2013 RT front shocks

[Spyderdale]

Called Cowtown today as they were recommended on this forum as the best place to purchase Elka shocks. Talked to a gentleman named DJ and he said they are no longer recommending Elkas but going to Fox. He said that BRP is working with Fox on developing shocks for the RT. Said he should know something in a couple of weeks and would call me as to the availability. Anybody else know of this ? I was all set to buy Elkas but he said the Fox's would be better.

 

[spacetiger]

Probably better for them. Having seen and read about Elka's (they are very good shocks), I find it hard to believe Fox is better. I think the only way they are better is if they are cheaper.

That said, I stand by my observation that the stock shocks can be made to be a serviceable shock for far less than buying aftermarket shocks. The oem shock suffers from too weak of a spring. No knock on the RT riding crowd, but I don't think we are sophisticated enough to know if our damping is off... I think if you get the springs right, we are happy riders.

My 2 cents. Let us know what you find out about the Fox shocks.

Jerry

 

[ulflyer]

Probably better for them. Having seen and read about Elka's (they are very good shocks), I find it hard to believe Fox is better. I think the only way they are better is if they are cheaper.

That said, I stand by my observation that the stock shocks can be made to be a serviceable shock for far less than buying aftermarket shocks. The oem shock suffers from too weak of a spring. No knock on the RT riding crowd, but I don't think we are sophisticated enough to know if our damping is off... I think if you get the springs right, we are happy riders.

My 2 cents. Let us know what you find out about the Fox shocks.

Jerry

Jerry, I agree that stiffer springs are what many of us need instead of expensive aftermarket shocks, but at same time few of us know how to change springs, much less what will fit, and what is needed according to our riding style and weight.

Sound like a market in the making for a knowledgeable person.
:2thumbs:

 

[Bob Denman]

Check with Trooper...
Hi IS Elka, and can answer any and all questions about shocks. :thumbup:

 

[spacetiger]

Jerry, I agree that stiffer springs are what many of us need instead of expensive aftermarket shocks, but at same time few of us know how to change springs, much less what will fit, and what is needed according to our riding style and weight.

Sound like a market in the making for a knowledgeable person.
:2thumbs:

Yes, perhaps if I came to spyderfest with spacers and a booth, I could sell them all and educate a few riders. I am surprised to learn how bad the 2010-2012 and probably the 2013 RT-S springs on the bikes are. I am sure any rider over 200 lbs who has not switched to aftermarket Elka's has scrape marks under the frunck - thats the easiest way to know your stock springs are not strong enough to hold the bike up.

Jerry

 

[Bob Denman]

Love to see you there!!! :thumbup: nojoke

 

[Spyderdale]

2013 RT shocks

Love to see you there!!! :thumbup: nojoke

Thanks guys for the comments and info. I am keeping an open mind about the shocks; what brand or? I know from all the forums that the Elkas are good ,but I will wait and see what Cowtown says about the Fox shocks and how much$$$ compared to the Elkas.

 

[Trooper]

Called Cowtown today as they were recommended on this forum as the best place to purchase Elka shocks. Talked to a gentleman named DJ and he said they are no longer recommending Elkas but going to Fox. He said that BRP is working with Fox on developing shocks for the RT. Said he should know something in a couple of weeks and would call me as to the availability. Anybody else know of this ? I was all set to buy Elkas but he said the Fox's would be better.

Hello Spyderdale, to get more information about the Elka shocks vs Fox, you are better off contacting Pitbull Powersports. They are the Elka specialists on Spyderlovers...or you could direct your questions to me directly. I know someone who works for Elka...

 

[Spyderdale]

2013 RT shocks

Hello Spyderdale, to get more information about the Elka shocks vs Fox, you are better off contacting Pitbull Powersports. They are the Elka specialists on Spyderlovers...or you could direct your questions to me directly. I know someone who works for Elka...

Thanks trooper. Do you have Elkas on your spyder ? If so what about the durability, ie how long before they require rebuilding ? I also ride mountain bikes with Fox shocks which are pretty hi tec and very durable so I am familiar with the Fox brand. Another question, what is the Elka warranty ?

 

[Trooper]

Thanks trooper. Do you have Elkas on your spyder ? If so what about the durability, ie how long before they require rebuilding ? I also ride mountain bikes with Fox shocks which are pretty hi tec and very durable so I am familiar with the Fox brand. Another question, what is the Elka warranty ?

Well.....I have an Elka shock on my Yamaha FZ8 motorcycle, but I do not own a Spyder. I am actually an Elka employee that is here to help answer any questions you may have about our products.

With that being said, we have a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.

I am quite familiar with Fox, but I can assure you that our products are just as durable...if not more durable...than Fox shocks. I will be at Spyderfest to install, tune, and suppiort our products to make sure that everyone is happy with our products.

 

[TexAmRider]

Upgraded Shocks

Called Cowtown today as they were recommended on this forum as the best place to purchase Elka shocks. Talked to a gentleman named DJ and he said they are no longer recommending Elkas but going to Fox. He said that BRP is working with Fox on developing shocks for the RT. Said he should know something in a couple of weeks and would call me as to the availability. Anybody else know of this ? I was all set to buy Elkas but he said the Fox's would be better.

Spyderdale, Has your dealer mentioned an upgraded shock for the 2013 from BRP? Reason I ask, I was having handling problems when I bought my RT in May 2013. When I took it in for the 600 mile service at around 750 miles, the service manager asked me about the handling, and I told him it felt a little squirelly and was walking all over the road. He said they had just gotten approval from BRP to put on an upgraded shock, with stronger springs. I told him to go for it. At the time he put them on and did the standard BRP alignment, and since my spyder has handled like a charm. I bought, but have not installed the Bajaron swaybar yet, and am also a little hesitant to have the laser alignment done as my dealer is a rolo laser alignment dealer. I have no issues with the handling at this point and about to go in for the 4600 mile service, at which time the service manager and I are going to discuss the laser alignment. May be I just don't know what I have compared to others, but I feel the handling is just fine at the moment. Could be I might see some improvement in handling by putting on the sway bar and the laser alignment, we will see. Do know I need the belt tensioner.