Shock upgrade (wanting opinions)

[MrBill1963]

Can pickup the RT shocks for @ $200, found upgrade for 2011 rss to fox on ebay for @ $409.
My question is this, Will there be a $200 difference in the ride and handling between the RT & Fox shocks??
Thanks in advance for all answers.

 

[Bumblebee67]

Here is a set of RT shocks I found on e-bay.... http://www.ebay.com/itm/220944238278?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[pro10is]

I've been trying to find the answer to your question for quite a while (see my threads on the subject in Spyder Shop Talk). Not a whole lot of response on RT or Fox shocks options although the general consensus is that there will be a noticeable improvement over stock RS shocks. From what I understand the RT shocks will give you a firmer ride and better handling at the expense of some ride comfort. The Fox shocks should perform much better still but one contributor stated that the Fox shocks he's used required frequent rebuilds due to gas loss, but he was speaking of a snowmobile application which is extreme compared to use on a Spyder. I don't know if this would happen on the Fox shocks for the RS. At $409 they represent the least expensive performance shock upgrade. So far only one forum member here has stated that he's tried them and likes them a lot. They're new for 2012, it will take a while for people to test ride them.

It seems that most people here who want to upgrade go for Elka shocks which have an excellent following but start at about $650 and go up from there. There's no question that Elka's will improve your suspension, but you'll need to decide if the improvement is worth the premium cost for your riding needs.

 

[zrc]

I've been trying to find the answer to your question for quite a while (see my threads on the subject in Spyder Shop Talk). Not a whole lot of response on RT or Fox shocks options although the general consensus is that there will be a noticeable improvement over stock RS shocks. From what I understand the RT shocks will give you a firmer ride and better handling at the expense of some ride comfort. The Fox shocks should perform much better still but one contributor stated that the Fox shocks he's used required frequent rebuilds due to gas loss, but he was speaking of a snowmobile application which is extreme compared to use on a Spyder. I don't know if this would happen on the Fox shocks for the RS. At $409 they represent the least expensive performance shock upgrade. So far only one forum member here has stated that he's tried them and likes them a lot. They're new for 2012, it will take a while for people to test ride them.

It seems that most people here who want to upgrade go for Elka shocks which have an excellent following but start at about $650 and go up from there. There's no question that Elka's will improve your suspension, but you'll need to decide if the improvement is worth the premium cost for your riding needs.

I went from '09 RS Shocks to 2012 RT Shocks. I saw a noticible difference in cornering and feel when going over things (aka making the shocks work). I paid less than 200, including shipping, to me. I was and am very pleased with the difference, and I think based on the mass of people on RTs going to Elka's you could probably get some for close to 100 bucks, and shipping shouldnt be astronomical.

In my personal opinion the question becomes what kind of rider are YOU. I like to go faster than I should, I like the bob and weave in the road. I like to take curves faster than I should. I was more than pleased with my RS to RT shocks and especially at the cost. Now, that being said, I have not tried a sway bar but I hear they will also effect my enjoyment as well (in a positive direction). So for me it was a cost versus reward idea. You have some mildly to almost not used RTs at sub $200, Fox at $425 (after shipping probably), and Elkas at $650.

I am NOT trying to down Elka's or Fox's in ANY way here, but you have to ask yourself, are you pushing YOUR spyder hard enough to really grab the increase for the dollars spent.

If you are, then the choices are simple. If you arent the choices are simple. If you arent sure, then I would evaluate with someone (Lamonster, John from Elka, whomever) what you think you need and they might be able to assist.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Neez]

I put RT shocks and springs on my GS and installed the Evo bar on the stiffest pair of holes. I set all 3 shocks up on the stiffest notch and increased my tire pressures above normal. The result seems perfect for me ( I love the twisties) and to my mind is a lot of bang for the buck. However, for extreme riding or max comfort it may be that Elkas or Foxes are worth the extra coin.

 

[StanProff]

replaced 2010 RT shocks

Can pickup the RT shocks for @ $200, found upgrade for 2011 rss to fox on ebay for @ $409.
My question is this, Will there be a $200 difference in the ride and handling between the RT & Fox shocks??
Thanks in advance for all answers.

I replaced the shocks on my 2010 Rt-S with 2011 shocks. My dealer said the 2011 and 2012's are the same part number. they ordered them for me for 170.00 and I installed them.
I don't expect the RT to be a sport bike but just wanted to improve the stock handling of the Spyder as it did float around a little much. Nothing I couldn't tolorate but an improvement for a modest cost is what I was looking for. I was suprised at how much better the 11 shock is compared to the 10. the Spyder handles MUCH better and was well worth the cost. The bike is much more stable on the highway (4 lane and interstates etc.) stays planted where you put it. More responsive on curvey roads with much less wallowing and body lean. I am very happy with the result.

Stan

 

[DynamoBT]

I put RT shocks and springs on my GS and installed the Evo bar on the stiffest pair of holes. I set all 3 shocks up on the stiffest notch and increased my tire pressures above normal. The result seems perfect for me ( I love the twisties) and to my mind is a lot of bang for the buck. However, for extreme riding or max comfort it may be that Elkas or Foxes are worth the extra coin.

This is my set up too. I'm very happy with it. And a lot of my ryding is two up with 200+ hubby as passenger. Very happy with the changes.

 

[sabunim5]

I have a PE edition GS. First, I added the Evo swaybar and felt an improvement. I then replaced my front shocks with the 2010 RT shocks from a forum member who had upgraded, and put them on the stiffest setting. That was also an improvement. I recently got a set of 2011 RT shocks from a forum member that had upgraded to Elkas and have those also on the stiffest setting. The Spyder rides Great now :thumbup: It feels like this is the front suspension setup the Spyder should have come with. :yes: I have trouble believing that more money could get me a significantly better ride with significantly better handling. I do about half my ryding one up, one fourth two up and one forth two up pulling a trailer.

 

[Just Doo Me]

shocks

One other thing to keep in mind is the Fox & Elka's are rebuildable. The stockers are throw away gas cell that over time will need to be replaced.So you can pay more up front for a quality shock and have them serviced or keep buying adequate shock you keep replacing which adds up.

 

[Sarge707]

One other thing to keep in mind is the Fox & Elka's are rebuildable. The stockers are throw away gas cell that over time will need to be replaced.So you can pay a more up front for a quality shock and have them serviced or keep buying adequate shock you keep replacing which adds up.

In some cases the RT upgrade is great-In some cases the Elka,s are best- It depends on how you ride and how soon your going to upgrade- I went with the Elka,s for the Long run minimum expense!ray:

 

[SPYD1]

I bought a pair of RT 2011 shocks from Cowtown, new takeoffs for 100$. With the sway bar upgrade it was worth every penny and more. Absolutely my best upgrade.:yes:

 

[Neez]

One other thing to keep in mind is the Fox & Elka's are rebuildable. The stockers are throw away gas cell that over time will need to be replaced.So you can pay a more up front for a quality shock and have them serviced or keep buying adequate shock you keep replacing which adds up.

RT suspension parts are sold as individual pieces, so if the shocks wear out you only need to replace them, not the springs, stoppers, caps, adjusting rings or ring protectors. And, at $99.49 each, this does not seem all that tragic to me. Remember, the Spyder is a pavement machine (mostly), so this is not something you will have to do all that frequently. I have no quarrel with those ryders who ryde hard and are willing to pay for the quality setup from Elka or Fox, but for a lot of us dollar conscious folk, the RT mod makes sense.

 

[Just Doo Me]

RT suspension parts are sold as individual pieces, so if the shocks wear out you only need to replace them, not the springs, stoppers, caps, adjusting rings or ring protectors. And, at $99.49 each, this does not seem all that tragic to me. Remember, the Spyder is a pavement machine (mostly), so this is not something you will have to do all that frequently. I have no quarrel with those ryders who ryde hard and are willing to pay for the quality setup from Elka or Fox, but for a lot of us dollar conscious folk, the RT mod makes sense.

I dont disagree with you:thumbup: ,i'm just putting it out there so the original poster has a little more info. before he decides.My 08 GS seems fine with the stock shock and the Evo. swaybar but I know the shock situation will have to be addressed in the not so distance future and i'll be weighing out my options when the times comes.I'd like to here some ride reports back on the Fox shocks when a few more people get some miles on them,Doc seems to like them .

 

[ThreeWheels]

I replaced the shocks on my 2010 Rt-S with 2011 shocks. My dealer said the 2011 and 2012's are the same part number. they ordered them for me for 170.00 and I installed them.
I don't expect the RT to be a sport bike but just wanted to improve the stock handling of the Spyder as it did float around a little much. Nothing I couldn't tolorate but an improvement for a modest cost is what I was looking for. I was suprised at how much better the 11 shock is compared to the 10. the Spyder handles MUCH better and was well worth the cost. The bike is much more stable on the highway (4 lane and interstates etc.) stays planted where you put it. More responsive on curvey roads with much less wallowing and body lean. I am very happy with the result.

Stan

I've got a 2010 as well and am wrestling with exactly that same equation. I'm still trying to find out the cost of Elka's. Is it $600 or $600 EACH.
But after your post, I'm thinking the 2011 OEM upgrade should be sufficient. Thanks !

 

[StanProff]

I've got a 2010 as well and am wrestling with exactly that same equation. I'm still trying to find out the cost of Elka's. Is it $600 or $600 EACH.
But after your post, I'm thinking the 2011 OEM upgrade should be sufficient. Thanks !

I would think that the cost is for a pair on the Elka's. The 2011 shock is a good upgrade to the 2010 RT. I am very happy with the result. I am sure the Elka's are great but with my riding style I don't think it would be worth it. I Don't have any idea how often the shocks will need to be replaced either. Maybe someone can chime in and shed a little light on the life of the shocks. Anyone know the cost of the Elka rebuild kits and what is involved to rebuild them?