Sachs Big Bore - Elka stage 4 - 2016 F3-L

[Peteoz]

I have installed Ron's sway/stabiliser bar on the 2016 F3-L and have noticed a big improvement. I am wondering if installing the Elka stage 4 shocks (or something similar) would improve the handling/stability even more. Our country back roads are pretty potholed, and I put a fair load on the shocks. I am not interested in taking corners at blistering speeds, but simply looking at cornering etc stability. I would be very interested in getting opinions from those who "know".:thumbup:

 

[Malathion]

Shock upgrade

I have a f3-s, I replaced the standard shock with a fox upgrade,and replaced the stabilizer bar with a RT bar. The ability to adjust the suspention for driving styles is great, handling during aggressive driving was hugely improved. The f3-l with the proper air inflation according to the chart provide, will give you a more refined and comfortable ride straight out of the box,by the couple I've test rode.

 

[Bob Denman]

It's been a while since I've looked at Elka shocks; don't the Stage 4 shocks just offer greater adjustability? :dontknow:
Their Stage 1 shocks are built just as tough; but without the knobs for tinkering...
When I had Stage 1 shocks: I never felt the need to adjust anything. You might be paying for a feature that you won't need. nojoke

But it's been a while since I've shopped for shocks! pps:

 

[Peteoz]

It's been a while since I've looked at Elka shocks; don't the Stage 4 shocks just offer greater adjustability? :dontknow:
Their Stage 1 shocks are built just as tough; but without the knobs for tinkering...
When I had Stage 1 shocks: I never felt the need to adjust anything. You might be paying for a feature that you won't need. nojoke

But it's been a while since I've shopped for shocks! pps:

Thanks Bob, that's pretty much my thoughts too, but the more background I can get, the better. The adjustability for rebound etc may be an advantage for our roads out here.

 

[Peteoz]

I have a f3-s, I replaced the standard shock with a fox upgrade,and replaced the stabilizer bar with a RT bar. The ability to adjust the suspention for driving styles is great, handling during aggressive driving was hugely improved. The f3-l with the proper air inflation according to the chart provide, will give you a more refined and comfortable ride straight out of the box,by the couple I've test rode.

Thanks Malathion. Yeah the new heavy duty rear shock on the F3-L seems to work pretty well for my 300lbs, so I wouldn't look to change that unless recommended.....

 

[papanorm]

Pete,
Did you take the plunge and upgrade your shocks? I'd like to know your thoughts and experience.
Thanks,
Norm

 

[Malathion]

Not Pete but,

Pete,
Did you take the plunge and upgrade your shocks? I'd like to know your thoughts and experience.
Thanks,
Norm

I changed my standard shock to the Fox shock option. Adjustments are great but the spring itself is useless. I weigh 200lbs and t the muffler still can hit the road if their is a dip in the road surface. I hope to install the heavier spring BRP offers this spring. The fact that the frame of bike is able to contact the road surface so easily and frequently ought to concern brp from a liability perspective .

 

[jcthorne]

I changed my standard shock to the Fox shock option. Adjustments are great but the spring itself is useless. I weigh 200lbs and t the muffler still can hit the road if their is a dip in the road surface. I hope to install the heavier spring BRP offers this spring. The fact that the frame of bike is able to contact the road surface so easily and frequently ought to concern brp from a liability perspective .

I
am having a hard time figuring out how any part of the frame is contacting the roadway. Is yours an F3-S or T? If its an S the muffler points upward so it would be impossible to contact the roadway as its above the wheel hub in the rear. If you have a T with the straight muffler, what air pressure do you have in the rear air bag?

A picture of what you are talking about?

 

[Peteoz]

Pete,
Did you take the plunge and upgrade your shocks? I'd like to know your thoughts and experience.
Thanks,
Norm

No I didn't, Norm. The heavier duty 2016 stock shock does it pretty well, and I couldn't see any real advantage in moving to the Elkas. Ron's stabiliser bar and the Kuhmos changed the ride "out of sight" for me, anyway.:thumbup:

Pete

 

[Peteoz]

I
am having a hard time figuring out how any part of the frame is contacting the roadway. Is yours an F3-S or T? If its an S the muffler points upward so it would be impossible to contact the roadway as its above the wheel hub in the rear. If you have a T with the straight muffler, what air pressure do you have in the rear air bag?

A picture of what you are talking about?

Malathion has an F3-S, JC. I was wondering the same thing. I can only assume that he is thinking that the sound of the shock bottoming out is the frame or muffler hitting the ground. I could be wrong however hyea:

Pete

 

[spacetiger]

I have installed Ron's sway/stabiliser bar on the 2016 F3-L and have noticed a big improvement. I am wondering if installing the Elka stage 4 shocks (or something similar) would improve the handling/stability even more. Our country back roads are pretty potholed, and I put a fair load on the shocks. I am not interested in taking corners at blistering speeds, but simply looking at cornering etc stability. I would be very interested in getting opinions from those who "know".:thumbup:

Your comment on pot holes tells me highspeed damping will be important to you. You pick up this adjustability with the stage 4 shock, so I would tell you its not just the adjustability in general but what specific needs do you gain. When you hit pot holes, they create highspeed wheel movement that can be felt as quite harsh impacts. The Spyder needs stiffer springs to keep the bike up, but stiff springs and no ability to blow off compression damping will likely amplify the pot hole impacts over the stock suspension. The highspeed damping will allow you to adjust high speed damping so you can blow off compression damping and only have the spring to contend with. The ride will feel much smoother if you have this function in your shock.

 

[papanorm]

I'm considering installing the Elka Stage 3 front shocks to further improve the handling and ride. The Continental 175/55/15 's made a world of difference - and I still believe more improvement can be had with adjustable suspension.

 

[Peteoz]

I'm considering installing the Elka Stage 3 front shocks to further improve the handling and ride. The Continental 175/55/15 's made a world of difference - and I still believe more improvement can be had with adjustable suspension.

Yeah, I'm pretty much the same, Norm.......and based on what SpaceTiger has said above, I think I'll give it a go......after all, you can't take your money with you !

Pete

 

[papanorm]

I concur, Pete, especially the $$$ part. Elka has a before and after video which is very convincing. They recommend removing all the body panels to access the shocks, but the shop manual says just unbolt. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, more to ponder.:hun::cheers:

 

[Peteoz]

Yeah. Lamont has a video on the Stage 5 replacement, and he didn't even take panels off on an RT, Norm. I'll give my nearest Elka dealer a call on Monday (there are only 2 dealers in the whole of Oz.) Apparently they ask for your weight, model, riding style etc etc and then make them effectively for YOU. Hopefully I can get away with the Stage 4 as I don't think I'll need the high speed option of the Stage 5 and it's about a $500 difference for us.

Pete

 

[papanorm]

Sounds good Pete,
I look forward to hearing what you've discovered. In the meantime. :riding:

 

[ABQSpyder]

Peteoz

Being Down under I would think you'd have access to Ohlins and Wilbers!

 

[Peteoz]

Peteoz

Being Down under I would think you'd have access to Ohlins and Wilbers!

Is there all that much difference between the brands, ABQ, or do you just mean in terms of availability?

 

[ABQSpyder]

Most BMW bikes use Ohlins that's what I had on my RT 1100 loved them..
Wilbers are also quality shocks.
Martin on this board from Europe went with Wilbers and loves his. Do a search.
Good luck .

 

[Madmartigan]

I just installed the stage 2 Elka on the rear. The difference is night and day. Before I was bouncing on bumps and pot holes and bottoming out on a few occasions. My back would hurt on some of my rides because of the cheap rear shock they come with. When you order from them they set it up for your weight, riding style, and if you ride 1 up or 2 up. I didn't have to change a thing on it, ride height was spot on. The difference is night and day. They bike feels like it transformed from a school bus to a formula 1 car. The handling is amazing now. The ride is nice and firm but it still soaks up the bumps with ease. The best part, my back no longer hurts after a ride.