Anyone here run Elka or M2 shocks? Your take on them?

[RayBJ]

I'm 20,000 miles into a set of Elka stage 2 front shocks (+ BajaRon sway bar) on my 2020 RT Base. I only ride solo and I push the limits of the RT and my abilities at 76. I hit twisties as hard as I did on my sport tourers and the RT takes it in stride - even though I have to hang on for dear life!

The oem set-up simply was unable to handle my aggressive style and the difference in control has allowed me to keep up with my 2-wheeled crazies.

To date, the Elkas have shown no signs of degradation.

If you are a casual rider you may never notice the limits of the oem hardware and can save your money for gas.

 

[cmarsala]

I just finished installing the M2 shocks on my 15 F3S front and rear and I have to say they made my Spyder handle like the Sprint race cars I used to race. I called Marcus and gave him a bunch of info on my riding style and weight with and without a passenger and he dialed them right in, got them in about 2 weeks as they're not mass produced like some other shocks, each set gets a personal touch from Marcus and his team. They were an easy install, a quality built product. Talking to Marcus was like talking to my best friend, he really listens to what you have to say, answered all my questions. On a scale of 1 thru 10 I'd have to give Marcus a 12+, You can't go wrong with him and he'll give you a SpyderLovers discount too!

 

[RobDekker]

Elka’s and Baja Ron’s Anti-Sway Bars are mandatory for a superior handling machine.

 

[trikermutha]

Been running m2 shocks for a few years now. Never need the rear compressor anymore. The shock does all the work now.

 

[Peteoz]

Been running m2 shocks for a few years now. Never need the rear compressor anymore. The shock does all the work now.

I agree, Triker, but on the later models with led headlights, the bag performs the function of self levelling the headlights to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. (Just an aside in case someone decides to disconnect their bag on later Mandela once they install M2, Elka, Icon shocks)

Pete

 

[trikermutha]

I agree, Triker, but on the later models with led headlights, the bag performs the function of self levelling the headlights to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. (Just an aside in case someone decides to disconnect their bag on later Mandela once they install M2, Elka, Icon shocks)

Pete

Never disconnected my compressor. The ride height is the same. Now changing the headlights like mot do will need an adjustment.

 

[Mikey]

I am running a set of stage2's on the front of my RTL! I feel that it was some of the best money I have spent on the bike, I soon will be putting a rear Elka on also, my 2012 rtl came with the auto air system in the rear, the compressor craped the bed on me and I found out that they have a very crappy shock on the rear of these bikes also, so it's on my bucket list to put a good shock back there also! The air bag is a manual fill system, works for me and is a lot more dependable!!!

 

[DanDanTMM]

I'm running Elka Stage 2 shocks all around plus the Baha Ron Swaybar on my 2021 RTL and it handles about as good as you can get a Spyder to handle. It definitely corners better than stock. I ride with a guy that rides a 2021 Goldwing and I don't have a problem keeping up with him and he pushes it pretty hard sometimes. It still requires body english if you are going to really push a Spyder through the twisties, even with my setup.

Last month I took a trip to the Ozarks. I rode many of my favorite roads that I used to ride on 2 wheels and the Spyder handled it just fine. I was easily able to push it above my driving limits for sure and kept a pretty good pace whenever I wanted to. I only had one weird instance where I was going pretty hot through a right hand turn and there was a pretty large crack all the way through the lane that caused one or both tires to hop off the pavement. Given my speed and the angle of the turn the nanny kicked in and a brief tap of the brakes (I didn't slam them on) had the front tires locked and I ended up sliding over the yellow line a few inches. It was weird and the only time anything like that has ever happened to me. I'm sure it would have been worse with the stock shocks as they probably would not have responded as well to the obstacle. I couldn't figure out what locked up the front brakes. I don't blame the shocks and more blame speed and that goofy crack/bump/obstacle in the road....and the nanny. I slowed down after that taking it as a sign I was pushing things a little too hard.

I would buy Elka's again for sure. I have not had any problems whatsoever with mine and the handling has been superb.