Hello to all,

Great news, our Project Raptor 700 has hit the cover of Australian ATV Action! The guys from the magazine have used our project Raptor for the up and coming issue, it will be in the news stands for 2 months leading up to Christmas.

You can download the cover page of the magazine and the complete article.

Thank you to all for your contributions and help in build this awesome bike!

Shane Hardiman
Director of Hardiman ATV Pty Ltd
www.hardimanatv.com.au

Hi Eric,

I decided to write you to tell you how much I like your suspension. I decided to purchase it through my suspension guy (Roy Borton, Too Tech Racing). I was very impressed in the build quality when I received it and the installation was straightforward.

The ride quality was fabulous. Your suspension works as good as anything I’ve tried. The first real test was over some washboard gravel road. I was able to actually accelerate. The stock suspension would just hammer and chatter and kick the bike sideways. I then went to a trackday at our local track in Gimli. This track is only 1.2mi around with 9 turns. It has gradually gotten rougher and rougher over the years. Turn 1 has a speed bump right at the apex that you hit at 80mph that you have to see to believe. There are also bumps at the exit that kicked the GS sideways at 90mph. I did this lap after lap as your suspension made this very controllable. The stock suspension would have had me on my head, especially with the cement compound tires. There were a lot of 20something young guys on hard core sport bikes wondering who the old guy on the oversized dirt bike was braking 20 yards deeper going into turn 1 and riding up their tail pipes through the infield. I lapped everyone at least twice during a session and we are only allowed to pass on the front straight. Needless to say guys on GSXR 1000’s R1’s and CBR 1000’s were left shaking their heads.

Here is a link to a photographers website; members.shaw.ca/fogfoc

Look up the June 2007 trackday photos if your interested. I’m riding the blue and silver BMW R1200GS wearing red, black and white racing leathers. There are 3 photos, one of which shows the side of my boot dragging the ground (see above). That’s a lot of lean angle if you know how high the pegs are on a GS! I wore through the toe slider by the end of the day. I’m already on the gas exiting the corner as you can see by the attitude of the bike, so there was actually more lean angle at the apex. Pretty good considering the stock tires. I can only credit your suspension for allowing me to be able to play this way. You have my permission to use these pics in any advertising if you wish.

You’re more than welcome to use my comments. I hope to get around to some of the various BMW sites to let them know that there is another suspension manufacturer around with great service and a quality product. One of the biggest reasons I chose your product was the fact that you made what I wanted when no one else would. I could not see any reason to choose any of the others because they offered a modern shock for the rear and a 1975 technology shock for the front. Putting on just what I took off seemed rather pointless to me.

In conclusion, your suspension has truly allowed the big GS to be the versatile bike it was meant to be. From washboard gravel roads to touring 2 up with gear to hammering the sport bike crowd on track days.

Thank you very much!

Bruce W. MacDonald

September 28-30, Sears Point California, Infineon Raceway

Hi Guys,

We installed the new Elka 3-Way shock midway through Friday practice. The Elka replaced a stock Yamaha R6 shock rebuilt by GP suspension. The bike was fitted with Dunlop 209 GPA medium compound (750/3136) tires. Dave Moss (from CRS Tuning, an Elka Trackside Support Dealer) did the initial settings. Installation was uneventful though the eye-to-eye length was about 2mm longer than the stock shock with a 5 millimeter shim.  The Yamaha has an additional set of holes for repositioning the dog-bone linkage so it appears you can change the mounting to use a bit more shock length with the longer Elka unit. The extra 2mm shock height did not have an adverse affect.

Right from the start, the new shock was an immediate improvement, particularly noticeable exiting turn six (the Carousel). The track falls off considerably here so stability under power is particularly critical in this section.  From the entrance of  the Carousel where the back of the bike completely unloads, into the midsection,  through the exit and onto the drag strip, the suspension performed really well.  Sliding the bike exiting turn two wasn’t a problem as the back end hooked up smoothly.

The rest of the afternoon was spent turning laps and altering the low-speed compression setting from plus one to minus four clicks.  The motorcycle performed well on all those settings but seemed best with the initial compression settings.

I had similar results on race day and kept the setup identical except for replacing the tires with a softer compound. (950 front, 3166 rear).  I was a bit quicker on the track and actually improved my best time by two seconds during the 600 Production race.

Overall, my first impressions are quite positive. The shock provided a smooth ride under some of the most demanding track conditions we experience.

Dave Munoz, AFM#119

Hello everyone there at Elka!

I have to say that your products are awesome! From making my shocks to getting them to me so fast with such perfection is totally amazing.

Without a doubt, hands down they are the best. I placed my order for the fully loaded Elite triple-rate front shocks for my 2005 Honda TRX450R on a Tuesday and I got them on Friday the next week. It was awesome how fast you got them to me. Their quality is unmatched by any other manufacturer out there. I particularly appreciated the extra attention when you called, making sure that the set-up on them was perfect for what I’m doing and my riding style.

I installed them on my quad today and took them out for a ride. I have to say again you are unmatched by any other manufacturer out there! Those shocks work like no others out there although I rode them very hard on Sunday. I’m totally pleased in every way. I do want to get the rear set-up for my quad too but as of now, I just dont have the cash to get the stuff right now. I hope I can get them soon and I wouldn’t want any other brand of shocks on my quad.

I want to thank you all at Elka; from the CNC people who did the bodies on them to the person that called me on the set-up of the shocks to the shippers. I thank you all there at Elka! You’re the best, hands down. Nothing else will pass the test, Elka Suspension is truly the best!

Your faithful pro-am rider,

Jamie Bright.

(Note from the Elka staff: We’re always happy to receive such good words. Be aware that Jamie didn’t get any “special treatment”, he experienced the same care and attention we give to all our customers. By the way Jamie, keep us posted on your results and enjoy your ride with the pros!)

We recently received an email from a customer browsing our website that was aksing a common question we get asked several times a week:

Is it more expensive to modify existing Elka shocksto fit a different quad than buying new shocks?

Here’s Brandon’s email:

Hi,

I used to have a full set of Elka’s with remote reservoirs on my Honda TRX400EX. I recently bought a 2006 Yamaha Raptor 700R. I was wondering if it would be cheaper; to have the shocks I currently own modified for the Raptor or buy new ones. Also what would be the ballpark price on this service?

Thanks. I love you product. It transforms my bike into a smooth riding Cadillac!

Brandon Sexton
Bridgeport, WV

This simple question cannot be answered simply as the answer depends on several factors.

Brandon is lucky as the TRX400EX and Raptor 660 share a very similar geometry and same length shocks. He can transfer his shocks onto his Raptor without any problems, thus keeping the value of his initial investment. With a servicing, our technicians are able to alter the valving and spring configuration (if needed) to make the shocks work as new units that would have been built directly for the Raptor.

But it’s not always that simple. When the two vehicles don’t have much in common, switching shocks between them can involve high costs and there’s a lot of chances for things to go wrong without proper advice. This is also true when you buy used shock absorbers.

Important factors to consider before buying used shock absorbers.

When you’re shopping for shock absorbers on a tight budget, you might be tempted to look on the used market. While this seems to be a cheaper alternative, you need to take into account some important factors before making a final buying decision. These factors might affect the performance and also the total price you will have to pay.

All Elka Suspension shock absorbers are custom-built for the original customer’s weight, vehicle model and specific riding type, all of which are probably different than yours. While the shocks may fit on your vehicle, they might cause damage to it or even worse, cause serious injuries to the rider if any of the above details vary from the original customer.

To make sure that the Elka shocks you intent to buy are compatible with your vehicle and will offer the performance and comfort you expect, always call Elka Suspension before buying used shocks. Our technicians will be able to confirm, with the shock’s serial number, if you can or cannot ride them safely.

Most of the times, a simple and affordable service work can make used Elka shocks perform like brand new units, specifically tuned for your weight, vehicle model and riding type. It will also ensure that you will get the maximum performance and comfort from your purchase for a longer period of time.

Call us now at 1-800-557-0552 before buying used Elka shock absorbers.

Montreal, QC (10/1/2007) – Yamaha motor Canada’s Richard Pelchat was able to claim his first ever podium at the 30th Montreal Supercross. The exciting race took place at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal in front of 50,000 cheering fans. The Montreal supercross features SX racing, ATV, Autocross and freestyle. Over the past few years, ATV stole the show in Montreal with great racing. The ATV track feature a mix of the supercross track and autocross track, the perfect mix for a both fast and technical track.

Always plagued with bad luck at events, Richard Pelchat came to the event very relaxed: “…this year I am ready for anything, I believe I can make up for anything. We will have a lot of fun.” During the Friday and Saturday practice, Richard rode smooth, trying lines and riding in traffic to get a good feel of the track rather that pounding fast laps. Richard recorded the fastest lap time of the four practice sessions which also serve as qualifiers for the night show.

The first ATV race of the evening show is a very short 5 laps race that determine gate pick for the main event. Jasmin Plante got holeshot for the race with Richard hot on his back. Richard rode smart while pressuring Plante and settled for second. “I played it safe…I know were I could make a pass…” said a very confident Richard after the race.

The stage was set for 10 laps the main event. Once again, Jasmin got the holeshot with Greg Gee and Richard in second and third. Richard was able to get the inside on Greg Gee in the next corner and started putting pressure on Jasmin. At this time the Stadium almost exposed as the 50,000 fans cheered on there two favourite riders. Just before the finish line there was section with a supercross triple, a mistake there proved to be costly. The triple took out about 6 or 7 riders, 2 with broken legs. On the first lap, Jasmin cased the triple hard and pulled off in pain with a badly hurting knee. Richard was now leading the race with Greg Gee in second and Cody Miller in third. Richard started to pull off on his YFZ 450, pickin up about a second a lap on the battling duo. Just before the mid race, Richard had about a 5 second lead and appeared well on my way to the win. Then disaster struck, the Montreal supercross would bite Richard once again: “I came a bit short on the same triple and got bucked off the seat and into the ground. I remounted in 5 fifth”. With his clutch lever down, Richard charged pass US riders Casey Martin and Aaron Mayes to be in third place. While he was catching on Greg Gee, Richard crossed the line in third.

Here what a disappointed Richard said after the race:
“I feel bad for throwing the win away like that…but it is racing…I was really fast and smooth and my Yamaha was working great but I made one little mistake…I finally got a podium here, it has a bittersweet taste but I got it…’’

Thanks to all my sponsors:
Yamaha motor Canada, Groupe Vertdure, RP Evolution, ELKA suspension, Toyota Canada, FXR, ITP, DASA, Hindle, Web Cams, Powermadd, Hipertech lubricants, Team axle, JE Pistons, K&N, AAB, Streamlines brakes, Polisport, Fuel Customs, Sixsixone, Sunline, Scott USA, Bell, Falicon, AC racing, Mini-moteur RG.

Click here to download a PDF of the article.