New Elka 2-Stage Shocks

[BitSlayer]

I just got a pair of Elka 2-stage shocks put on my 2015 RT. Boy, that one change has the bike feeling completely different. The front end no longer dips into a turn nor do I have to continually correct the steering throughout the corner. I can pick my line and it will stay true. The other side effect is the front is no longer bottoming out like it did before. I am sold on these shocks!!!

Len at Pitbull Powersports cut me a great deal on them as he has brought a bunch in for Spyderfest. I would highly recommend Pitbull but especially the Elkas. You will be singing through the corners.
:yes::thumbup:

 

[Av8er]

Do you have the aftermarket sway bar as well? Just wondering if the differnce is that noticeable after adding a different sway bar.

 

[PMK]

Do you have the aftermarket sway bar as well? Just wondering if the differnce is that noticeable after adding a different sway bar.

Not the original poster. We run the Fox Shox on our 2014 RTS.

Initially I installed a Baja Ron sway bar since BRP had not yey offered the Fox Shox. This was an improvement over the stock shocks and stock swaybar.

Adding the Fox Shox was more of an improvement than the swaybar in my opinion though I never tested the Fox Shox with the oem swaybar. Here is why I made that statement. The Fox Shox have firmer springs and damping. The springs alone minimized how the front end would dive with stock shocks under braking. This may not be a concern for lighter riders, but for us, and we are not large people, two up it is better.

Combined, the Fox Shox and swaybar allow the front to have the firm but planted feel. Chassis roll is minimal.

Many people rave about the Elkas, they are nice but expensive. Fox and BRP did a good setup in regards to spring rates and valving. If you prefer a less firm ride, performance shocks may be a bad choice. If you enjoy less chassis roll or body lean when you corner, and do not mind the firmer ride, replacement shocks may be a good choice. If you are a larger person, the performance shocks, with firmer springs may be a requirement.

 

[ricford]

I rode to Pittbull Powersports ( an 8-hour ryde - one way) for a laser front end alignment and installation of Elka + front shocks. I had previously had the Bajaron swaybar installed at my local dealership so can't compare any other config. The front end is solid and I too can track a straight (well you know) line through curves and feel damned safe doing it. I also changed to Contipro tires front before the laser alignment and then Altimax rear when I had the Elka +1 rear shock installed. All of those things make for a great ryde. And some 25K miles later, still a great ryde. As for brands, chacun a son gout so to speak. Of course, I recommend Elka and Pittbull Powersports who did me proud.

 

[BitSlayer]

I am running the stock sway bar so I cannot comment on how adding a swaybar would help the ryde. I do know many here have had good success with the BajaRon sway bar. I talked with Len at Pitbull about adding a sway bar first. As he explained to me, non technical, he convinced me that going with the Elkas was a better solution. I am happy with my decision as I feel like the 2015 RTL is a completely different bike now. I feel safer in the corners even at a higher speeds that I did with the stock shocks.

 

[Purple Guy]

I've got a full set of Elka Stage 2 shocks for my 2014 RT-L on order, can't wait to install them! :yes:

 

[Ramg66]

Hmm, to get sway bar or Elka's first? What's the price difference?