[Smoothbassman]

Guys,

This is my first shock upgrade and I'm looking for some advice on aftermarket shock options for my quad. I'm currently looking at some Elka stage 2 or 3 shocks for all 4 corners of my unit, but they are crazy expensive.

Are there any other options out there that can give me and even better ride than stock, but not break the bank?

Please advise

Thanks

Stage 3 Shocks for Sports-Utility Quads | www.elkasuspension.com

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

Elka is by far the best. I had them on a Grizzly 700 and they increased my trail travel time by an insane amount. They are worth the money. However, I am working on getting a discount for a group buy of some kind. So, hold off. I just need to know exactly what part numbers you want so I can get a price. PM that info to me.

Buster

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

Here is what I posted on Grizzly central that the mids deleted b/c they thought I was posting something I should not. Screw those mods:

I would like to add that on my Grizzly 700, the Elkas were by far the best speed improvement that I made to it. I could fly over ruts and obstanbcles faster than anyone else I rode with and it improved my track time so much I can't begin to tell you.

Although suspension is a lot of money, it is by far better than any POWER mod you can do because even if your chums have more power on the trail, when they have to slow down, you don't. Its that simple. You blow by them b/c their suspension can't handle it.

Elka is by far the best on the market which is why the big name guys run it. It takes some serious work to get an Elka sponsorship even for pro riders b/c Elka knows how good their product is. Others kinda give it away just to try to get their name out.

Take it like it is. Elka is the one to beat. I know, I've experienced even their lower line.

By the way, Elka builds your shocks to your specs as well. The want to know your weight, your tire size, your riding terrain, your riding style and they build the ride height and valving from there. They are fully custom built for YOU and YOUR style and YOUR machine.

I have a VERY good relation with the big guys at Elka by the way, so if anyone can do it, I can.

 

[Smoothbassman]

I actually called Elka yesterday and had a very engaging conversation. I'm sold on their product now. For my riding style (trails and rock crawling) they recommended stage 1 shocks with rebound adjustment. The sales guy took the time to explain his decision making and lay it all out for me to understand and asked me to get a few measurements so the shocks can be custom built.

I really wanted some new tires but it looks like this might be the better option this season as my stock tires are in pretty good shape considering I had to plug one of them last season.

 

[GRIZZLYWIZARD]

I actually called Elka yesterday and had a very engaging conversation. I'm sold on their product now. For my riding style (trails and rock crawling) they recommended stage 1 shocks with rebound adjustment. The sales guy took the time to explain his decision making and lay it all out for me to understand and asked me to get a few measurements so the shocks can be custom built.

I really wanted some new tires but it looks like this might be the better option this season as my stock tires are in pretty good shape considering I had to plug one of them last season.

Awesome. I can't wait to hear what your think about them.

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

I am working on seeing if I can get a discounted price on Elkas for us if we have enough folks that are interested. I tried to call my contact 3 times yesterday and each time he was either on the phone or not in when I called.

I am gonna try again today.

What kinda price did you get on the stage 1 with rebound adjuster?

Buster

 

[MonsterGrizzly]

just wondering... how is your 850 holding up?, cause there is a dealer not to far away, and there selling them for 10,500$ canadian

 

[Smoothbassman]

I am working on seeing if I can get a discounted price on Elkas for us if we have enough folks that are interested. I tried to call my contact 3 times yesterday and each time he was either on the phone or not in when I called.

I am gonna try again today.

What kinda price did you get on the stage 1 with rebound adjuster?

Buster

He quoted me the full price that was on the website, $695 a pair. Let me know what you come up with. I'm looking at making a move after I get my tax refund this year.

 

[Smoothbassman]

just wondering... how is your 850 holding up?, cause there is a dealer not to far away, and there selling them for 10,500$ canadian

My XP has over 500 miles on it, and after a year on the trails and in the woods it has worked perfectly. Yes, there were some critical recalls that came out, but they were all addressed quickly, at the dealer, so I could be on my way. The ride is very smooth, the power is insane, and with EPS, arm fatigue during aggressive riding is non-existent. I have never got stuck, the 4x4 system works flawlessly, and when you do get high sided on something, the Polaris winch works with no issues.

With that said, theres only a few things that I would change.

Single Brake Lever Sucks - I really would like full control over my brakes, front and rear. I think single brake levers are a cop-out and in certian situations can be more dangerous than being able to choose your brake selection.

Rear Brake has zero feel and its not adjustable - Polaris considers the foot brake and "emergency brake" this is ass backwards from any other rig I have ridden. I'm currently looking at solutions to the 1st two gripes this spring.

Engine braking is too aggressive - You have to remember to keep the throttle open just slightly to keep the braking from locking up the rear wheels during heavy braking. They might have addressed it in the 2010 models, not sure.

Stock Tires - The stock tires are good for recreational riding. Anything more than that, and you need to upgrade. I have had to plug both of my left side tires over the 2009 season. I ride a various selection of terrains, so I guess they were a good start. Will be getting some 6-8 plys this season.

Lastly it takes way too many RPM's to get the vehicle moving in low and high range. It think the clutch should lock up around 1300 RPM in low range. It takes about 2500 to get the beast going and its snaps in pretty heavy at that high of RPM. If you want to make precise moves with your XP, you have to use the brake in conjunction with the throttle to get it moving really smoothly at slow speeds. I know this is to help with belt wear, but dang can we get her moving a little closer to idle!

All that considered, some of those are just preferences, and not a reflection on how well the quad works. Its been 100% there for me every single ride.

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

The deal that I have confirmed so far will give you a good savings and will ship directly from Elka to you with overnight shipping I believe at no charge.

We have more interst than I originally thought so once I add up the folks tonight and get a definite number, I am gonna call back tomorrow and see if we can get a better price than what i was originally told.

I will post back on here when I have something confirmed.

Buster

 

[Smoothbassman]

The deal that I have confirmed so far will give you a good savings and will ship directly from Elka to you with overnight shipping I believe at no charge.

We have more interst than I originally thought so once I add up the folks tonight and get a definite number, I am gonna call back tomorrow and see if we can get a better price than what i was originally told.

I will post back on here when I have something confirmed.

Buster

Keep us posted as it develops.

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

We have something in the works that could be very good for everyone. We have 10 guys confirmed on grizzlyriders.com that want them so the more the better. With me, that puts us at 11.

If you are seriously interested, PM me with what year and model quad you have, your weight, tire size and what stage Elkas you want. The more we get, the sweeter the deal could get.

Buster

 

[1Bad1000Xxc]

I also need to know what your riding style is as well as if you mind it being lowered at all for increased handling and stability.

Thanks!
Buster

 

[sportsman310]

Does anyone know the size of the xp stock shocks eye to eye?

 

[larryarmstrong]

Boy, it's hard to believe you guys posted to this forum almost 7 years ago. And now I'm wondering the same thing about the Elka's. Wanting some for my 2010 xp touring. Like Smoothbassman, I ride an 850 touring only mine is the 2010 model. If you're still around Bassman, how have those shocks been working for you?