Elka Stage 1 Rear shock install?

[Hokiev]

I have just ordered Elka shocks for my 2011 RT LTD.
Reading previous posts by others on installing, I need a little clarification.
The fronts seem fairly straight forward, but the Rear shock I am not sure.

Do you need to remove both the left side and right side storage compartments or just the right side to access the bolts to remove?
Does the new rear shock need any other special considerations on install?
I read Lamonster's post about the shradder (sp) valve on the preproduction bike. Is that something I need to do on this model also?

Any other tips for a rookie?

 

[REDSPY]

I also have this job in my future after purchasing the Elks's from Sierra at Cow Town. My boxes are sitting in the garage just waiting for me to get the time to tackle the job.

After reviewing the Rear Elka DIY Post from Lamont,http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?25452-Rear-Elka-installed-on-RT It seems that both sides should come off to be able to see what you're doing as the bolt head was on the left side and nut on the right. Although it appears that you get access to the nut from the ground up you would still need to be able to see what you were doing on the right side. A helper to probably hold the wrench while you loosened the bolt from the left side using his ratchet with an extension was needed. I would assume you also need a helper to get the nut back on the bolt as well. One trick I have used in the past to get a nut back on the bolt in tight spaces is to put a piece of duct take on the outside edge of the nut to hold it to the wrench as you get it started. Make sure it is not cross threaded as you get it started. The tape then comes off when you pull back the wrench. Let me know how it goes in the event you get yours on before me. I will do the same.

Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences and words of wisdom

 

[DougB]

I installed mine and only removed the left side panel.

 

[fastfraser]

I'll let you know what has to come off after I watch the techs at Cow Town install mine at Spyderfest .:roflblack::roflblack:

 

[Hokiev]

I'll let you know what has to come off after I watch the techs at Cow Town install mine at Spyderfest .:roflblack::roflblack:

That will be too late for me as I plan on installing as soon as they arrive in the next week or so.

 

[RAYYOU]

I installed my rear Elka about a month and a half ago and I removed both side panals and it wasnt to bad. You dont need to remove the storage compartments. Took about 45 minutes. The differance in ride was awsome.

 

[Hokiev]

I installed my rear Elka about a month and a half ago and I removed both side panals and it wasnt to bad. You dont need to remove the storage compartments. Took about 45 minutes. The differance in ride was awsome.

Did you need to release the air in the rear suspension bag first before installing?

Did you need another set of hands to help with removal and install?

 

[eddieshep999]

I have a Spyder RT- S SES 2010 model

I purchased a set Front and Rear Stage 1 Elka Suspension kit

I took them to my local Can- Am dealer (New to Can-AM) for them to fit

See - http://www.can-am-uk.com/can-am-about-us.aspx

1st time they have come across Elka Suspension

They have fitted the Front ones (Excellent improvement on my Spyder RT-S)
But have not fitted the rear for fear of setting off Error codes because of the ACS Rear Suspension Adjustment with Remote Control

I know you have to release the Air - Once fitted do you have to pump the Air back in or does the AVS take care of this without setting off error codes

Any detailed infomation ref the correct fitting method to be used would be helpful - I would very much like to get the rear Elka Shock fitted without any problems and as soon possible but without upsetting the on board computer system

Thanks
Eddie Sheppard
Reading UK

 

[NancysToy]

The ACS will pump the system back up in the RTS and LTD models. You need not recharge the system. Any dealer should be able to change the shock fgollowing the same procedures as for replacing the OEM shock. The procedures are in the shop manual. There are shortcuts, too, but if your dealer fears the shock change, he may not want to cut any corners..

 

[cjackg]

I installed my rear Elka about a month and a half ago and I removed both side panals and it wasnt to bad. You dont need to remove the storage compartments. Took about 45 minutes. The differance in ride was awsome.

Can you give some specifics as to how the ride improved with the rear Elka? Its easy to understand the effect of upgrading the front shocks but I am not clear on just how a better rear shock affects the RT ride. Is it improved mostly for the passenger or does the driver also see obvious improvement? Thanks for any insight & details you can give on this.

 

[RAYYOU]

I had to let the air out of the airbag to remove the old shock. It kept the shock to tight to get
the bolts out. My son helped me by holding the wrench on the other side of the bike.

The ride was improved for both rider and passenger. Before I had to have about 60lbs of air
in airbag to keep it from bottoming out with 2 people which made for a harsh ride with 1 person.
Now I run about 35lbs of air in the bag and it rides great with 1or2 people no more bottoming
out. Hope this helps, I had my doughts about whether the rear shock would help much also
But Len at Cowtown assured me it would help and it most certainly did.