I haven't been visiting this site lately but I am sure a lot of you still remember me. My previous Elka Suspension Group by was a success. I am sure that now most of you know what Elka Suspension is and how good their shocks are. Unfortunately I was not able to find a reference to the previous Group Buy because most likely it was somewhat old and obviously closed.
In any case I would like to offer members of this great forum SUPER Group Buy again. Do to economic times and approaching holidays MotoWorldOnline and Elka Suspension decided to offer members of this forum once in a lifetime opportunity to own a superb products for well below dealer cost.
Anyone who have previously participated in our group buy knows that MotoWorldOnline and Elka Suspension offer superb product with killer pricing and excellent service.
All who participated in the previous group buy can vouch of how successfull that turned out for all parties involved. Forum members got an incredible shock with awesome features for a lot less than any Ohlins or Penske comparable shock can offer.
Just got a call from Elka so there is some correction to OFFICIAL Price posting. (MotoWorld Pricing only thru PMs) Elka 2 way adjustable shock - List price $835. Forum Group Buy Price is $709 shipped to anywhere in the USA. If you want this shock with Hydraulic adjustment then you will have to add $175 for the total of $888
If you would like to get 3 way adjustable shock list price $940 then your group buy price is $799 shipped to your door. 3 way adjustable with hydraulic adjustment is $977 shipped.
This is your summary
Elka 2 way adjustable w/reg adjustment - List Price $835: Group Buy $709 Elka 2 way adjustable w/Hydro adjustment - List Price $1045: Group Buy $888
Elka 3 way adjustable w/reg adjustment - List Price $940: Group Buy $799 Elka 3 way adjustable w/Hydro adjustment - List Price $1150: Group Buy $977 (By the way compare that to only 2 way adjustment for Ohlins WITHOUT Hydraulic adjustment that is being offered somewhere else)
My offer is even better but cannot be disclosed in the open. Anyone who wants to get an exact Super pricing is welcomed to PM me. Price includes shipping to anywhere in the USA. Foreign buyers will have to pay the shipping. If I remember correctly shipping to Australia is around $85 and to Europe a few dollars less. One can figure the shipping just by putting the shock in the shopping cart (Aussies and New Zealanders need to add zero in front of postal code)
In order to get this deal I must have at least 10 orders combined (5th and/or 6th Gen)
This group buy is open to all VFR owners of 5th and 6th Generation bikes. If you want the shock for bikes other then the VFR please let me know.
This Super Group Buy is now officially opened and will run for 2 weeks and end on November 23.
I gotta agree with Veefer Madness...the Elka 3-way with remote adjuster is the best upgrade I've made to my VFR. I love it, and it works very well with my Racetech modified front forks.
We will see if the numbers are less then 10. Never say Never (IMG:style_emoticons/default/comp13.gif) Almost forgot to say but Hondalover did it correctly. Basically if you want to add your name to the list just copy the list and add your name to it. Please don't forget to specify your bike Gen and what shock you will need
1. Hondalover- 6th gen- 2-way w/remote preload 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. and more
YoshiHNS, Nov 10 2008, 11:38 AMcan someone explain the difference between the two wau and three way. And is the hydraulic preload worth it?
Hi there,
Two way offers high speed compression adjustment and rebound adjustment, whereas the three way offer high and low speed compression adjustment and rebound.
High speed compression allows you to adjust damping to cater to harsh, high velocity impacts...bumps in the road, potholes, railroad tracks, etc. Low speed allows you to adjust damping for undulations in the road, exiting corners, and hard acceleration.
High speed and low speed compression has nothing to do with the speed you are riding, but the speed in which the shaft travels into the shock body.
Hydraulic preload is great if you are switching from solo riding to two up or added baggage to easily adjust your spring preload. If you are only riding solo with no added baggage, it is not necessary.
I hope this helps answer your question.
If anybody has any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail me at jilkiw@elkasuspension.com.
dude, Nov 11 2008, 06:03 AMSo did EVERYONE( from last group buy) have a succesfull Elka shock purchase?
I can't speak for anyone else, but as probably the most remote buyer of an Elka shock, I can say I'm very pleased with it, and would recommend Elka as a great shock for the VFR, and commend Vlad at Motoworld for his excellent customer service. The only difficulties I had with the shock were minor:
The instructions specified you bolt the OEM top-mount to the shock before installing it., However, on the 2001 the cat gets in the way, so it's almost impossible to get it in between the cat and the frame with the mount on. It's easy enough to attach the mount after the shock is roughly in place.
Sorting out where to put the remote reservoir (didn't want it mounted on the right-hand pillion footpeg). I found it fit perfectly under the seat, but I glued some 3 mm rubber blocks to those on the seat pan, just to make sure the reservoir had clearance.
When I checked the sag on the rear with the new Elka in place, it was EXACTLY right. This brings up another point: Elka will manufacture and set up the shock to the details you give them, so make sure they're what you need. After having a soggy Showa shock, I thought I'd make sure I allowed for occasional two-up riding with luggage, and added a couple of kg to my weight, and specified a firm but compliant ride. This is exactly what I got, but I should really have gone for a softer ride. It works brilliantly on the open road, but is a tad stiff for me for some of our crappy suburban streets. Note that this is NOT a criticism of Elka, just a note to anyone buying a shock that you don't go specifying that you want it set up for the racetrack if you're really just a cruiser. You will get exactly what you order.
vfr781, Nov 10 2008, 02:28 PMWas there some issue on the 5th gen models? Ride height or something?
I do remember that someone had some kind of issue w/ fitment on a 5th gen, can't remember who though?
Ummm... that was me, Ack Shirley. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) (Not am I probably Elka's most distant customer, but also probably their most troublesome...)
I dunno why, but if you trawl the Interdweeb, the only figure that comes up for 5th Gen shock length is (IIRC) 325mm. This is the length Ohlins quote too. However, when I measured the OEM Showa shock on my 2001, it was 316mm. John (or his minions) had measured the 5th Gen they had for development and it too was 325 mm. I dunno whether there are actually two shock lengths or what; perhaps because the catcon is so fat the 2001 has a shorter shock. Maybe my bike is more of a mutant than I thought. All I know was it was I couldn't get it in, as the suspension link's bolt holes wouldn't line up. However, because the Elka has adjustable ride height, I was able to just fit it in with the bottom eye wound all the way in (i.e., ride height set to minimum). FWIW, this works out to be almost exactly the same ride height as with a 5mm shim mounted under the OEM shock's top mount, which is what I had fitted before, so it's not a problem.
enzed_viffer, Nov 10 2008, 02:04 PMI dunno why, but if you trawl the Interdweeb, the only figure that comes up for 5th Gen shock length is (IIRC) 325mm. This is the length Ohlins quote too. However, when I measured the OEM Showa shock on my 2001, it was 316mm.
Very odd, did you buy the bike new? Maybe someone installed a Vtec rear shock on your bike or something as the vtec shock looks identical but is 314mm long. I think you have the only short shock 5th gen in the world. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) 325mm is what all my 5th gens had including my 2000. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)
Actually discovered VFRD due to a search for a performance aftermarket shock for my 5th gen. Ohlin and Penski seemed too expensive where this group buy made more sense. The quality of materials and craftsmanship are as good or better in my oppinion. I had no issues installing it with the instructions included. Also included an owners manual that gives tips for adjusting the shock for your ride needs. Great support through the entire decission to buy and shipping. Those who had questions fitting theirs were advised through the original thread on this site for weeks after the final shocks were shipped.
enzed_viffer, Nov 10 2008, 02:04 PMI dunno why, but if you trawl the Interdweeb, the only figure that comes up for 5th Gen shock length is (IIRC) 325mm. This is the length Ohlins quote too. However, when I measured the OEM Showa shock on my 2001, it was 316mm.
Very odd, did you buy the bike new? Maybe someone installed a Vtec rear shock on your bike or something as the vtec shock looks identical but is 314mm long. I think you have the only short shock 5th gen in the world. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) 325mm is what all my 5th gens had including my 2000. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)
Nope, I bought the bike secondhand, and what's more, it's not an "NZ new" bike, but an import from the UK (apparently/allegedly). I wondered iffen it had been lowered or summat, with a shorter shock and different dogbone or the suspension plates reversed. Before I wound the shock in, I did try reversing the suspension plates (the ones attached to the shock lower), and that did seem to make it easier to fit together, but the markings on them seemed to then indicate the plates were upside down. No way to tell for sure what's going on, apart from disassembling it and comparing parts to another bike. I can sit on the bike with both feet flat on the ground though, and I'm not superhumanly tall at 6 foot(ish).
I would emphasize the point that I have no complaint about either Elka or Motoworld, although I must apologise for thinking at the time that perhaps Elka had made the 5th gen shock based on just one test 'mule' and maybe there were variations between different markets and/or year models. It fits (now), it works well, and the price was right. Even with the extra freight, it was ~NZ$250 cheaper than a locally-sourced Ohlins.
I got it from an RC forum vendor and not a group buy for $790 shipped direct to me. Took about 3 weeks total.
Over the years on various bikes, I've had penske (used), ohlins (new&used), fox (used), wilbers (new), and now the elka. The wilbers which I got for my last vtec was my first three-way adjustable shock (hi-low compression). Guys, spend the extra dough for a 3-way. It's well worth it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
FotoMoto, Nov 10 2008, 09:14 PMGuys, spend the extra dough for a 3-way. It's well worth it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
Foto, thanks for the advise. I am on the fence about the 2 or 3 way. Don't want to waste money on a 'fancier' shock, but would hate to drop 700 bucks and miss out on a useful adjustment ability.
FotoMoto, Nov 10 2008, 09:14 PMI just purchased an elka 3 way for my RC51 about a month ago.
I got it from an RC forum vendor and not a group buy for $790 shipped direct to me. Took about 3 weeks total.
Over the years on various bikes, I've had penske (used), ohlins (new&used), fox (used), wilbers (new), and now the elka. The wilbers which I got for my last vtec was my first three-way adjustable shock (hi-low compression). Guys, spend the extra dough for a 3-way. It's well worth it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
Well my previous group buy was less then that and the new one even less. So like I said THERE NO ONE OUT THERE THAT CAN BEAT SUPER GROUP BUY PRICE
Yes it takes around 2 to 3 weeks to get it done. Please remember you are not buying of the shelf Ohlins or Penske (both great shocks). The difference between Elka and the other two major players is that Elka shocks are build/tailored to your specs. In other words its not only the spring that is set to your weight but also valving. The other brands don't offer custom valving unless you send them or buy them from supsension houses that will re-build (note not factory built) and re-valve the shock to your specs. That is extra time and extra expense
1. Hondalover- 6th gen- 2-way w/remote preload 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. and more
FotoMoto, Nov 10 2008, 09:14 PMGuys, spend the extra dough for a 3-way. It's well worth it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
Foto, thanks for the advise. I am on the fence about the 2 or 3 way. Don't want to waste money on a 'fancier' shock, but would hate to drop 700 bucks and miss out on a useful adjustment ability.
Yeah, you can set the high speed to soak up the big hits while keeping the low speed more cushy or however you like that one. With a 2 way, you either have to set it best for one reaction or compromise on both. The elka on my RC really excels over the stock unit by letting me roll on the power on corner exits with MUCH less "drama".
FotoMoto, Nov 10 2008, 10:20 PMYeah, you can set the high speed to soak up the big hits while keeping the low speed more cushy or however you like that one. With a 2 way, you either have to set it best for one reaction or compromise on both. The elka on my RC really excels over the stock unit by letting me roll on the power on corner exits with MUCH less "drama".
Nice! Sounds really good.
I am a novice at suspension so bear with me here. The way I am thinking....Ideally, I would want the highspeed compression a bit softer for pot holes and the low speed compression a bit firmer to resist diving during hard braking/acceleration and to prevent "wallowing" in corners. Am I on the right track? Or did I get hit by the train?
FotoMoto, Nov 10 2008, 10:20 PMYeah, you can set the high speed to soak up the big hits while keeping the low speed more cushy or however you like that one. With a 2 way, you either have to set it best for one reaction or compromise on both. The elka on my RC really excels over the stock unit by letting me roll on the power on corner exits with MUCH less "drama".
Nice! Sounds really good.
I am a novice at suspension so bear with me here. The way I am thinking....Ideally, I would want the highspeed compression a bit softer for pot holes and the low speed compression a bit firmer to resist diving during hard braking/acceleration and to prevent "wallowing" in corners. Am I on the right track? Or did I get hit by the train?
Since I don't what your hypothetical base settings are, I can't tell you to go softer or harder. VBG!!!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) But yes you get the concept. Just as trooper said (he's the expert not me), it's not the speed of the bike but the speed of the suspension movement. Once you get that concept down, it's not that much more difficult to dial in a 3-way over a 2-way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fing02.gif)
dutchinterceptor, Nov 11 2008, 12:19 AM1. Hondalover- 6th gen- 2-way w/remote preload 2. Dutchinterceptor - 6th Gen - Elka 3 way adjustable w/reg adjustment 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. and more
I guess if I'm gonna' fly, I might as well fly first class!! Change mine to a 3-way. No thanks to FotoMoto, or any of you guys talkin' up the 3-way. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pissed.gif)
dutchinterceptor, Dec 17 2008, 02:46 PMGot an email today from Motoworld at 11am that my shock had shipped and two hours later FedEx showed up at my door!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)
VFR Capt.Bob, Dec 16 2008, 07:09 PMI'm completing some modifications to my 98 vfr. 5th gen. And I want to relocate the compression adjuster and resevior to the left side away from the new High mount exhaust. Does any one have pictures of where they mounted theirs? I'd like to put it on the rail just past the passenger peg on the left side. Afraid I might strike it with the chain gaurd when the swing arm compresses.
+1
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Well I did a little research on this site and found the answer. http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=28935 Routing the hose over the pas. ft. peg allowed the correct mounting angle to avoid possible striking on the chain gaurd as the swing arm does it's job. It looks way trick and spreads the eye candy around the bike better. There are other possibilities mentioned there as well. I did have to trim the rubber mount grommets that came with the shock to get the best fit. They are the ones that help mount the reseviour to the passenger peg mount. The rail is wider so I cut off the ears off of it and it looks stock. The pictures explain it best.
MuddDawg, Dec 22 2008, 11:58 PMWhooooHoooooo in showed up today...
Enjoy it. Thank you to all that have participated and allowed me to earn your business. If you still want this shock its not too late to place your order until the end of the month
Thanks Vlad
End of thread · 34 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 9 Jan 2009
