Anybody got Elka Elite series?

[protraxrptr17]

I'm thinking about upgrading my shocks to the Elite series. Is it worth it? Can you tell a difference having high and low speed compression adjustments? Does it work as well as they say it does? My Elka's are kinda rough on small bumps and braking bumps. Does the slow speed adjuster really help on that? Don't reply if you don't have Elka shocks. I don't want to hear a word about PEP or TCS please. Also, after I get the long travel rear linkage, will I still have alot of droop like I have now with the SSD's. Thank's in advance.

[Berry]

i have them but i cannot really tell you how they perform, well i can and the answer is awesome! but i bought my shocks AS elite and i havnt rode any other elkas that werent elite!

[Atreyu]

Definately worth every penny. But I couldn't tell you about any other elkas because mine are the only ones I've ridden.

[cdalejef]

Yes, they do make a big difference...BUT, you must be very good at fine tuning shocks or you can get things way out of wack if you aren't careful.
If you are real good at tunning suspension, I say go for it! :macho

Yes, you are gonna still have lots of droop with the linkage. My wife doesn't like droop. :(

[Pappy]

I looked into the elite series from elka when i ordered my shocks for my TRX. Jeff and I spoke at length about the advantages and my tuning ability or lack there of:p I think if I planned on doing alot of racing i'd go with the elite's and bone up on what the tuning procedures are to get the most out of my suspension.

I finally went with the standard compression/preload adjustable elkas (my 4th or 5th set of elkas btw) and I couldnt be happier. Elka has come along way with thier shocks and im proud to run them.


Viagra Jeff....its compression adjustment for your manhood:devil:

[cdalejef]

Originally posted by Pappy


Viagra Jeff....its compression adjustment for your manhood:devil: ROTFLMAO!!!

[protraxrptr17]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to do it. I'll have plenty of time to wait on them to get done. I broke three vertabrae in my back Saturday night at Heber Springs, so I'm out for the rest of the season. Elka offered me a smoking deal to add the dual compression adjusters, revalve, add rebound adjusters on the front, rear linkage, set up rear for the linkage, and change the length of the front shocks. I love my Elkas. I'll never switch brands. That's why I said I don't want to hear about PEP or TCS. I call myself pretty good at setting up my suspension. I'm pretty excited about having all that adjustment. Another question, how much ground clearance do ya'll have at full compression? Mark Laeger told me I should have an inch and a half measured at the frame between the a-arm mounts. I'm sure he's right but I'm just curious what everyone else has. On the rear my frame will touch the ground if I bottom out hard. I'm going to talk to them about that. On the front I'm not getting low enough. That's why I'm getting the length changed. Thanks again.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by protraxrptr17
That's why I'm getting the length changed.

NOW i know why jeff likes elka so much:devil: viagra and elka lengthening ...lmfao



sucks bad about your back...i hope you make a full recovery!!!

[boogiechile]

protrax,

In order to be totally sure you get the length right you need to check what it should be and then give them the measurement. You can do this easy by taking all your shocks off and let all the air out of your tires. Then put two 2x4s under your frame, one across at the rear near the pegs and the other across at the frt just before it starts to rake up. Lay them flat, that is 1 1/2 inches. let your frame down until it sits on the boards. Make sure it will go all the way down and the you can still raise the tire up at least a smidgin more. That will mean you have no binding joints. If all looks good then measure the distance between the centers of the shock mounting holes and record the measurement. That measurement is you full compressed length, give that to elka or whoever does your shocks and have them set your compressed length to your measurement and you will be good to go.

Just make sure you have the size tire on that you plan to run and no way do you want a taller one on than you will run when you measure. It is important to let the air out so that they flatten out a little like they would on a landing.

[protraxrptr17]

Thanks for the tip. That sounds like a real good way to get measurements. So you think 3" clearance would be best? Sounds kinda high to me. If you have 3" with compressed tires, that would be about 5" with inflated tires. I need to check the rear the way it is now because it digs in pretty hard sometimes. If it has 1.5 inches clearance now, then 3" would be about right. Also it really depends on the type of racing you do and the track conditions. If I was racing XC, then I would need more clearance. If I was to race on a very rutted up track, then I would need alot of clearance. Most of the tracks I run on have alot of clay, so by the second moto they are packed pretty good. Any MX racers got any input? Also I need to find out where the new linkage adds its travel. If it adds more uptravel then the shock definitely needs to be longer in the body and shaft. If it adds droop then the shaft alone needs to be longer. Maybe I should get them to send me the link first so I can get measurements. Anybody checked to see where the extra travel came in let me know. Especially Z400/KFX400 guys, your linkage looks more like the Raptor linkage.

[protraxrptr17]

OMG, I'm so stupid I just realized what you meant by two 2x4's. Yes you are exactly right. I need to do it at both ends simultaneously. Forget what I said in the earlier post. Thanks again for the tip. That is the proper way to do it.

[boogiechile]

yea, I meant one 2X4 under each end. You will deffinately need the linkage you will run in there. 1 1/2 inches is what I run for MX, I think it would work for XC but those guys may want a little more. As for the linkage and shocks, elka matches a new shock with the new linkage but that will still may not be right if they assume you have 20 inch tires and you have 18s. They have to set the compressed length to match the tire size. The elka linkage looks in the pics that I have seen of it (the honda link) that it increases motion ratio but does not change the vertcal position of the travel unless they do it with a shorter shock. a linkage like that will add travel to both droop and up for a given shock length. The Gt thunder linkage adds motion ratio and moves the location of the bottom shock mount lower to raise the travel adding most of it to up travel. It is designed for a stock shock and I think 20 inch tires with a 18 inch model in the works. either linkage will work fine as long as you get the compressed length right. Regardless of what shock and link you have, I would check the compressed length with the tires you plan to run and the linkage you plan to run both on. Then check that against your shock.

[thomez]

If you guys are looking for some nice Elkas I have some for sale in the For Sale forum for a nice discount over new.

They are great shocks :D