2011 RT shocks question

[wyliec]

I know there were a few people that talked about installing them on their GS/RS. I am wondering if they did and how the spyder handles now. I know there were some who felt the 2011's would be too stiff.

Someone also posted all the p/n's for the 2011's; I searched, but cannot find. Can someone link me to that post?

Thanks

 

[docdoru]

 

[wyliec]

Doc,

I back tracked the p/n and came up with the post for all p/n's needed. But, just wondering if you have the 2011 shock assy's? Or, should I stick to the 2010's, if I can still get them. I notice the difference between the two is the shock and adjuster ring.

I installed the Evo sway bar the other week and am now considering the RT shocks. This is why I ask.

Thanks

 

[DynamoBT]

I've got the EVO sway bar and the 2011 RT shocks on my 2008 GS. The Spyder tech who installed them took it out for a test ryde. He had cranked up the settings on the shocks all the way to the stiffest setting. He RAVED about the handling.

I think the combo has completely transformed my Spyder in the best, bestest way possible!!! That horrid "roll" is gone!!! Before these mods, two up ryding got dicey sometimes. Handling was sluggish. Now, I hardly feel a difference with a passengery vs. ryding alone. Handling is fantastic!! The RT shocks and EVO sway bar are the best money a person could spend to upgrade their Spyder, IMO.

I think you will be very surprised and happy if you go ahead and get the RT shocks!!

 

[wyliec]

I've got the EVO sway bar and the 2011 RT shocks on my 2008 GS. The Spyder tech who installed them took it out for a test ryde. He had cranked up the settings on the shocks all the way to the stiffest setting. He RAVED about the handling.

I think the combo has completely transformed my Spyder in the best, bestest way possible!!! That horrid "roll" is gone!!! Before these mods, two up ryding got dicey sometimes. Handling was sluggish. Now, I hardly feel a difference with a passengery vs. ryding alone. Handling is fantastic!! The RT shocks and EVO sway bar are the best money a person could spend to upgrade their Spyder, IMO.

I think you will be very surprised and happy if you go ahead and get the RT shocks!!

Are your 2011 RT shocks cranked all the way up to the #5 setting?

Thanks

 

[IWN2RYD]

Any RS looking to not live with their factory shocks @#4 or #5, and want the bike to feel like it is responding more to the needs of the ryder instead of the Bike... Need to do the RT shocks.

I went with the 2010 RT shocks and could not of been happier...

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25929

As for the 2011's, I would think that my setting #3 would be #2 on the 2011's... Beyond that it would be seat of the pants for taste...

For our 2010 RT-S we cannot say enough about how much better the behaviors of our RT-S road manners are now that we have the 2011's under her...

 

[DynamoBT]

Yes, my 2011 RT shocks are set on the #5 setting. It's perfect for two up ryding which we do the most. It gets a little bumpy with just me on there. But the Spyder holds the road so much better now it's like a whole new machine compared to what was. It's just fantastic!!! So secure!

You will not be sorry if you get the 2011 RT shocks. Best money you could spend.

 

[WackyDan]

RT Shocks and Sway bar are the best $$$ you can spend on improving your spyder's performance.

I have mine on #4 setting and it rides like it is on rails now. I'm 240 pounds plus top and side hard cases to give you an idea on load.

I got mine used with 5k on them, so they arrived complete with springs... was an easy install.

If you can't afford both sway bar and shocks, then get the shocks as they will make the biggest difference compared to the sway bar.

 

[Neez]

I weigh 240 and have the Evo bar and 2010 RTshocks set on the tightest notch on my GS SE5. Took a fast ryde up the Fraser canyon yesterday. Seemed just perfect!

 

[wyliec]

WackyDan,

2010 or 2011 RT shocks?

 

[Minister]

I have the 2011 RT schocks on my RS set on 2 for a nice soft ride and also good handling. If I want to take it to the twisties I raise them to 3 or 4.
IMO they are a vast improvement over stock, and for the price you can buy them "used", the best best bang for the buck improvement you can make!

 

[WackyDan]

WackyDan,

2010 or 2011 RT shocks?

2010.

 

[wyliec]

Ordered parts today for the 2011 RT shock assy.

Based on what I see here and that I'm 176# and the gf is 105# and Gesiha is under 5#, I'll start with a 3 setting.

Right now I'm at a 5 setting and have the Evo sway bar.

If this doesn't work, I'll have to put Geisha on a diet or lose the mutt muffs to lighten the load.

 

[retiredsquid]

I just had my 2011 RT Limited stock shocks removed at 3,200 miles (2 months old) yesterday and replaced with Elka shocks.

If anyone is interested in them let me know if you think they are worth $200 to you.
Regards,
Rich

 

[WackyDan]

I just had my 2011 RT Limited stock shocks removed at 3,200 miles (2 months old) yesterday and replaced with Elka shocks.

If anyone is interested in them let me know if you think they are worth $200 to you.
Regards,
Rich

Rich, I would post in the for sale section... I believe at that price, most members would buy brand new.

 

[retiredsquid]

Rich, I would post in the for sale section... I believe at that price, most members would buy brand new.

Dan,
Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure what to ask for them to be honest.
Regards,
Rich

 

[Sny]

Someone had a link a few months back to a place selling them for $202+sh. Not sure what all that included.

I have the 2011 RT shocks on my GS without the Evo Sway bar.

They're set to 3... With me (270lbs) and my usual baggage of too much stuff (tools, electronics, 14 pairs of gloves...) I love the difference.

The roll resistance is very nice, I no longer feel like it's putting all the weight on one tire in hard corners.

It is a bit more twitchy at lower speeds, but maybe that's the new dps... It's great at higher speeds.

3 might be a bit too stiff... I don't mind a harsh ride, that said, it does feel like the control gets a little light on rougher roads. (too much bounce/hop) I'll try softening it up one and see how that goes.

Right now I'm not sure I "need" the sway bar upgrade... of course, I "want" it anyhow

The parts you need are (2 of each per Spyder)

14 AMORTISSEUR *SHOCK 706001059 $79.99
15 BAGUE REGLAGE *ADJUSTER RING 706001061 $10.99
16 RESSORT *SPRING 706000676 $39.49
17 BUTEE RESSORT *SPRING STOPPER 706200881 $7.49
18 CAPUCHON *CAP 706200785 $2.49
19 BAGUE *RING 706001062 $2.49

 

[wyliec]

Someone had a link a few months back to a place selling them for $202+sh. Not sure what all that included.

I have the 2011 RT shocks on my GS without the Evo Sway bar.

They're set to 3... With me (270lbs) and my usual baggage of too much stuff (tools, electronics, 14 pairs of gloves...) I love the difference.

The roll resistance is very nice, I no longer feel like it's putting all the weight on one tire in hard corners.

It is a bit more twitchy at lower speeds, but maybe that's the new dps... It's great at higher speeds.

3 might be a bit too stiff... I don't mind a harsh ride, that said, it does feel like the control gets a little light on rougher roads. (too much bounce/hop) I'll try softening it up one and see how that goes.

Right now I'm not sure I "need" the sway bar upgrade... of course, I "want" it anyhow

The parts you need are (2 of each per Spyder)

14 AMORTISSEUR *SHOCK 706001059 $79.99
15 BAGUE REGLAGE *ADJUSTER RING 706001061 $10.99
16 RESSORT *SPRING 706000676 $39.49
17 BUTEE RESSORT *SPRING STOPPER 706200881 $7.49
18 CAPUCHON *CAP 706200785 $2.49
19 BAGUE *RING 706001062 $2.49

I go tomorrow for the install. Most of my riding during the week is one up. On weekends I ride 2 up with the gf. You've got me thinking that maybe I should start at the #2 setting, instead of 3.

 

[bone crusher]

Ordered parts today for the 2011 RT shock assy.

Based on what I see here and that I'm 176# and the gf is 105# and Gesiha is under 5#, I'll start with a 3 setting.

Right now I'm at a 5 setting and have the Evo sway bar.

If this doesn't work, I'll have to put Geisha on a diet or lose the mutt muffs to lighten the load.

Have fun...I have the 2010 RT shocks on my GS and they make a huge difference. I have them set at 4...I am 227 lbs. and have a full compliment of bags (2 side and rear Givi). I do not have the sway bar yet, but that's on the list along with a Madstad shield...

I think with the sway bar and RT shocks, you'll see an amazing difference. I ride pretty hard and can't even imagine going back to the soft GS OEM shocks...you might also want to adjust your setting based on your riding type...someone who is not hitting corners hard can go with a softer setting...

If I were you, I'd start with at least a 3 and go from there...I know the 2011s are a bit stiffer than the 2010s...but they are in the same ballpark...your riding style should help with where you start...

 

[fleegeds]

I go tomorrow for the install. Most of my riding during the week is one up. On weekends I ride 2 up with the gf. You've got me thinking that maybe I should start at the #2 setting, instead of 3.

I have the 2010's on my rs-s and it is set to #5 setting I am in the 200 with riding gear and started lower but really like the harder feel. I would start at #3 at least. I have not heard of too many people going less than this and if you are putting them on you might as well use the firmer setting.