elka w/link or GT w/link rear shock

[beak7707]

Well i have some elka fronts coming for the 450r, so now is time for the rear to get something. Do you guys think I shoud shell out the monwy for an Elka rear end or go with the GT thunder revalve and linkage. I am leaning towards the elka setup, but I have heard alot of good things about the GT setup. I guess if they work great and GT is much cheaper might as well go that route. By the way anybody know the total cost for the linkage and revalve from GT thunder.

[WhiteZee]

i would say it depends on what level rider you are, if you are not running up in an A class in the gncc, i think you would be fine with the gt thunder set, i love mine. it cost $250 total.

[beak7707]

You got the GT thunder linkage and revalve for $250?? If so I thought it was way more than that, did it fix the bucking? Have you rode a 450 with elka or axis rear, if so how does it compare? How do you like your Elka fronts compared to the stockers?

[exrider44]

Originally posted by beak7707
You got the GT thunder linkage and revalve for $250?? If so I thought it was way more than that, did it fix the bucking? Have you rode a 450 with elka or axis rear, if so how does it compare? How do you like your Elka fronts compared to the stockers?

I also got the revalve and linkage. It fixed the rear end bucking big time. I used to cringe going over whoops. But now its smooth. I rode behind a buddy who had just gotten a 05 450r and he was all over the place thru the whoops. Im sure the other setups are great as well.

[beak7707]

Did you guys have to mod. your air box? I heard you have to raise it up or something???

[exrider44]

I didnt have to mod mine. I think it depends on which linkage you get.

[beak7707]

I will be running XC, I think thats the one where you have to mod. Anybody else have the XC link, what did you have to do?

[WhiteZee]

yes, its only $250. i had to raise my airbox a 1/4 inch, i have the xc link. it fixed the bucking, and much more, i love it.

[beak7707]

How did you raise your air box?

[beak7707]

Does the setup come with a different spring, or just revalve?

[WhiteZee]

i just drilled holes lower on the airbox, as a quick fix. ill go something better this winter after i tear my quad down. it doesnt come with a new spring, you dont need another one. it comes with the revalve and linkage. i would let your riding abilitys decide which to go with, what class do you race?

[beak7707]

I'm only in B class, so its not like I need top of the line. But everybody told me i would be good to go with a stock shock conversion on my 250r and I wasnt happy with it. It was a big improvement over stock, but it didnt hold a candle to aftermarket. I also realize the stock 450 shock is way better than a 20 year old 250r shock.

[exrider44]

You will be very happy with the GT thunder setup its worth the $$

[WhiteZee]

i think the gt setup is fine for b class, but if you move up to a class like 4 stroke a in gncc i would think you would need an aftermarket.

[brandonpeake]

if i had the cash to throw around it would be the elka no question but i got mine done at c&d so i could save some cash and buy more parts!

[exrider44]

I dont race I just ride recreational. One day I do plan on having long travel but for now this setup is good for my budget lol. Just bought a house so major quad things have to wait.:ermm:

[shaff107]

houser sells an airbox riser kit. Also if u call and talk to GT thunder he rates his linkage with conversion as a 7 - 8.5. and his xc linkage with a AXIS rear shock a 10!

just my $.02

[brandonpeake]

i know laz has a great rep but i just would not go on what someone rates their own stuff, just a my opinion

[jc250r31]

i have the GT Thunder Linkage with the Axis rear shock i only rode it once so far with the stock swinger, i just put on the laeger +1-1/4" swinger and hopefully it stops raining so i can ride it this weekend, once i ride it again i may have some decent feedback on it

[shaff107]

well not only does laz say this but many of the top pro's and A class gnccer's that use this set up say that the only thing better then this is the houser LT setup and some might agrue that the gt thunder axis is just as good.

[400exvet]

are any of you running the GT rear and stock fronts? If so, does it handle as well as it did when it was level? All I really want for now is it to be lower. I have also heard of just adding the elka link to the stock rear - anyone try that?

[cinigen9]

Originally posted by 400exvet
are any of you running the GT rear and stock fronts? If so, does it handle as well as it did when it was level? All I really want for now is it to be lower. I have also heard of just adding the elka link to the stock rear - anyone try that?

yes, I am running both ends - reworked stockers

what do you mean by level? mine is set at 1/4" lower in the rear. It also sits about 1.5" lower than stock (I am at 155#s) at both front and rear. In my opinion it handles much better. Anytime you lower the center of gravity you should see an improvement in cornering.

Nope - not sure how it would work with a stock shock.

Carson

[WhiteZee]

Originally posted by 400exvet
I have also heard of just adding the elka link to the stock rear - anyone try that?
the elka link will not work with the stock shock.

[holeshot19]

Originally posted by WhiteZee
the elka link will not work with the stock shock. ive been racing with it for 2 months u do have to revalve the stock shock and make it stiffer cause it changes the leverage ratio:blah:

These linkages help out tremendously! They are worth every penny. I have done about 10 of these conversions in the past month all from word of mouth because they work so good. It will eliminate the tendency of the 400ex or 450R to kick you over the bars when you hit a sharp object or come up a little short on a double. Plus, you get a service done on your rear shock and the shock is actually set up for your riding style and wieght and not just someone who the factory set it up for. The stock 450R shock piston is a lot larger than the 400ex so it flows a lot better!