Shock opinion

[whiteyron]

I am looking to upgrade the front shocks on my 2013 RT L, what would you guys suggest? Elka stage 1, Elka stage 1+R, or others? Thanks for all input, ride safe and often. :yes::yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

I had the 1+R model, and never ended-up touching the rebound adjustment at all...

 

[sddinnh]

I just ordered the Elka 1+R 's for my 2014 and they're due in next week. I figured that even if I didn't use the rebound adj, you can't add it later so might just as well go with it right front.

 

[bigsmoke]

I just ordered the Elka 1+R 's for my 2014 and they're due in next week. I figured that even if I didn't use the rebound adj, you can't add it later so might just as well go with it right front.

How much do these Elka shocks 1+R retail for, what about the install of these??

 

[sddinnh]

How much do these Elka shocks 1+R retail for, what about the install of these??

I think it was $795 USD and my dealer is going to handle the installation and adjustment. He's done several other Spyders with this shock so I should be good to go.

 

[whiteyron]

If I install the Elka shocks do I need to redo the laser align?ray:

 

[Bob Denman]

Nope... you're still good to go! :2thumbs:

 

[900Dave]

I just put the stage 1's on the front a little cheaper. Figured I would not need the rebound adjust. I installed them myself took about 15 minutes per side. This was on an St limited. I also put the stage 1+R on the back. On the larger bumps I was bottoming out the rear with the stock spring and shock when riding 2 up, not any more. They came preadjusted for our weight but I took just a little bit of pre load out to soften the ride. Handles great.

 

[Magdave]

For 1/2 the cost of Elka's you can get Fox adjustables. I know the 2014 has stiffer shocks from the factory.:thumbup:

 

[Tazzel]

Fox shocks are just ok, they are not Elka's

 

[Magdave]

Fox shocks are just ok, they are not Elka's

Camaro's are OK they are not Corvettes. Both run good and are fun though. Not sure why you would need the Elka's at the price they want when a serviceable shock is available, but then I am not a boy racer anymore.

 

[sddinnh]

For 1/2 the cost of Elka's you can get Fox adjustables. I know the 2014 has stiffer shocks from the factory.:thumbup:

I don't think that's true for the RT's. I priced out BRP's Fox adjustable shock for the 2014 RT and it is the same price as an Elka stage 1. If you can buy them cheaper, more power to you, but that is what my dealer quoted me.

 

[Magdave]

I don't think that's true for the RT's. I priced out BRP's Fox adjustable shock for the 2014 RT and it is the same price as an Elka stage 1. If you can buy them cheaper, more power to you, but that is what my dealer quoted me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Can-am...ront-Shock-Shocks-Kit-219400588-/171329999294

http://www.elkasuspension.com/products/spyder/

-$100 at least for stage 1 more for stage 1R

 

[sddinnh]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Can-am...ront-Shock-Shocks-Kit-219400588-/171329999294

http://www.elkasuspension.com/products/spyder/

-$100 at least for stage 1 more for stage 1R

I still think the point you originally made is incorrect. And the Fox is only comparable to the stage 1 since it does not have the rebound adjustment of the 1+R so we're really only talking about the $100 difference and that's a long way from 1/2 price. Plus the Elka's are built with springs specifically for your weight and the weight you are carrying whereas the Fox is a one "spring fits all".

Whither all that stuff is necessary is a debatable point so we'll agree to dis-agree about which one is better. I put my money on the one I thought was best and I assume you'll do the same.

 

[BajaRon]

I don't have a dog in this race and my 2 cents worth is probably over priced. But I think what it comes down to, at least for some, is bang for the buck.

There is no doubt that a Fox shock, while decent, is never going to be an Elka. Even comparing the Stage 1 Elka to the Fox is not really fair. There is much more to a shock beyond what is and what is not adjustable.

If you can get a set of Fox shocks for substantially less than a set of Elkas, then the Fox may be a viable option. A lesser shock to be sure, but at an attractive price it's still a substantial upgrade over the stock offering. And probably good enough for many riders. Definitely a viable option for many if the price is right.

But as the price difference narrows, the Elkas look better and better from every angle.

And if you just want the best then any comparison, regardless of price, is a meaningless exercise. Would you like an order of fries with your Elkas? hyea:

 

[Magdave]

I still think the point you originally made is incorrect. And the Fox is only comparable to the stage 1 since it does not have the rebound adjustment of the 1+R so we're really only talking about the $100 difference and that's a long way from 1/2 price. Plus the Elka's are built with springs specifically for your weight and the weight you are carrying whereas the Fox is a one "spring fits all".

Whither all that stuff is necessary is a debatable point so we'll agree to dis-agree about which one is better. I put my money on the one I thought was best and I assume you'll do the same.

Apples and oranges for sure. The OP asked for options I gave one more...

 

[sddinnh]

Apples and oranges for sure. The OP asked for options I gave one more...

Agreed, it is another option and at a lesser cost than the Elka's :cheers:

 

[BajaRon]

Agreed, it is another option and at a lesser cost than the Elka's :cheers:

As long as we are giving him SHOCK options and not SHOCK-ING options I'm sure he appreciates it.

 

[ulflyer]

I just put the stage 1's on the front a little cheaper. Figured I would not need the rebound adjust. I installed them myself took about 15 minutes per side. This was on an St limited. I also put the stage 1+R on the back. On the larger bumps I was bottoming out the rear with the stock spring and shock when riding 2 up, not any more. They came preadjusted for our weight but I took just a little bit of pre load out to soften the ride. Handles great.

Dave, Does Elka offer free shipping like some of the Ebay dealers?