Replace with Elkas vs. BRP eom shocks - opinion pls

[harddrive]

Hey Dragonrider, do you know how the works shocks compare to the elkas on the RT? You know, seat of the pants comparison...How does your RT handle with Stage 3 Works shocks vs Lamonsters RT with Elkas (I believe his are Stage 5) or someones RT with stage 1 elkas?

Just curious, but if they are better then the OEM and comparable to Elkas...I may give them a shot when I decide to purchase new shocks.

How difficult are they to get set right? With the Elkas purchased at cowtown, they come preset up for the weight of the rider and passenger, and the style of riding.

Can you post some pictures of your setup?

I was an early adaptor for shocks - I had beefed up my RS - before I dumped it - knew what a difference a better suspension made. I have also had Works shocks, and Works rebuilt shocks on a number of bikes, SxS, and ATVs over the years.

The guy at Works was Mike - and I was the 2nd RT customer. I paid $665, delivered for my stage 3 shocks, and I was quoted $1230 delivered for Elkas, with pretty much the same spec. Mike worked with me to provide a semi=custom product, and Elka said to take what they offered. At the time, it was a "no brainer" for me.

Elka has marketed to the CanAm crowd, and no one else really has - but I still like my Works shocks, and highly recommend them.

 

[daveinva]

Quick dummy question: I own a *2010* RS. That means I can't put the Fox shocks on it, right? (The Can-Am page says the Fox comes on the 2012 and can be put on the 2011, but I'm guessing no earlier).

Ditto the 2012 RT shocks-- can I put those on a 2010 RS, or am I also out of luck there?

Just thinking of options...

 

[harddrive]

:agree:...sounds like you and I are in the same boat...

I replaced the stock shocks on my 2010 RT with 2011 OEM shocks and they are a lot better than the 2010 shocks and quite a bit cheaper than Elkas or Works. The plain fact is, I could afford the 2011 OEM's and I couldn't afford the better shocks. I don't regret my decision. Now, having said all that, my advice would be: If you can afford to spend $600 - $800 or more, buy Elkas or Works or Penskes, if for no other reason, the adjustability they offer plus the fact that they can be rebuilt. If, like me, you can only afford to spend $200.00 or so, buy the 2011 OEM's. They will make a noticeable difference in the ride even though they will not match the higher priced, after market shocks.

Cotton

 

[ThreeWheels]

Quick dummy question: I own a *2010* RS. That means I can't put the Fox shocks on it, right? (The Can-Am page says the Fox comes on the 2012 and can be put on the 2011, but I'm guessing no earlier).

Ditto the 2012 RT shocks-- can I put those on a 2010 RS, or am I also out of luck there?

Just thinking of options...

I've got a pair of 2010 RT shocks I'm looking to sell.
Not Fox or Elkas, but they are an upgrade for you. Think of the 80/20 rule. 80% of the performace upgrade for 20% of the cost

 

[daveinva]

I've got a pair of 2010 RT shocks I'm looking to sell.
Not Fox or Elkas, but they are an upgrade for you. Think of the 80/20 rule. 80% of the performace upgrade for 20% of the cost

Again with my ignorance/forgetfulness... I thought only the 2011/2012 OEM shocks were uprgrades to the OEM RS shocks... :dontknow:

 

[NancysToy]

Again with my ignorance/forgetfulness... I thought only the 2011/2012 OEM shocks were uprgrades to the OEM RS shocks... :dontknow:

There are two approaches to upgrading RS shocks with other BRP products. You can put the Fox shocks from a 2012 RSS on your 20111 or 2012 RS, or your 2011 RSS, or you can install swap to 2010 or 2011 RT shocks on an early GS/RS. The 2010 RT shocks have better damping and heavier springs than the RS shocks, and the 2011s add even better damping, but may seem a bit stiff.

 

[daveinva]

There are two approaches to upgrading RS shocks with other BRP products. You can put the Fox shocks from a 2012 RSS on your 20111 or 2012 RS, or your 2011 RSS, or you can install swap to 2010 or 2011 RT shocks on an early GS/RS. The 2010 RT shocks have better damping and heavier springs than the RS shocks, and the 2011s add even better damping, but may seem a bit stiff.

Thanks Scotty. Seeing as I have the 2010 RS, the 2010/2011 RT shocks are my only BRP "upgrade" option then.

I'll have to mull that over-- if I decide to splurge, I might just bite the bullet and splurge for the Elkas :doorag:

 

[Dragonrider]

I was asked a ton of questions about the bike, roads I ride, me, how much my SO rode, etc. The shocks came preset, and required almost no tweaking.

I would put them on a par with the Elka's ( I only have a 50 mile comparison), both in handling and looks.

 

[pro10is]

...Seeing as I have the 2010 RS, the 2010/2011 RT shocks are my only BRP "upgrade" option then...

Despite BRP's recommendation on only using Fox shocks for 2011-2012, I don't see why they wouldn't work well on earlier RS/GS models. They may have some effect on the VSS tuning but so would all Elka models not to mention the different characteristics of RT shocks.

BRP has formally approved the use of Fox shocks for the 2011-2012 RS but has not formally approved -any- shock upgrade for 2008-2010. This is no real cause for concern, it only means that BRP has probably not extensively tested any other shock option for these model years and is not willing to be held liable for any problems that may arise. It does not mean you cannot use them.

You have no official BRP blessing but your options are not limited. Choose any shock you feel is the best option for you.

 

[NancysToy]

Despite BRP's recommendation on only using Fox shocks for 2011-2012, I don't see why they wouldn't work well on earlier RS/GS models. They may have some effect on the VSS tuning but so would all Elka models not to mention the different characteristics of RT shocks.

BRP has formally approved the use of Fox shocks for the 2011-2012 RS but has not formally approved -any- shock upgrade for 2008-2010. This is no real cause for concern, it only means that BRP has probably not extensively tested any other shock option for these model years and is not willing to be held liable for any problems that may arise. It does not mean you cannot use them.

You have no official BRP blessing but your options are not limited. Choose any shock you feel is the best option for you.

Well stated! The geometry does appear to be the same, and they could just be playing CYA.

 

[daveinva]

Despite BRP's recommendation on only using Fox shocks for 2011-2012, I don't see why they wouldn't work well on earlier RS/GS models. They may have some effect on the VSS tuning but so would all Elka models not to mention the different characteristics of RT shocks.

BRP has formally approved the use of Fox shocks for the 2011-2012 RS but has not formally approved -any- shock upgrade for 2008-2010. This is no real cause for concern, it only means that BRP has probably not extensively tested any other shock option for these model years and is not willing to be held liable for any problems that may arise. It does not mean you cannot use them.

You have no official BRP blessing but your options are not limited. Choose any shock you feel is the best option for you.

I figure as much, but I'm also warranty wary. I may just buy the Fox shocks and try it myself.

 

[NancysToy]

I figure as much, but I'm also warranty wary. I may just buy the Fox shocks and try it myself.

There should not be a warranty problem in any case. If you change to any non-approved shock, and have problems that can be related to the use of those shocks, the warranty will not cover the damage. That would include the RT shocks as well...or even Elkas. Use what you feel will do the job for you.