John at Elka, who was so painstaking at making sure I had the right part ... for an RT ... and again, I'm not throwing Elka under the bus. I guess mistakes can be made by even the best.

Trying hard not to :bdh: Just thinking there may be a better way to go.

Though the Stage 4 is a better unit than the Stage 1, the Stage 1 is no slouch and worlds better than stock.

Seems obvious that you were sold the wrong unit. Not trying to find fault but I'm thinking maybe if you explained the situation to Elka, they might well decide to make it right and send you the correct shock for your RT. It may be that, early on, they didn't know the RT took a longer rear shock.

My feeling is that if you had the correct shock (which you should have had from the beginning) you'd be a very happy camper. You've put out a load of dough, you should get what you paid for. Again, not trying to find fault or tell Elka what to do. Believe me, I know that stuff happens. Just suggesting what might be a better solution than going back to stock and eating the expense.

Good luck whatever direction you decided to go.

 

[SilverSurfer]

It may be that, early on, they (Elka) didn't know the RT took a longer rear shock.

Would 'early on' mean ... umm ... a year ago? I think I mentioned previously in this thread I'd be getting with Elka. I never said I was eatin' anything. The one thing for sure was I needed to get the defect off the Spyder and replace it. I mean ... it was painful! Needless to say, I wasn't going to nose dive into another Elka until I know what's going on and what my options are, including recapture of a few bucks. Time ... I need the time ... and trying to contact Elka during Spyderfest would've been futile. Meanwhile, the Spyder is ryding fine on a new stock rear, keeping in mind that the current 2012 replacement part is improved over the 2010 stock part. I'm sure the stock will get me through the summer.

Oh, btw ... your swaybar works great, noting it does require one back off the pre-load if you've got Elka fronts. I have Stage1+R's on the front and came off four full turns (could possibly use another turn).

 

[BajaRon]

Would 'early on' mean ... umm ... a year ago? I think I mentioned previously in this thread I'd be getting with Elka. I never said I was eatin' anything. The one thing for sure was I needed to get the defect off the Spyder and replace it. I mean ... it was painful! Needless to say, I wasn't going to nose dive into another Elka until I know what's going on and what my options are, including recapture of a few bucks. Time ... I need the time ... and trying to contact Elka during Spyderfest would've been futile. Meanwhile, the Spyder is ryding fine on a new stock rear, keeping in mind that the current 2012 replacement part is improved over the 2010 stock part. I'm sure the stock will get me through the summer.

Oh, btw ... your swaybar works great, noting it does require one back off the pre-load if you've got Elka fronts. I have Stage1+R's on the front and came off four full turns (could possibly use another turn).

No, 'Early On' would not mean a year ago. The time frame baffles me even more. Can't imagine how you'd end up with a short shock. I agree, I certainly wouldn't pop for another Elka until you get the current issue ironed out. This story could still have a happy ending.

Glad the bar worked out well. The amount of pre-load you are able to back off of the Elka shock springs is the amount of Sway Bar function that the shocks were trying to handle. Now that the Sway Bar is doing its job, the Elka's can get back to what they do best, which is give you a great ride! :thumbup: