Elka Suspension MOTORCYCLE SERIES User Manual

MOTORCYCLE SERIES

OWNER’S MANUAL

Adjustments Logbook

se the following space to log the adjustments made to your shock absorber.

U

DATE TRACK HIGH SPEED COMP LOW SPEED COMP REBOUND PRELOAD RIDE HEIGHT

INTRODUCTION

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1

Welcome to Elka Suspension !

hank you for choosing Elka Suspension for

T
your shock absorber needs. Elka Suspension
is a leader in the design and manufacturing
of high-performance shock absorbers. All our

products are handcrafted from the highest

quality materials available, specifically for

each rider, accor-ding to his/her weight,

bike geometry and type of riding.

ur experienced team is able to advise and

O
assist you to find the exact set-up to meet
your personal needs. This owner’s manual is
your complete guide to install, adjust and fine­tune your shocks for optimum suspension
performance. It also offers important information
about the maintenance of your shocks. Carefully
read this manual before installing your shocks.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A) Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

B) Warranty & Return Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

C) Suspension Basics

- C.1 Suspension Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

- C.2 Suspension Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

- C.3 Shock Absorber Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D) Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

- D.1 Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

E) Adjustments & Fine-tuning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

- E.1 Suspension Definitions, Settings and Rules-of-Thumb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

- E.2 Checking and Setting Sag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

- E.3 Adjusting the Ride Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

- E.4 Preload Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

- E.5 Compression Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

- E.6 High- and Low-Speed Compression Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

- E.7 Rebound Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

F) Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16

H) Service Work Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7
Phone: [phone] • 1-800-557-0552
[e-mail] www.elkasuspension.com

Fax: [phone]

SAFETY WARNINGS

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A) Read First For Your Safety:

WARNING !

CAUTION !

Shock absorbers are an important part of your motorcycle, and
this owner's manual explains how to install your suspension system
properly. If you are uncomfortable installing your shock absorbers
or are unsure of the method, have a qualified mechanic install
them for you. Improperly installed shocks might cause serious
harm to you and may severely damage your motorcycle. Never
take any chances with your safety.

Before installing your shock absorbers, carefully read this owner's
manual to learn the correct installation procedures and avoid the
consequences of an incorrect installation.

Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. Always wear appropriate
protective equipment and follow your region’s regulations.

Elka Suspension is constantly introducing new products and
improving existing ones. For this reason, Elka Suspension
reserves the rights to modify products and add accessories
with no obligations to make such changes to earlier models.

When your shock absorbers require an oil change or other internal
maintenance, your Elka Suspension Service Centre is best qualified
to provide the necessary service or repairs.

Elka Suspension shock absorbers are manufactured exclusively for
the motorcycle that they were ordered for. Switching units between
different vehicles may not only decrease performance but might
also cause damage to the motorcycle and seriously harm the rider.
Always call Elka Suspension to verify compatibi-lity befor
switching units from one vehicle to another.

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7
Phone: [phone] • 1-800-557-0552
[e-mail] www.elkasuspension.com

Fax: [phone]

e

Warranty & Return Policies

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B) Elka Suspension Warranty

3

All Elka Suspension products are guaranteed

gainst any manufacturing defects for a period

a
of one (1) year from the purchase date.

This warranty does not cover damages resulting
from any of the following situations:

- Abuse of the product

- Racing accidents

- Improper installation

- Improper reservoir hose routing

- Disassembly or modifications

- Unauthorized oil changes

- Damage occuring during transportation
(the purchase of full insurance coverage for
shipping is recommended)

WARNING !

Because Elka Suspension products are designed for use in racing
and extreme driving conditions, Elka Suspension cannot guarantee
any of its suspension products, other than from manufacturing
defects, because we have no control over how our products are
used after installation. In addition, the purchaser assumes full
responsibility to the extent legally permitted for the risks of per­sonal injury and/or damage to the purchaser's vehicle or to any
third party that may be involved in an incident with the purchaser.

The shipping box should contain the following:

- Shock absorber(s) and spring(s)

- Owner’s Manual

- Elka Preload tool (to adjust the preload ring)

- One 3mm Allen key (for preload ring stopper)

- Reservoir mounting assembly (for remote
reservoir models)

All Elka Suspension shock absorbers are ready
for installation. Fine-tuning might be necessary.

A copy of the original invoice is necessary for
any claim or service shipment.

Elka Suspension Inc. reserves the right to make
the final decision in all matters pertaining to its
warranty.

RETURN PROCEDURES

IMPORTANT: Always keep your invoice as proof of purchase and send a copy with all service or

warranty returns. Always mention that your shocks are sent for warranty repair on all
shipping papers.

1) Call our service department at [phone] or 1-800-557-0552 (North America) to get
esentative will assist you for further steps.

epr

an RGA Number

Fill out the Ser

2)

3) Carefully package your shock(s) to avoid damage during transportation. Include a copy of your

invoice, a brief description of the pr
Provide a phone number to reach you in case our technicians have questions about the problem.
Place your completed Service Work Order form on top in your package. Ship your shock(s).

4) Wait for a confirmation call that will let you know an approximate turnaround time after we

receive your shocks.

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7
Phone: [phone] • 1-800-557-0552
[e-mail] www.elkasuspension.com

. Our r

ork Order form on the last page of this manual.

vice W

n address for shipping and/or invoicing.

oblem and a r

Fax: [phone]

etur

SUSPENSION BASICS

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C) Suspension Basics

C.1 SUSPENSION TERMINOLOGY

SUSPENSION

Compression:The stage where the shock
compresses under an impact.

Emulsion:The oil in the shock has microscopic
air bubbles in it. When the oil is heated from
passing through the valving holes, the air
expands and creates foam and air pockets,
called emulsion. When a shock gets emulsion
inside, it has a sticky feel (stiction), becomes
very soft and can even lose all damping.
Elka Suspension shocks go through a careful
bleeding process to avoid emulsion.

Frame Clearance:The space needed to avoid
contact between the frame and the ground.

High-Speed Compression:The damping circuit
that controls the shock’s resistance against high­velocity impacts.

Low-Speed Compression:The damping circuit
that controls the shock’s resistance against
low-velocity compression.

Negative Travel:The difference between the
height of the vehicle at rest with rider sitting
on it and the height of the vehicle when the
motorcycle is lifted without the wheels leaving
the ground. This distance is a portion of the
total suspension travel that is used to keep the
wheels on the ground when the suspension
extends.

Rebound:The damping circuit that controls the
shock’s resistance when returning to its initial
state after being compressed by an impact.
More rebound damping returns the shock slower
but increases the chances of “packing”. Less
preload damping returns the shock faster and
provides a bouncy ride.

Ride Height:The height of the vehicle when
properly sagged with the rider seated. It can be
adjusted to suit the rider’s personal preference.

Sag:The portion of the shock’s travel used when
the rider is seated. Proper sag ensures enough
negative travel to keep the wheels on the ground
and preserve traction.

Static Sag:Same as the sag but without the rider
on the vehicle. The static sag prevents topping
out and provides a more confortable ride.

Stroke:The total amount of travel allowed by the
shock, mesured at the shock’s shaft. Not to be
confused with the total travel of the vehicle.
The same shock stroke can provide different
wheel travel depending on the geometry of the
suspension.

ravel:

T

The distance between the suspension fully
compressed and fully extended. Can be mesured
at the wheels (wheel travel) or at the shock shaft

oke).

(str

Pr

screwing in the preload ring to achieve proper
sag, mesured in millimeters fr
pr

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7
Phone: [phone] • 1-800-557-0552
[e-mail] www.elkasuspension.com

The for

eload:

eload collar

ce applied to the main springs by

om shock head to

.

Fax: [phone]