Dumb questions about shocks or maybe not!

[kinggeek]

I have questions about shocks, specifically Elka shocks. There are several different levels 1-WAY, 1-WAY+, 2-WAY, 2-WAY+, 3-WAY, and 3-WAY+. Lamont has some that are not even listed on the Elka site under Spyder section 'Stage 5' :bowdown:.

My 2011 RTS SE5 has stock shocks and I am 230 LB and usually ride solo. Factory adjustment was too soft especially for 'spirited' riding. Adjusted to 5 and spirited riding is MUCH better but cruises like a war wagon! Every bump rattles my teeth:yikes:. Need to try preload 4 I guess.


I get adjustable preload but these other terms are somewhat foriegn to me. The spyder is my first foray into open air riding other than my old Schwinn!

1. What's the difference, in 'dummy' terms between the Elka models specifically how will the different adjustability between models affect the ride. Imagine a book called 'Elka Spyder Suspension for Dummies!'.

2. External Resevior - What is the advantage, shock stays cooler longer thus performs better?

3. What is rebound damping adjustment for? Effect on the ride?

4. What is the difference between 'High' and 'Low' speed compression adjustments? Effect on the ride?


5. Hydraylic adjustment - Does this mean on the fly adjustability at the push of a button while riding?

6. What the heck is the Stage 5 Lamont has and how does it differ from the others?

I like what I hear about the Elkas, improved handling in curves, but want to understand more why they are better and specifically how they will help the ride in more than just the curves so I can decide which to purchase if any.

 

[kinggeek]

No answers?

opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:85 people have viewed this but no responses with NO answers? Does anyone know why they replace the stock shocks?

Curious, am I the only one with these questions?

 

[BajaRon]

opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:85 people have viewed this but no responses with NO answers? Does anyone know why they replace the stock shocks?

Curious, am I the only one with these questions?

It's a pretty wide open question. Many people replace the stock shocks because it really improves ride and handling. You get better stabilization without the rough ride. Elkas are probably the best way to go. Most people are fine with the base units but as you pay up you get more adjustability and custom ride settings.

Depends on your pocket book and how much you think you need.

 

[Phil]

I honestly have no idea. BUT... if you have learned to ask the experts here at SL, and you have, I suggest that you go to Elka threads here, get the email/phone for John. He will be HAPPY to answer. He asked me about my driving habits then advised me to get the 1 way set. The least expensive. Point is, he's honest. You can also call Len @ Cowtown for advice. Another EHB (Elka Honest Bloke).


Sent from my iPhone7 using Tapatalk

 

[NancysToy]

If I were you, I'd ask the folks at Elka. I'm not sure that you can achieve the Cadillac cushy ride you are seeking, and firm stability in the corners at the same time. Trooper would be the one to ask, though.

 

[Bob Denman]

I still run the stockers up front with the preload set at 4...
To simplify this to the point where even I can understand it... is that you're paying for more adjustability. The trick comes in knowing what to do with all of it though... pps:

 

[Trooper]

I have questions about shocks, specifically Elka shocks. There are several different levels 1-WAY, 1-WAY+, 2-WAY, 2-WAY+, 3-WAY, and 3-WAY+. Lamont has some that are not even listed on the Elka site under Spyder section 'Stage 5' :bowdown:.

My 2011 RTS SE5 has stock shocks and I am 230 LB and usually ride solo. Factory adjustment was too soft especially for 'spirited' riding. Adjusted to 5 and spirited riding is MUCH better but cruises like a war wagon! Every bump rattles my teeth:yikes:. Need to try preload 4 I guess.


I get adjustable preload but these other terms are somewhat foriegn to me. The spyder is my first foray into open air riding other than my old Schwinn!

1. What's the difference, in 'dummy' terms between the Elka models specifically how will the different adjustability between models affect the ride. Imagine a book called 'Elka Spyder Suspension for Dummies!'.

2. External Resevior - What is the advantage, shock stays cooler longer thus performs better?

3. What is rebound damping adjustment for? Effect on the ride?

4. What is the difference between 'High' and 'Low' speed compression adjustments? Effect on the ride?


5. Hydraylic adjustment - Does this mean on the fly adjustability at the push of a button while riding?

6. What the heck is the Stage 5 Lamont has and how does it differ from the others?

I like what I hear about the Elkas, improved handling in curves, but want to understand more why they are better and specifically how they will help the ride in more than just the curves so I can decide which to purchase if any.

Im gonna take a stab at this one if ya dont mind.

1. Everything we build is designed specifically for each specific vehicle, therefore whether its the stage 1+ shocks or stage 5, the performance upgrade will be significant. Our most popular seller is the stage 1+, simply put....it does the job. Being that the vast majority of RT riders are using the vehicle for recreational type riding, having all the extra bells and whistles may just be overkill. For someone who rides it a little harder ( such as Lamont), the Stage 5's allow him to fine tune how he wants the shocks to perform.

2. The external reservoir does two things: It does keep the shock oil cooler during very spirited riding, as well as provide better compression damping when hitting harsh, high velocity bumps. The oil in the shock overflows into the reservoir and compresses a floating piston which seperates nitrogen from the oil to allow better flow. (to learn more, dont forget about the suspension seminar at Spyderfest !!)

3.Rebound allows you to control how the shock will react after it has compressed to absorb a bump. A compressed spring contains enormous amounts of energy and memory to return to its original state, therefore rebound controls the speed at which the shock will re-extend to its original length. Having that adjuster allows you to control the speed to your liking.

4. High and low speed control the speed that the shock will compress, and it refers only to the speed of the shock, not the speed of the vehicle. High speed allows you to adjust the dampening on high velocity hits to the shocks, and low speed allows you to adjust resistance to low velocity movement, such as like body roll, acceleration, and undulations in the pavement. They work independantly of each other and are isolated in their adjustment on the shocks as well. ( again, dont forget the seminar )

5. Not the push of a button, but rather the twist of a knob. The push of a button requires all kinds of electrical modifications ( and headaches for some) while our device is a hydraulic adjuster that allows you to adjust the preload with the twist of a knob, perfect for those who do both solo riding and 2 up riding( only available for the rear RS Spyder Elka shocks, as the RT does have an airbag to adjust for load compensation)

6. The Stage 5 shocks are the " creme de la creme" of Elka shocks. The internal design of the shocks allows for so much more flow to absorb both big bumps and those little cracks in the pavement that you feel in your wrists. They have all the bells and whistles in terms of adjustment ( preload, rebound, and high and low speed compression adjustment) and have a piggyback ( attached to the shock ) reservoir to keep the nice aesthetic lines of the Spyder intact. See Lamonts testimony in terms of how they ride here ( more specifically post #21):

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ect-Elka-Stage-5-front-shocks!&highlight=elka


Well, I hope this helps you a little. If all else fails, here is where I could be reached:

[email protected]

OR

1-800-557-0552 ext 257.

OR

Attend the suspension seminar at Spyderfest ( may have already mentioned it somewhere but just in case :roflblack Dates and times to be announced.


John@Elka Suspension

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: I like how he said it better! :thumbup: :firstplace:

 

[pwilbarger]

Looking forward to the seminar.


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.614587,-83.368085
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sarge707]

opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:85 people have viewed this but no responses with NO answers? Does anyone know why they replace the stock shocks?

I replaced them on my 09RS with the 1+ Base model after talking to John on the phone for a good half hour and am Extremely pleased with them!

1- I can corner Much faster with almost zero lean which gives me Soo much more confidence- Like being on rails.

2- When I step up on the left side of the Spyder to mount, it used to dip about 1/2 inch or more- With the Elka,s it remains perfectly stable.
This makes it Sooo much more stable and planted at highway speeds with virtually Noo drift even passing Semi,s on a windy day!

3- I can adjust my rebound in seconds before I leave to suit the roads I,m going to be driving like very bumpy, curvy backroads, OR secondary roads and highway OR somewhere in between.

Having 15,000 miles on my Spyder it was a wise choice to make and they are rebuildable after 25,000 -30,000 miles at service centers for a Very reasonable Price with quick turn around. ( This sealed the deal for me!nojoke)

 

[cjackg]

Both kinggeek's questions and Trooper's (Elka) answers are a huge help in sorting all this out.

I am sure looking at using the Elka's on my 2012 instead of messing with an aftermarket swaybar. The stock 2012 suspension allows way too much leaning in the curves and needs some help to firm it up.

 

[kinggeek]

Thanks.

Trooper,

That is EXACTLY what I was looking for and am sure it will be helpful for others. Thanks very much and I will definitely be at the seminar!

 

[SteveMac]

Trooper,

That is EXACTLY what I was looking for and am sure it will be helpful for others. Thanks very much and I will definitely be at the seminar!

KingGeek, You might want to check out this post. I think you will be very interested!
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...-Announcement!&p=399736&viewfull=1#post399736

 

[kinggeek]

I did, I did!

KingGeek, You might want to check out this post. I think you will be very interested!
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...-Announcement!&p=399736&viewfull=1#post399736

I already saw that and it is a great offer that I am sure will make Len and the Elka guys VERY busy at Spyderfest!

 

[zrc]

After all this talk, I am trying to decide if I should get the 2012 RT shocks I talked to someone about yesterday, or if I should wait for some Elka's. I would like to get a weigh in on how much of a difference anyone would think there is on the matter.

[Edit]: I was currently thinking 2012 shocks + Evo Swaybar

Thanks

 

[cjackg]

After all this talk, I am trying to decide if I should get the 2012 RT shocks I talked to someone about yesterday, or if I should wait for some Elka's. I would like to get a weigh in on how much of a difference anyone would think there is on the matter.

[Edit]: I was currently thinking 2012 shocks + Evo Swaybar

Thanks

You can probably pull off changing the shocks & swaybar for a few hundred $ at most. The Elkas are going to be at least double that. Performance is going to be drastically improved with either solution!

 

[pro10is]

...I was currently thinking 2012 shocks + Evo Sway bar...

The Evo sway bar may not be an option for much longer. Take a look at Evoluzione's web site: http://www.evoluzione.net/ As of the date of this post it is essentially off line. Supply of Evo sway bars may be limited to stock at hand from other resellers. If you want one you'd better put in an order.

 

[zrc]

The Evo sway bar may not be an option for much longer. Take a look at Evoluzione's web site: http://www.evoluzione.net/ As of the date of this post it is essentially off line. Supply of Evo sway bars may be limited to stock at hand from other resellers. If you want one you'd better put in an order.

Aye that, about to snag one, just confirming my ideaz. I can be wishy washy.

 

[Pincushion]

Im gonna take a stab at this one if ya dont mind.

1. Everything we build is designed specifically for each specific vehicle, therefore whether its the stage 1+ shocks or stage 5, the performance upgrade will be significant. Our most popular seller is the stage 1+, simply put....it does the job. Being that the vast majority of RT riders are using the vehicle for recreational type riding, having all the extra bells and whistles may just be overkill. For someone who rides it a little harder ( such as Lamont), the Stage 5's allow him to fine tune how he wants the shocks to perform.

2. The external reservoir does two things: It does keep the shock oil cooler during very spirited riding, as well as provide better compression damping when hitting harsh, high velocity bumps. The oil in the shock overflows into the reservoir and compresses a floating piston which seperates nitrogen from the oil to allow better flow. (to learn more, dont forget about the suspension seminar at Spyderfest !!)

3.Rebound allows you to control how the shock will react after it has compressed to absorb a bump. A compressed spring contains enormous amounts of energy and memory to return to its original state, therefore rebound controls the speed at which the shock will re-extend to its original length. Having that adjuster allows you to control the speed to your liking.

4. High and low speed control the speed that the shock will compress, and it refers only to the speed of the shock, not the speed of the vehicle. High speed allows you to adjust the dampening on high velocity hits to the shocks, and low speed allows you to adjust resistance to low velocity movement, such as like body roll, acceleration, and undulations in the pavement. They work independantly of each other and are isolated in their adjustment on the shocks as well. ( again, dont forget the seminar )

5. Not the push of a button, but rather the twist of a knob. The push of a button requires all kinds of electrical modifications ( and headaches for some) while our device is a hydraulic adjuster that allows you to adjust the preload with the twist of a knob, perfect for those who do both solo riding and 2 up riding( only available for the rear RS Spyder Elka shocks, as the RT does have an airbag to adjust for load compensation)

6. The Stage 5 shocks are the " creme de la creme" of Elka shocks. The internal design of the shocks allows for so much more flow to absorb both big bumps and those little cracks in the pavement that you feel in your wrists. They have all the bells and whistles in terms of adjustment ( preload, rebound, and high and low speed compression adjustment) and have a piggyback ( attached to the shock ) reservoir to keep the nice aesthetic lines of the Spyder intact. See Lamonts testimony in terms of how they ride here ( more specifically post #21):

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ect-Elka-Stage-5-front-shocks!&highlight=elka


Well, I hope this helps you a little. If all else fails, here is where I could be reached:

[email protected]

OR

1-800-557-0552 ext 257.

OR

Attend the suspension seminar at Spyderfest ( may have already mentioned it somewhere but just in case :roflblack Dates and times to be announced.


John@Elka Suspension

THANKS John! I am looking forward to the seminar! See you in Cuba!