Elka Stage 1 initial shock settings

[wiredgeorge]

Bought some Elka shocks months ago and then found the springs were a bit on the soft side. I now have correct springs F5.8X254 per Elka tech support. When they told me what to get, I wrote down initial settings they suggested. I am 265 lbs and ride two-up mostly. The settings were in mm for the preload and number of turns or number of clicks for dampening I believe. Many thanks! Have shocks off and am waiting to hear from ya'll!

 

[Omcge]

Bought some Elka shocks months ago and then found the springs were a bit on the soft side. I now have correct springs F5.8X254 per Elka tech support. When they told me what to get, I wrote down initial settings they suggested. I am 265 lbs and ride two-up mostly. The settings were in mm for the preload and number of turns or number of clicks for dampening I believe. Many thanks! Have shocks off and am waiting to hear from ya'll!

Someone told me 15 clicks. I think that that's where mine is still set.

 

[cuznjohn]

when i installed my stock from elka on my 14 rt, i measured from the tip of the frunk to the floor and got 17 inches, then i jacked the bike up and turned the adjusters 4 full turns and took another measurement and i now have 18 inches from the tip of the frunk to the floor, i am very happy with this setting

 

[900Dave]

Bought some Elka shocks months ago and then found the springs were a bit on the soft side. I now have correct springs F5.8X254 per Elka tech support. When they told me what to get, I wrote down initial settings they suggested. I am 265 lbs and ride two-up mostly. The settings were in mm for the preload and number of turns or number of clicks for dampening I believe. Many thanks! Have shocks off and am waiting to hear from ya'll!

I suggest riding it with the initial set up. Then see if it is too soft or too stiff, or maybe that initial setting is just right. I made some small adjustments each time until I found my SWEET spot. You do not have to jack up the Spyder to make the sring pre load adjustments.

 

[Sarge707]

Mine for dampening are All the way closed Clockwise on both and then 20 Clicks Each Counterclockwise for a decent ride on Most surfaces. I just rechecked the other day!

 

[wiredgeorge]

I suggest riding it with the initial set up. Then see if it is too soft or too stiff, or maybe that initial setting is just right. I made some small adjustments each time until I found my SWEET spot. You do not have to jack up the Spyder to make the sring pre load adjustments.

Again, I will repeat. I bought shocks used. The springs were too soft and stiffer springs were recommended by John from Elka. I found in my notes 25 clicks but didn't write down the distance from top of shock to preload adjuster which determines the amount of preload. I don't have an Elka preload tool and have used a regular shock preload tool and you won't turn the adjuster once the preload adjuster once it is under load from the spring. I will try and buy the correct tool tomorrow.

 

[cuznjohn]

Again, I will repeat. I bought shocks used. The springs were too soft and stiffer springs were recommended by John from Elka. I found in my notes 25 clicks but didn't write down the distance from top of shock to preload adjuster which determines the amount of preload. I don't have an Elka preload tool and have used a regular shock preload tool and you won't turn the adjuster once the preload adjuster once it is under load from the spring. I will try and buy the correct tool tomorrow.

if you call elka they will send the tool and the alan key to you for free, just pay postage

 

[wiredgeorge]

I have called Elka several times and get voice mail which says they will call me back soon. Guess not the same day. Called their WVa distributor and they didn't call back either. Will try again tomorrow to get tool.

 

[wiredgeorge]

I have called Elka several times and get voice mail which says they will call me back soon. Guess not the same day. Called their WVa distributor and they didn't call back either. Will try again tomorrow to get tool.

 

[wiredgeorge]

OK... took a stab and set both preloads to 3.5 inches between adjustment ring and cap. This is not as much preload as was on the softer springs. There was about 4" before. I set rebound 25 clicks. Took it out for a test ride and BINGO.... corners on rails. It is now apparent that I need to do the laser alignment next. Pulls to the left regardless of road surface with no hands on the bars. Gotta save some money up but luckily Coyote Powersports in Boerne is a laser alignment shop! I wasn't really sure till the shocks were made right... thanks all.