cbrown400ex
04-16-2002, 07:46 AM
My first experience with my elka's was at a 2 hr. xc race last weekend. The track had a lot of jumps and was very rough in the woods sections. Two things that I noticed right away was that when other people were having trouble keeping their front end down on rocky hills mine was stuck to the ground (had to lean some but nothing like other guys were dealing with) and my bike corners much better than it used too (feels more like a dirt track car than a four wheeler). As far as jumping goes I feel I had them set-up pretty well. Bottomed out a couple of times a lap(on larger jumps). But didn't get that hard metal to metal feel. I really like how they feel coming off jumps. Lands very well. This biggest problem I had was me not being in good enough shape to push them. The only negative thing I can say is that they seemed a bit harsh through the real bad rocky sections. I am sure that they were 10 times better than stock(never ran this particular track on stock shocks). This is being really picky though. I am sure that any shocks would have been rough through those sections. As far as quality is doesn't get much better than elka. Very well built and a great looking shock. I think that elka's are great shocks for the money. Also another thing is that the holeshot is much easier with these shocks. I came out third behind two guys with custom axis(better riders too). All of the raptors, ex's, etc.. with stock shocks couldn't come off the line as fast. Hope this info. helps. CJ