Installed RT shocks today..

[Just Doo Me]

Firefly does the RT shock have a longer stroke? From the pic Lamont posted it seemed the shock body was shorter on the RT shock but it could have been the angle of the pic. Is there any exterior differences between the two? The valving is probably stiffer to compensate for the extra weight.

 

[aka1004]

i don't know if i could do this myself... but let me ask you this.
so you take the new shocks and existing spring to a auto shop to have them mount the spring to shock? is it possible for spring to pop out of the shocks if it is not handled properly? it does sound like rest of the step is not THAT hard.
can you use the existing adjust rings?
thank you in advance firefly:2thumbs:

 

[Firefly]

Firefly does the RT shock have a longer stroke? From the pic Lamont posted it seemed the shock body was shorter on the RT shock but it could have been the angle of the pic. Is there any exterior differences between the two? The valving is probably stiffer to compensate for the extra weight.

I can take some measurements tonight and get back to you. The only exterior difference is the color of the spring is black. The spring is thicker for sure.

 

[Firefly]

i don't know if i could do this myself... but let me ask you this.
so you take the new shocks and existing spring to a auto shop to have them mount the spring to shock? is it possible for spring to pop out of the shocks if it is not handled properly? it does sound like rest of the step is not THAT hard.
can you use the existing adjust rings?
thank you in advance firefly:2thumbs:

You buy new springs with the shocks - as well as top cap parts. While you *could* re-use the adjusters from your current shocks--- considering they are only a $10 part and you'd have to tear the old shocks apart--- I don't think it's worth the trouble. I bought the more expensive Billet Adjusters in hopes that they are stronger material.

So you take all the parts from the above list (decide which adjuster rings you want-- stock ones are $10 each, billet are $80 a pair).... take all those parts to your local auto/shock guy and they should be able to mount them easily for a small fee. Then just swap them with the shocks on your Spyder and you're good to go!

Don't jack the Spyder up much at all to change--- just enough pressure to barely lift the tires up a bit should do it. Might have to raise/lower the bike a smidge to line the mounting holes up---- but easy to do. I connected the tops first and then the bottoms.

Original shocks are sitting in a box.. still fully intact in case I need or want to swap them back.

Currently running on setting 3 and really like the feel. Was running original shocks on 4. Nice to know I have more latitude now considering setting 3 on the original shocks was far too bouncy.:thumbup:

 

[SpyderByter]

Thanks for posting the test results. Seems like a good, fairly priced upgrade.

 

[aka1004]

You buy new springs with the shocks - as well as top cap parts. While you *could* re-use the adjusters from your current shocks--- considering they are only a $10 part and you'd have to tear the old shocks apart--- I don't think it's worth the trouble. I bought the more expensive Billet Adjusters in hopes that they are stronger material.

So you take all the parts from the above list (decide which adjuster rings you want-- stock ones are $10 each, billet are $80 a pair).... take all those parts to your local auto/shock guy and they should be able to mount them easily for a small fee. Then just swap them with the shocks on your Spyder and you're good to go!

Don't jack the Spyder up much at all to change--- just enough pressure to barely lift the tires up a bit should do it. Might have to raise/lower the bike a smidge to line the mounting holes up---- but easy to do. I connected the tops first and then the bottoms.

Original shocks are sitting in a box.. still fully intact in case I need or want to swap them back.

Currently running on setting 3 and really like the feel. Was running original shocks on 4. Nice to know I have more latitude now considering setting 3 on the original shocks was far too bouncy.:thumbup:

thank you.:2thumbs:
i am really moving up on mechanical skill level.
before i bought my spyder, i have not even done a oil change in a car.
i have done all of my mods on spyder and most of oil changes, now i am gonna do the shocks:yikes: that really is a shock.

 

[ntxYguy2009]

:hun:

In the RT forum, the RT is receiving some discussions about the front suspension and needing to raise the setting to the max on the shocks, but here people are recommending putting the same shocks on the RS/GS. :dontknow:

Some are suggesting that the RT shock may not be the right set for the RT, but may be a better low cost alternative to upgrade the stock RS/GS shocks.

Am I understanding this correctly?

David

 

[SpyderWolf]

:hun:

In the RT forum, the RT is receiving some discussions about the front suspension and needing to raise the setting to the max on the shocks, but here people are recommending putting the same shocks on the RS/GS. :dontknow:

Some are suggesting that the RT shock may not be the right set for the RT, but may be a better low cost alternative to upgrade the stock RS/GS shocks.

Am I understanding this correctly?

David

Yes.

The RT shock is apparently sturdier than the GS shocks, especially if you have a lot of miles on them. This basically started with Lamont removing the Elka shocks from his 2008 Spyder and putting them on his 2010 RT-S. He then took the RT shocks and put them on his 2008, and was very impressed with the ride quality even compared to the Elka shocks he took off. :thumbup:

 

[venom]

what about rear shock any recom.

 

[SpyderWolf]

Here is a link to Lamont's original thread:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17313&highlight=Shocks

I did not read through it again, but I would assume that he kept the Elka on the rear as the RT would not have been able to use it. Still a big price savings versus buying 3 Elka shocks.

 

[venom]

Here is a link to Lamont's original thread:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17313&highlight=Shocks

I did not read through it again, but I would assume that he kept the Elka on the rear as the RT would not have been able to use it. Still a big price savings versus buying 3 Elka shocks.

thank's

 

[Firefly]

Firefly does the RT shock have a longer stroke? From the pic Lamont posted it seemed the shock body was shorter on the RT shock but it could have been the angle of the pic. Is there any exterior differences between the two? The valving is probably stiffer to compensate for the extra weight.

Can't really get a good measurement now that they are installed. From looking at the photos that Lamont took I believe you are correct.

 

[NancysToy]

Can't really get a good measurement now that they are installed. From looking at the photos that Lamont took I believe you are correct.

I haven't installed the RT shocks yet, so they are just sitting here. If you bring an RS shock over some time, we can compare them.

 

[mofa52]

I went with this recommendation and bought the RT shocks and springs, just waiting for them to arrive.:2thumbs:

 

[CRUCIFIED]

Still experimenting with the airshock, trying to get the right combo of primary and back pressure for a softer ride, solo and two up.

I have tried everything. Honestly I don't believe there is a "soft" adjustment.:dontknow:

I am frustrated every time I travel on a rough road no matter what adjustment is made.:spyder:

However, if you figure something out, PLEASE let me know.nojoke

I am afraid that stiffer shocks up front would only serve to make the problem worse...IDK

 

[SpyderWolf]

Is there really any difference in the shock itself, or is it just a different spring? I am wondering if people without too many miles on their stock shocks could just replace the springs with the RT ones and get the same results? :dontknow:

I know it is not a ton of money to do this, but at the same time you may be throwing away a perfectly good shock that still has a lot of life to it.

 

[CRUCIFIED]

Good question wolf. I was wondering about that as well.

 

[Bootie]

Elka Shocks

After reading Lamont's review and after talking to him, I decided to go ahead and order some Elka front shocks for my 2010 RT. I got them ordered today and they should be in in a couple of days.:2excited:

I ordered them from Kewlmetal and I cautioned them that they were starting to get some bad press on this site. We'll see if it does any good. :sour:

 

[Firefly]

Is there really any difference in the shock itself, or is it just a different spring? I am wondering if people without too many miles on their stock shocks could just replace the springs with the RT ones and get the same results? :dontknow:

I know it is not a ton of money to do this, but at the same time you may be throwing away a perfectly good shock that still has a lot of life to it.

I had 15,000 on my original shocks---- so it was a no-brainer just to swap the whole thing.

It's going to be more trouble than it's worth to tear apart the stock shocks and swap the springs... and the RT shocks ARE different... it's not just the springs. Lamont has a photo somewhere out here of a side-by-side.:thumbup:

 

[Lamonster]