TWEEKING MY ELKA SHOCKS

[MouthPiece]

I have a 2010 RT-S with approximately 22,000 miles. I'm 6' tall and weigh 195 lbs on most days. I bought my Elka shocks (300 lb) I'd say around April, 2010. The ride and steering of my spyder was significant with this purchase.

I decided it was time for new front tires for my spyder. While there, I pointed out to my service manager, Ken, at Seminole Power Sports in Sanford, Florida, that my steering seemed to be twitching (for lack of a better description) and that bumps, lane markers, man hole covers, etc. seemed to be much rougher in my ride.

Ken suggested that we tweak my Elka shocks after installing the new tires and setting up the proper alignment. What they did was set my shocks at 9" (had been 8 1/2) AND adjusted my "rebound adjustment knob" from 25 to 15. I might mention that 25 was the factory setting.

WOW, what a difference. Although my "ride" was excellent before, all I can say is that it is superb now. I am writing this thread for those that have Elkas that may not be completely satisfied with their ride.

Chris PE # 0004 Noted that I mispelled "tweak" in the subject matter.

 

[SteveMac]

I have a 2010 RT-S with approximately 22,000 miles. I'm 6' tall and weigh 195 lbs on most days. I bought my Elka shocks (300 lb) I'd say around April, 2010. The ride and steering of my spyder was significant with this purchase.

I decided it was time for new front tires for my spyder. While there, I pointed out to my service manager, Ken, at Seminole Power Sports in Sanford, Florida, that my steering seemed to be twitching (for lack of a better description) and that bumps, lane markers, man hole covers, etc. seemed to be much rougher in my ride.

Ken suggested that we tweak my Elka shocks after installing the new tires and setting up the proper alignment. What they did was set my shocks at 9" (had been 8 1/2) AND adjusted my "rebound adjustment knob" from 25 to 15. I might mention that 25 was the factory setting.

WOW, what a difference. Although my "ride" was excellent before, all I can say is that it is superb now. I am writing this thread for those that have Elkas that may not be completely satisfied with their ride.

Chris PE # 0004 Noted that I mispelled "tweak" in the subject matter.

Your shocks are at the exact same setting as mine with one exception. I have my damping at 20. I may try 15 now. It only takes what,,, 5 seconds to change?!

Glad your settings are working well for you.

 

[Trooper]

Your shocks are at the exact same setting as mine with one exception. I have my damping at 20. I may try 15 now. It only takes what,,, 5 seconds to change?!

Glad your settings are working well for you.

Setting up suspension can be quite subjective and can change from one riders preference to another. I am glad that Mr. Mouthpiece was able to get them to work better for him and his riding style.

At the 2012 Spyderfest, I will be offering a suspension course/ seminar for those of you that are interested (and it will be absolutely free :thumbup.

 

[SteveMac]

Setting up suspension can be quite subjective and can change from one riders preference to another. I am glad that Mr. Mouthpiece was able to get them to work better for him and his riding style.

At the 2012 Spyderfest, I will be offering a suspension course/ seminar for those of you that are interested (and it will be absolutely free :thumbup.

I, for one, will be there with open ears John!

 

[CyncySpyder]

where do we sign up???

Setting up suspension can be quite subjective and can change from one riders preference to another. I am glad that Mr. Mouthpiece was able to get them to work better for him and his riding style.

At the 2012 Spyderfest, I will be offering a suspension course/ seminar for those of you that are interested (and it will be absolutely free :thumbup.

I don't want to miss this. I'm curious about when pulling Teddys doghouse on wheels (camper) if there's any adjustements that would help with that???

 

[MangoMike]

Chris,

You mentioned moving from 8.5" to 9". What are you measuring? I've always measured the threads and mine are set at 4. I would like to increase this, but don't really want to get into the mess of doing that. I'll have to figure out how to adjust the rebound. Glad you're happy with the new setup.

Mike

 

[Trooper]

I don't want to miss this. I'm curious about when pulling Teddys doghouse on wheels (camper) if there's any adjustements that would help with that???

Once the "official" announcement for Spyderfest comes out, I will post a "sign up" list for those who are interested. :thumbup:

As for the rear trailer weight, the rear suspension is more affected than the front, but all you can do is adjust the pressure in the airbag to compensate for the extra weight. Bringing up the rear will (or should)maintain the front's stability.

 

[rafiki2cu]

Chris,

You mentioned moving from 8.5" to 9". What are you measuring? I've always measured the threads and mine are set at 4. I would like to increase this, but don't really want to get into the mess of doing that. I'll have to figure out how to adjust the rebound. Glad you're happy with the new setup.

Mike

I would like to know also on the measuring part.

 

[Y Rider]

Your shocks are at the exact same setting as mine with one exception. I have my damping at 20. I may try 15 now. It only takes what,,, 5 seconds to change?!

Glad your settings are working well for you.

When you say your damping is at 20 is that 20 turns or 20 clicks? Does this setting of 20 start with the damping adjustment at its fully clockwise limit?

 

[NancysToy]

Setting up suspension can be quite subjective and can change from one riders preference to another. I am glad that Mr. Mouthpiece was able to get them to work better for him and his riding style.

At the 2012 Spyderfest, I will be offering a suspension course/ seminar for those of you that are interested (and it will be absolutely free :thumbup.

You may have to rent a hall for this one Trooper, or find an empty pole barn. I'm betting there will be lots of interest. Count me in! :thumbup:

 

[MouthPiece]

When you say your damping is at 20 is that 20 turns or 20 clicks? Does this setting of 20 start with the damping adjustment at its fully clockwise limit?

I should preface all my comments that I did not do the work. This was done by my dealer. It is my understanding that the dampning/rebound is preset/factory set at 25. It is also my understanding that there are 50 settings. I went down to 15 with mine.

Chris,

You mentioned moving from 8.5" to 9". What are you measuring? I've always measured the threads and mine are set at 4. I would like to increase this, but don't really want to get into the mess of doing that. I'll have to figure out how to adjust the rebound. Glad you're happy with the new setup.

Mike

Mike, I watched them measure the spring length, and not as you described. Mine was originally on 8 1/2 and they adjusted it to 9. Hope this helps and my regards to Sis.

Chris

Oh, and count me in on that class, seminar demonstration at Spyderfest please?

 

[Sopher]

May I suggest that the seminar (if free) be video taped and posted on YouTube for those that cannot attend.

 

[ryedoggracing]

I talked your ear off enough on the phone!!! Mine as well let you talk mine off. Lmao Also I did get my check Thanks Tim Riley

 

[rafiki2cu]

May I suggest that the seminar (if free) be video taped and posted on YouTube for those that cannot attend.

:agree:

 

[Trooper]

You may have to rent a hall for this one Trooper, or find an empty pole barn. I'm betting there will be lots of interest. Count me in! :thumbup:

:yikes: really?

I thought that if just a couple of people were interested, I would have been thrilled !!

 

[Lamonster]

You may have to rent a hall for this one Trooper, or find an empty pole barn. I'm betting there will be lots of interest. Count me in! :thumbup:

Maybe you two could get together and provide Spyder seminars. :thumbup:

 

[CyncySpyder]

Teddy & I would sign up

Maybe you two could get together and provide Spyder seminars. :thumbup:

:agree: DO IT :clap:C'mon, share the knowledge:agree:

Here's a few suggestions to start.

GENERAL SUSPENSION & HANDLING
(maybe two classes, one for RS's & one for RT's)
SUSPENSION EMERGENCY/SPORT/TOWING

SCOTTY, YOU COULD DO A GENERAL SPYDER MAINTENANCE 101
(complete with proper panel removal, checking oil & coolant levels etc...)

we could get BajaRon involved & he could do an
DIY OIL CHANGE SEMINAR
(complete with on stage & video cast up close demonstration)
FIND THE PERFECT HELMET SEMINAR
(complete with custom sizing & helmet try-ons)

These are just a quick few I know I personally would be interested in as I'm sure many other (especially newer SpYder Owners) would also like to see :clap:

 

[SteveMac]

I should preface all my comments that I did not do the work. This was done by my dealer. It is my understanding that the dampning/rebound is preset/factory set at 25. It is also my understanding that there are 50 settings. I went down to 15 with mine.



Mike, I watched them measure the spring length, and not as you described. Mine was originally on 8 1/2 and they adjusted it to 9. Hope this helps and my regards to Sis.

Chris

Oh, and count me in on that class, seminar demonstration at Spyderfest please?

I'll jump in here and this could be dangerous. Hopefully John can chime in if I am steering anyone in the wrong direction.

The springs come in various unloaded ratings, for example 300# or 325#. Mine are 325# because I am a bigger guy and often ride two up with my wife.

The spring length as Chris describes is the "compressed length" or "preloaded length" of the spring. More preload = more responsive and vise versa. Simply loosen the allen set screw on the preload adjustment nut and compress the spring for more preload or ease off on the compression to reduce preload. Note this will also affect the stance of your Spyder. My compressed pre-loaded spring length is 9".

With regard to the rebound knob at the bottom (one way shock). If you turn the knob counter-clockwise while standing outside the tire and leaning in over the wheel until you get to the zero or bottomed out position and then begin turning the knob clockwise you will count the "clicks" fewer clicks, say 10 for example will result in a faster return and a more "bouncy or firm" ride. More clockwise clicks, say 20, will result in a slower return and soften the ride. However, if you go too far clockwise, say to 40, you may have a ride that feels too "soft".

Like John said it is all in your personal feel and the adjustments are super easy to make. Well, with the exception of the preload, but even that isn't bad if you take the weight off the front end and make sure that allen set screw is easy to get to again when you are finished!

John, is that about right?

 

[Y Rider]

I'll jump in here and this could be dangerous. Hopefully John can chime in if I am steering anyone in the wrong direction.

The springs come in various unloaded ratings, for example 300# or 325#. Mine are 325# because I am a bigger guy and often ride two up with my wife.

The spring length as Chris describes is the "compressed length" or "preloaded length" of the spring. More preload = more responsive and vise versa. Simply loosen the allen set screw on the preload adjustment nut and compress the spring for more preload or ease off on the compression to reduce preload. Note this will also affect the stance of your Spyder. My compressed pre-loaded spring length is 9".

With regard to the rebound knob at the bottom (one way shock). If you turn the knob counter-clockwise while standing outside the tire and leaning in over the wheel until you get to the zero or bottomed out position and then begin turning the knob clockwise you will count the "clicks" fewer clicks, say 10 for example will result in a faster return and a more "bouncy or firm" ride. More clockwise clicks, say 20, will result in a slower return and soften the ride. However, if you go too far clockwise, say to 40, you may have a ride that feels too "soft".

Like John said it is all in your personal feel and the adjustments are super easy to make. Well, with the exception of the preload, but even that isn't bad if you take the weight off the front end and make sure that allen set screw is easy to get to again when you are finished!

John, is that about right?

Thanks Steve. This is exactly the information I was looking for. :thumbup:

 

[Trooper]

I'll jump in here and this could be dangerous. Hopefully John can chime in if I am steering anyone in the wrong direction.

The springs come in various unloaded ratings, for example 300# or 325#. Mine are 325# because I am a bigger guy and often ride two up with my wife.

The spring length as Chris describes is the "compressed length" or "preloaded length" of the spring. More preload = more responsive and vise versa. Simply loosen the allen set screw on the preload adjustment nut and compress the spring for more preload or ease off on the compression to reduce preload. Note this will also affect the stance of your Spyder. My compressed pre-loaded spring length is 9".

With regard to the rebound knob at the bottom (one way shock). If you turn the knob counter-clockwise while standing outside the tire and leaning in over the wheel until you get to the zero or bottomed out position and then begin turning the knob clockwise you will count the "clicks" fewer clicks, say 10 for example will result in a faster return and a more "bouncy or firm" ride. More clockwise clicks, say 20, will result in a slower return and soften the ride. However, if you go too far clockwise, say to 40, you may have a ride that feels too "soft".

Like John said it is all in your personal feel and the adjustments are super easy to make. Well, with the exception of the preload, but even that isn't bad if you take the weight off the front end and make sure that allen set screw is easy to get to again when you are finished!

John, is that about right?

For the most part, you are right on. :thumbup: