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Any experiences you can share about Elka vs Wilber rear shocks?

Circ

Circ

New member
I recently replaced my OEM front shocks with Elka's. I won't go into detail about the garbage I removed, but I will say the upgrade was worth every penny. I never believed I would say that, because they are frighteningly expensive, but they improved the handling immensely and even helped mitigate the unforgivable nanny braking. Did not eliminate it, but brought it into a manageable and predictable zone.
I plan to replace the rear shock and would like to know if anyone has done so with Wilber's. I realize the Elka rear might be more closely matched to the fronts, but the remote adjustability appeals to me.
Thanks in advance for your 'EXPERIENCED' response.
 
I have done the Elka front/back on both our bikes, huge difference! They also both have the Lamonster Garage red Swaybar set on the stiff setting…
 
@Circ, if you want something just as good (possibly better??) than the Elkas &/or Wilburs, but generally not so expensive, there are other offerings out there. For example, search here on SpyderLovers for IKON, or go to:

IKON Suspension USA

The Best Aftermarket Motorcycle Shock Manufacturer In The World
ikonsuspensionusa.com ikonsuspensionusa.com

Do note that with the Ikon site, frequently (as with many other places/sites), not ALL the shocks they offer are shown on/in their on-line catalogue, so if you can't find what you want there, give them a call and talk to them! 😉 But I think you'll find all the Ikon part numbers/details you need are already posted here on the Forum, so some searching and reading can help! (y)
 
Circ said:
I recently replaced my OEM front shocks with Elka's. I won't go into detail about the garbage I removed, but I will say the upgrade was worth every penny. I never believed I would say that, because they are frighteningly expensive, but they improved the handling immensely and even helped mitigate the unforgivable nanny braking. Did not eliminate it, but brought it into a manageable and predictable zone.
I plan to replace the rear shock and would like to know if anyone has done so with Wilber's. I realize the Elka rear might be more closely matched to the fronts, but the remote adjustability appeals to me.
Thanks in advance for your 'EXPERIENCED' response.
Click to expand...
Remote adjustability is a nice feature, but for the normal person that is riding like a sane man how much are you going to adjust it? Most people don't adjust any more once they find a setting, you just ride it! I have adjustable shocks on my sleds, and I find that I don't mess with them as much as I thought I would! But anyway, Elka has the remote option if you so think you need them! I put the Stage 2 on my last bike, it was well worth the money!! Whatever you decide to do will be a big improvement to what you have now.
 
No experience with Elka, but I have a Wilbers rear shock on my 2022 RT S2S, and also had them on my past F3S. The quality of Wilbers is impeccable!! material and craftsmanship is first rate. They are totally built to your specs with both specific spring rates and valving. I had the remote preload adjuster on my F3S, but not on my RT S2S. I am a 100% solo rider so not needed. That said, if you're a 50/50 solo/passenger rider, I would recommend the remote preload adjuster. Going from 200 lbs > 350lbs (or more) greatly changes ride quality. And if you have a RT/F3L/F3T, forget about adjusting the rear preload without the remote. Wilbers has gone up a bit in $$ since the tariff. EPM Performance does offer military/first responder discounts. Both EPM Performance and Ted Porter are authorized USA Wilbers dealers, and will perform warranty and servicing.

af59d0ff-942e-494c-925d-6bb46dbc8640.jpg
 
I have an Elka Stage 5 rear shock on my F3S. It has remote adjust-ability for high and low speed compression and spring pre-load. I change the settings when I switch between riding two-up with my wife or if I'm solo. Sometimes, but rarely, I can reach down while I'm riding and adjust the high speed compression if I want to soften or firm it up depending on the road conditions and my riding mood.
 
Peter Aawen said:
@Circ, if you want something just as good (possibly better??) than the Elkas &/or Wilburs, but generally not so expensive, there are other offerings out there. For example, search here on SpyderLovers for IKON, or go to:

IKON Suspension USA

The Best Aftermarket Motorcycle Shock Manufacturer In The World
ikonsuspensionusa.com ikonsuspensionusa.com

Do note that with the Ikon site, frequently (as with many other places/sites), not ALL the shocks they offer are shown on/in their on-line catalogue, so if you can't find what you want there, give them a call and talk to them! 😉 But I think you'll find all the Ikon part numbers/details you need are already posted here on the Forum, so some searching and reading can help! (y)
Click to expand...
He doesn't have it in the sig line but if he has an F3 there are not any IKON shocks that are sold in the US for the F3, When I was looking, I contacted the US rep as there were none available on the site. But that was about 3 years ago so things may have changed by now.

I just went and looked at the site and they are still only offering shocks for RT's, no F3 shocks are available.


I have the Wilbers and it was a drastic change over the stock shocks.
 
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CloverHillCrawler said:
He doesn't have it in the sig line but if he has an F3 there are not any IKON shocks that are sold in the US for the F3, When I was looking, I contacted the US rep as there were none available on the site. But that was about 3 years ago so things may have changed by now.

I just went and looked at the site and they are still only offering shocks for RT's, no F3 shocks are available.


I have the Wilbers and it was a drastic change over the stock shocks.
Click to expand...

As I said in my first post, just looking at the site isn't going to show you every bike they can supply shocks for, you actually need to talk to them about what you want, and they will often be able to help - albeit sometimes only after the US Rep has discussed it with their Head Office here in Oz. I've heard from very pleased people all over the World (including in the States) who've got shocks from IKON, despite shocks for their bikes not being shown in the IKON catalogue or on their site. ;)

But you're absolutely right, Wilburs (or Elkas) will be a drastic change over the stock shocks, I was just suggesting that there are other alternatives, often equally as big of an improvement, only not necessarily as pricey - IKON Shocks, which I've been more than pleased with, are just one of the 'other' options, and at least here in Oz, they're a fair bit cheaper than Wilbur or Elka shocks too! (y)
 
Peter Aawen said:
As I said in my first post, just looking at the site isn't going to show you every bike they can supply shocks for, you actually need to talk to them about what you want, and they will often be able to help - albeit sometimes only after the US Rep has discussed it with their Head Office here in Oz. I've heard from very pleased people all over the World (including in the States) who've got shocks from IKON, despite shocks for their bikes not being shown in the IKON catalogue or on their site. ;)

But you're absolutely right, Wilburs (or Elkas) will be a drastic change over the stock shocks, I was just suggesting that there are other alternatives, often equally as big of an improvement, only not necessarily as pricey - IKON Shocks, which I've been more than pleased with, are just one of the 'other' options, and at least here in Oz, they're a fair bit cheaper than Wilbur or Elka shocks too! (y)
Click to expand...
I did both with contacting them by email and over the phone, no F3 shocks were available at that time in 2023. That may have changed by now.
 
CloverHillCrawler said:
I did both with contacting them by email and over the phone, no F3 shocks were available at that time in 2023. That may have changed by now.
Click to expand...

IIRC, (& I've just checked my old msg's to confirm that this is the case) that when they actually measured and did direct comparisons, they had Front and Rear shocks that, while labelled and identified as suitable for other bikes, also suited both '21 & '24 F3 and RT Models when tailored/customised to the Spyder Owners needs/wants, which means those same shocks also suited the rest of the Spyders that run the same OEM shocks. I don't have the part numbers handy, but I think they did get posted here on the public pages of the Forum, or were at least shared via DM, all about the time people were looking for the '21's & then '24's, or shortly after each... Search could be your friend on this. :unsure:

So again, like I said, you've gotta talk to the right people there, maybe even be a little persistent, simply cos Can Am Spyders aren't really all that common and they don't necessarily show up in the catalogues; nor apparently, are IKON Shocks 'less common' applications known/recognised by some of the more average sales-bods. But there's not too many truly unique shocks out there in the motorcycle world, especially amongst those brands that normally supply 'customised' coils, coil rates, and valving to suit your particular needs/wants, like Wilburs, Elkas... and IKONs. ;)
 
Peter Aawen said:
IIRC, (& I've just checked my old msg's to confirm that this is the case) that when they actually measured and did direct comparisons, they had Front and Rear shocks that, while labelled and identified as suitable for other bikes, also suited both '21 & '24 F3 and RT Models when tailored/customised to the Spyder Owners needs/wants, which means those same shocks also suited the rest of the Spyders that run the same OEM shocks. I don't have the part numbers handy, but I think they did get posted here on the public pages of the Forum, or were at least shared via DM, all about the time people were looking for the '21's & then '24's, or shortly after each... Search could be your friend on this. :unsure:

So again, like I said, you've gotta talk to the right people there, maybe even be a little persistent, simply cos Can Am Spyders aren't really all that common and they don't necessarily show up in the catalogues; nor apparently, are IKON Shocks 'less common' applications known/recognised by some of the more average sales-bods. But there's not too many truly unique shocks out there in the motorcycle world, especially amongst those brands that normally supply 'customised' coils, coil rates, and valving to suit your particular needs/wants, like Wilburs, Elkas... and IKONs. ;)
Click to expand...
Just went back and looked at the emails, the person I was in contact with was Roger. Last communication with him stated

'Thank you for your inquiry regarding Ikon suspension for your F3.

There has been a new application part# very recently issued for the F3. I have a customer waiting for a pair to fit and evaluate. Delivery to him will be towards the end of this month/early next month. If all good, which I'm sure it will be, they will go on general sale for the F3 shortly after I've discussed the shocks with him.

I've taken note of your email address and will send you details as they become available for this model.

Cheers,
Roger"

I never heard anything after that communication. That was in February of 2023.

So if this is the person that is responding to the phones and emails how am I supposed to know who the "secret person" is I am supposed to throw my money at?

I really wanted to get a set before I went with Wilbers but you can't buy it if it is not available for sale.
 
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