Elka shocks - opinion sought

[loisk]

Hi all, I have a 2013 ST-L with standard shocks.
I have the opportunity to buy a set of slightly-used front & rear Elka shocks, but the seller cannot give me any specifics other than 'they are what Elka said I'd need'.

I'd like to hear feedback from those who have installed them. Before you ask, yes I have looked at lots of posts on this site to seek this info and have found some, but thought I'd ask for "more please sir". :chat:

FYI I've already got bajaron swaybar and have had a laser alignment, and am happy with the way it runs. My thinking is that some kind of adjustable rear shock would be handy when towing our little camper, as the oem st-l rear doesn't even have the preload adjustment that was on my previous RS! Don't start me on this...

I've read the Elkas need an annual service? So is ongoing maintenance an issue or an easily-done-at-home thing?

For my purposes, would a simpler rear shock with preload/perhaps rebound adjustment be the way to go? Are they a straight swap for RS or even RT shocks??

Your thoughts would be welcomed, and thanks.

 

[Flamewinger]

I talked to Elka and since I ride by myself and don't plan to race, they said Stage one shocks would be the best. A rear adjusting shock if you have a passenger once in a while. I bought straight from Elka in Canada. There is a service place in Virginia I think.

If these shocks were made for the ST the. They will be a straight swap. I didn't do any adjustments before installing.


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[loisk]

service

Thanks for that info, great. Re service place - I guess any service place could do it as Virginia is a very long way from Oz! (and not even a yellow brick road.. :roflblack.
How do you find the ride with Elka? I really appreciate your help on this.

 

[Mike Ard]

Thanks for that info, great. Re service place - I guess any service place could do it as Virginia is a very long way from Oz! (and not even a yellow brick road.. :roflblack.
How do you find the ride with Elka? I really appreciate your help on this.

I had Elka's on my 2010 RS for over 4 years and never needed any maintenance done. Ride quality was fantastic. If you have the basic BRP shocks I would say dump them as fast as you can. You will not regret it.

 

[Flamewinger]

When I first got the spider the shocks were really squishy when I heard about the Fox Shocks I instantly grab the opportunity to get better suspension. After 10,000 miles with the Fox Shocks were sagging and I needed to adjust them to their highest setting. I think they would've lasted another 5000 miles. I've had the Elka's for about 5000 miles and they provide slightly stiffer suspension than the stock but more control like the fox shocks and I'm enjoying them because they give me better control but with a nice suspension ride.


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[900Dave]

get them

You will not regret it! I also have a 13 ST limited. I dumped the OEM shocks at around 5000 miles. I did have 1 leak and had it rebuilt under warranty. I believe that had received a bad batch of o rings.

The 1 year rebuild is mainly for there off road applications as on road vehicles the shocks do not take all that much abuse. I was told 3 to 5 years for a Spyder depending on the miles. I now have almost 13000 miles on my Elka's with no complaints.

I have stage 1 up front and stage 1+R in the rear.

 

[Tazzel]

My friend has the 2013 ST and he said its way better bike with the Elka's and the upgraded swaybar.

Also went on a group ride with a bunch of RT's and 1 2013 ST in the Colorado Mountains. The poor ST guy was really struggling in the curves. I told him later that I notice he was having problems and he might want to upgrade his shocks and swaybar. He was in another group ride a couple of weeks later and had the upgrades completed and could not thank me enough.

 

[loisk]

thanks

Thank you all very much for your input - I am reluctant to spend the $1,100 on the used set available here, but at the same time by all your accounts it's something I won't regret. I appreciate all your help.

 

[loisk]

Update

Hi all, I've bought the elkas, they have about 3k km only. At present they are sitting at my daughters place a 12 hour ride away so I have to wait until April to get them. Thanks again for your input. Cheers from downunder.

 

[900Dave]

Hi all, I've bought the elkas, they have about 3k km only. At present they are sitting at my daughters place a 12 hour ride away so I have to wait until April to get them. Thanks again for your input. Cheers from downunder.

3000km they are almost brand new. You will not be disappointed.

 

[loisk]

Update

The front shocks are on and I had the chance to get used to them on the 12 hour ride home from our daughters . . . Oh you are all so right, I love them.

next step is to install the rear .

by the way both front and rear have preload plus rebound, so I am rapt.

Thanks again, all, for your help.