TRX250R.ORG
Workshop => Suspension and Chassis => Topic started by: tylermx71 on February 19, 2016, 12:10:26 PM
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Hey everybody, im currently running +2 lonestar std arms, works shocks with rezzies (practically brand new), and a stock rear stock (unsure of history). I ride alot of different terrains mostly fast paced, 60% desert , 30% MX, and 10% woods(wide trails). Im sitting right at 47" with this setup with 3/2 rims. Id like to order some JD Performance +3 arms to get me close to 50" to match my rear. Since I see it is only $100 more to upgrade to long shock arms, I figured i may as well upgrade. Im currently happy with my works but if im going to have to send them out for a revalve i figured itd be better to just get some long shocks that have more adjustability. I am however not happy with the rear shock, it bottoms on any big hit on the track or in the desert.
So I see the Elka stage 3 package on many websites and it looks like a good deal for getting front and rear shocks for $999.99
Ive read reviews of people either loving or hating elka. Im aware there are better shocks out there but im not a racer just looking to go out and have fun but also get good performance. I wanted to see what everybody thought before i start ordering stuff.
I appreciate the advice
(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1644_7295_2017-04-18_3371.jpg)
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I can assure that the jd arms will impress u. In my opinion Elka are better than works. I removed st works to pit on lt elka and am very impressed. I do not have jd arms on any of my R's but I do have a set on my 450. Also I suggest you do the needle bearing upgrade. Adjusting camber/caster is so easy with the jd arms. No removing to adjust. I have heard of people complain about powder quality on the arms but mine have held up great.
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(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/42_1682_2017-04-18_3675.jpg)
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Those are the mgc lt +3
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Totally agree on the long travel. Doesn't cost much more to go that route. The Elka legacy series is a heck of a deal but personally I'd go with Motowoz, fox or the higher end elkas. The set up and customer service u get with Jim is far above Elka Imo.
Still a heck of a deal though. Hard to justify the extra cost. Any other set up new is probably going to be at least 1000 more.
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Scar- Those arms look great and im not surprised by the quality, I dont think ive heard anyone complain about JD.
Michael- Ive heard the name Motowoz but never really looked into their products. Ill give them a look tonight.
Thanks for the responses!
My next question is do they actually set up the elkas for the riding style or do they just send them out with generic valving? Lonestars website asks for weight, terrain and rider class but I remember reading someone saying that they just send them out with the same valving.
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Best to call and ask Elka. My understanding is Elka sets up all of them specifically to order. Call and ask JD what shocks they recommend as well.
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I have a email into JD and he thinks the elkas would be a good choice for what I plan to do. I'll give Elka a call monday
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When elka had the $800 front and rear set sale going on a year ago I got three sets. One set per quad. I ordered directly from elka in Canada instead of a third party like ATV galaxy etc. Elka asked a lot of questions and also had a huge data base that was in line with extended and compressed length along with leverage ratios. I had took the time to remove shocks and go thru the steps Andy maul had posted on maultechatv. Also talked with all my a arm manufacturers for the proper leverage ratio before calling elka and all the data they had was exactly what I had. I am happy with the set ups.
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When elka had the $800 front and rear set sale going on a year ago I got three sets. One set per quad. I ordered directly from elka in Canada instead of a third party like ATV galaxy etc. Elka asked a lot of questions and also had a huge data base that was in line with extended and compressed length along with leverage ratios. I had took the time to remove shocks and go thru the steps Andy maul had posted on maultechatv. Also talked with all my a arm manufacturers for the proper leverage ratio before calling elka and all the data they had was exactly what I had. I am happy with the set ups.
I think I may be going with the Elka f/r package as well. Seems like a good deal for an upgrade from stock. So what information did you need when you called Elka? I'm going to put new arms and am deciding between LT and ST, possibly JD or LSR arms
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I think I may be going with the Elka f/r package as well. Seems like a good deal for an upgrade from stock. So what information did you need when you called Elka? I'm going to put new arms and am deciding between LT and ST, possibly JD or LSR arms
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I actually have both lsr and jd arms. I am not sure as my lsr arms are older dc4 lt, but they are built well but a lot harder to set up. You have to disassemble the spindle every time you need to thread the ball joint in or out for adjustments. I also would go with the lt arms. When I ordered my elka package it was the same price for lt or st. The arms will cost $100 more which is a small price to pay for the extra performance.
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Did you order the shocks direct from Elka?
And if so, did they know the length needed for the LT arms? I think I may go with JD now after hearing the difficulty setting up, I'm not super mechanically inclined. Thanks for all the info, been very helpful.
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Did you order the shocks direct from Elka?
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I ordered mine directly from elka Canada
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I just ordered my arms from JD. Debbie is great to speak to and there is a great deal if your order the elkas with the arms. Out the door everything with shocks is $1550. Great price!! Thanks for the help guys
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Mgc or std?
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I got std clearance arms, as cool as the mgc look I've never had a problem with hitting my arms on obstacles where I ride. Turn around time is going to be three to four weeks
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Go call elka. Talk to Sébastien. Wicked dude. Wicked service. Knowledgeable and willing to go extra mile to make sure you will come back to them on next project. Tell him Phil from Alberta Canada sent you. Got elkas since they came out and was always pleased with service. Cant compare to other brands as its all I ran since I started this quad addiction. Had them on my banshee, my yfz and now on the R. Did what I excpected to do, better than stock and always went long travel. Price wise, stage 3 legacy(old stage 3 design, steel body vs aluminum on new design) is a steal of a deal for what you pay. I rather have piggy back than rezzzies just for mounting them cleanly and spend another 30-50$ on clamps. Preferences. Figured I would share this for future people on the market for new shocks.
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Just talked with Sebastien yesterday, got my order in for the Legacy Series in long travel, and put in my order for JD Performance +3 LT arms!
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Hey everybody, im currently running +2 lonestar std arms, works shocks with rezzies (practically brand new), and a stock rear stock (unsure of history). I ride alot of different terrains mostly fast paced, 60% desert , 30% MX, and 10% woods(wide trails). Im sitting right at 47" with this setup with 3/2 rims. Id like to order some JD Performance +3 arms to get me close to 50" to match my rear. Since I see it is only $100 more to upgrade to long shock arms, I figured i may as well upgrade. Im currently happy with my works but if im going to have to send them out for a revalve i figured itd be better to just get some long shocks that have more adjustability. I am however not happy with the rear shock, it bottoms on any big hit on the track or in the desert.
So I see the Elka stage 3 package on many websites and it looks like a good deal for getting front and rear shocks for $999.99
Ive read reviews of people either loving or hating elka. Im aware there are better shocks out there but im not a racer just looking to go out and have fun but also get good performance. I wanted to see what everybody thought before i start ordering stuff.
I appreciate the advice
(http://forums.trx250r.org/vbulletin_imports/1644_7295_2017-04-18_5291.jpg)
Just from my experience ordering directly from Elka, but it does not matter who you order from or manufacturer there will always be room for improvement when ordering shocks!
Here is my example on both my 06 trx 450R and my 86 trx 250r i ordered directly from Elka i answered specific questions that were asked to custom tune shocks. I receive them and install them and yes better than stock but were still a bit too hard on both 250r and 450r.
Now I have to ship back to canada and mind you they have to clear customs it was 3 weeks up and 3 weeks to come back to get them just right to my dune preferences! Get them back again and still not right on 450R shipped them back 3 weeks up and 3 weeks down again, but 250R dune editions were ok or bearable.
I did end up finding someone here in Chandler Az who fixed issues with both my shocks years later and are night and day difference compared to when I received them first or second time.
But moral of story in my situation was this if i choose to buy ANY shock does not matter who makes them and they offer to build to your specs and for some reason shocks are not to your liking you will have down time because you have to ship out of state and manufacturer has to tear them down and that is a few days as well.
So my suggestion to you is buy shocks of your liking close to home and used. And have a reputable shock company to your liking and who is close as well to your home rebuild to your specs or concerns. This way if you have any issues you will have a few days of downtime compared to weeks of downtime, and you will also save big $$$$ on buying good used rebuildable shocks and of course save $$$ on shipping charges to and from!
This is my opinion and hope this helps you out. Not trashing any one manufacturer just stating my down times when have to ship my shocks out to be done right!
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Elka has a service center here in Virginia capable of rebuilding /tunning shocks. Would save the international delays. However as I happy with my elka shocks I do admit a guy like laz, or Andy maul (rip guys) could easily double or triple the ride quality. Elka is definitely a "cookie cutter " outfit. When my shocks are due for service I will send them to a USA reputable shock company.