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MOTORCYCLE SERIES OWNERS MANUAL

Adjustments Logbook
Use the following space to log the adjustments made to your shock absorber.

DATE

TRACK

HIGH SPEED COMP

LOW SPEED COMP

REBOUND

PRELOAD

RIDE HEIGHT

>INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Elka Suspension !


Thank you for choosing Elka Suspension for 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. Our experienced team is able to advise and assist you to find the exact set-up to meet your personal needs. This owners 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 - E.2 - E.3 - E.4 - E.5 - E.6 - E.7 Suspension Definitions, Settings and Rules-of-Thumb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Checking and Setting Sag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Adjusting the Ride Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Preload Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Compression Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 High- and Low-Speed Compression Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rebound Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

F) Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16 H) Service Work Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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> S A F E T Y WA R N I N G S

A) Read First For Your Safety:


WARNING !

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.

CAUTION !

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 regions 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 before switching units from one vehicle to another.

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

>Warranty & Return Policies

B) Elka Suspension Warranty


All Elka Suspension products are guaranteed against any manufacturing defects for a period 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) The shipping box should contain the following: - Shock absorber(s) and spring(s) - Owners 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.

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.

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 +1 (450) 655-4855 or 1-800-557-0552 (North America) to get an RGA Number. Our representative will assist you for further steps. 2) Fill out the Service Work Order form on the last page of this manual. 3) Carefully package your shock(s) to avoid damage during transportation. Include a copy of your invoice, a brief description of the problem and a return address for shipping and/or invoicing. 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 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

>SUSPENSION BASICS

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 shocks resistance against highvelocity impacts. Low-Speed Compression:The damping circuit that controls the shocks 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. Preload:The force applied to the main springs by screwing in the preload ring to achieve proper sag, mesured in millimeters from shock head to preload collar. Rebound:The damping circuit that controls the shocks 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 riders personal preference. Sag:The portion of the shocks 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 shocks 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. Travel:The distance between the suspension fully compressed and fully extended. Can be mesured at the wheels (wheel travel) or at the shock shaft (stroke).

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>SUSPENSION BASICS

C) Suspension Basics (continued)


C.2 SUSPENSION TERMINOLOGY
SHOCK PARTS Banjo Bolt:On remote reservoir models, the banjo-shaped bolt used to attach the hose to the reservoir and shock. The banjo shape allows for instal-lation around 360 degrees. Loosening or trying to move this bolt may cause oil leakage and a loss in pressure. Bridge:The metallic part that links the reservoir to the shocks body on piggyback models. Bridge shape varies between different bike models to allow frame clearance. Bumper:The rubber (microcellular foam) part that prevents damaging the shock when bottoming. Its an integral part of the suspension system as it controls the ending of the shocks stroke. A low quality bumper will be harsh on the rider and will not allow full travel. Eyelets:The ends of the shock where the bolting shaft comes through, running on spherical bearings to allow movement but no torsional resistance. Fork:On some models, the lower mounting bracket that replaces the eyelet. Piggyback:A shock model with directly attached reservoir using a bridge or one-piece head. Remote Reservoir:A shock model with the reservoir attached to the head by a hose to allow remote location. Spring Cup (Spring Ring):The slotted ring that retains the springs in place. The slot allows the spring cup to slide out for easy spring removal. Spring Rate:The force required to compress the spring 1 inch from initial state. For example, a 5.4 kg/mm spring will require a 5.4 kg force to compress 1 millimeter, a 10.8 kg force to compress 2 millimeters, a 54 kg force to compress 10 millimeters... To convert into pounds/inch, multiply by a factor of 56. Ex: 5.4 x 56 = 302,4 lbs/in. Set Screw:The tiny Allen screw that prevents the preload ring from loosening. Must be untightened prior to adjusting the preload ring and tightened back after the adjustment. Valving:A combination of holes, shims and checkballs that controls the hydraulic flow to create the damping effect. The valvings recipe is the main factor for the feel of the suspension. Wheel Travel:The total amount of displacement allowed for the wheel from full extension to full compression.

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

>SUSPENSION BASICS

C) Suspension Basics (continued)


C.3 SHOCK ABSORBER COMPONENTS
Low-Speed Compression Adjustment Knob (Gold)

High-Speed Compression Adjustment Knob (Black)

Nitrogen Purge Valve

Shock Head Bridge Preload Ring Set Screw Shock Body Spring Seal Head

Top Eyelet (behind the reservoir) Reservoir


(piggyback version shown, also available in remote version)

Banjo Bolt

Hose

Shaft Bumper

Spring Clip Rebound Adjustment


(regular shown, low-profile screw adjuster available)

Ride height Adjuster

Compression Adjustment Knob

Fork or eyelet Remote Reservoir

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> I N S TA L L AT I O N P R O C E D U R E S

D) Installation
D.1 MOUNTING
Elka Suspension recommends the following method for installing your shock absorbers: 1. Set your motorcycle on a bench or use a jack to take the vehicle's weight off the wheels. 2. Remove the existing shock absorbers (refer to the vehicles owner manual if needed). 3. Place the reservoir(s) in position and route the hose according to the provided reservoir installation sheet specific to your vehicle model (if applicable). 4. Install your new Elka Suspension shock absorbers on your motorcycle. 5. Tighten the nuts on the upper bolts in accordance with the information and specifications provided by the manufacturer and refer to the vehicles owner manual if needed. 6. Tighten the nuts on the lower bolts in accordance with the information and specifications provided by the manufacturer and refer to the vehicles owner manual if needed. 7. Attach the rubber mounts and tighten the collars on the reservoirs to a pressure of 6 inchpounds using a torque wrench.

WARNING !
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT SHOCK ABSORBER POSITIONING
The reservoir on piggy-back models must be positioned towards the top. (See photo below) For remote reservoirs connected by hoses, refer to the reservoir installation sheet specific to your vehicle model included with the kit.

Piggyback Model

Remote Reservoir Model

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>ADJUSTMENTS

E) Adjusting the shock


E.1 SUSPENSION DEFINITIONS, SETTINGS AND RULES-OF-THUMB
RIDE FEEL As a basic rule, your suspension should make full use of its travel under normal riding conditions- i.e. the softer the better, until the suspension wallows or bottoms out, when more stiffness is called for. Given this principle, here are some simple explanations of how to get the most possible enjoyment and efficiency from your Elka shock absorber. Preload and sag have a major influence on the feel of your motorcycle, the smoothness of the ride and reaction to hitting bumps. You may make small changes to the factory settings (Read the information below first!) to see what feels better for you, making sure those original settings and your changes are written down so that you may return to original settings at any time. To preserve comfort and ride quality when you change your riding style drastically (Load, speed, surface), you should adjust preload and sag to optimise efficiency for the new conditions. See the following paragraphs for guidelines regarding such changes.

PRELOAD Spring preload is the compression applied to the shocks spring when at rest, using the top ring and Hydraulic Preload Adjuster if you have one on your shock. Preload is used to optimise suspension travel when riding with varying loads and riding style. Preload is also used to adjust the firmness of the suspension.

SAG Suspension sag represents the change in vertical height at both end, between the fully extended suspensions and when you are sitting on the bike in riding position. As a rule, sag for a street bike should be set between 30 and 35mm (1 3/16 to 1 3/8 in.), and between 30 and 60mm (1 3/16 and 2 3/8 in) for a dual purpose machine. The great variation for dual-purpose machines is due to the great variation in usage, from 100% street to 100% off-road with every combination in between. Please advise Elka at order time if you plan on extreme riding on your dual purpose machine, and we will set the sag accordingly. Sag is a critical measurement, and is normally adjusted by changing the spring preload, within certain limits. The paragraph on setting sag will address this issue in detail.

FACTORY SETTINGS FOR SAG AND PRELOAD The preload / sag of your Elka shock is factory-set based on your type of riding and weight, as well as using basic knowledge such as the original factory settings and spring tension. There may be some instances where the Elka factory settings are not ideal. You may call us to discuss possible changes before venturing too far from the original settings.

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>ADJUSTMENTS

E) Adjusting the shock


E.1 SUSPENSION DEFINITIONS, SETTINGS AND RULES-OF-THUMB
ADJUSTING YOU SHOCK FOR DIFFERENT RIDING CONDITIONS Your first objective when setting up your suspension for daily use is to achieve a comfortable, steady and safe ride for the majority of your riding time. The Elka factory settings for spring rate, preload, sag and dampening have been selected to achieve this goal. Things change when you change your riding however! For example, if you use your bike for commuting, and decide to attend an occasional Track Day, you may decide to stiffen the dampening by a few clicks. As you pick up speed on the track, you may also need to increase the preload to avoid bottoming when cornering of hitting bumps. For your first track day, we recommend that you check your sag settings without changes, to start out with the softest possible suspension, which means you will make full use of your suspension. You may then start to stiffen things up gradually as your riding skill and corner speeds build up. Another example of drastic changes in riding conditions is when you leave for a tour and add a passenger and luggage. Here again, you may need to stiffen up the suspension to optimise suspension performance. Experienced rider know that adding a few clicks to the dampening and adding one or two turns of rear preload works when riding two up, and make such changes automatically when a passenger comes aboard. In all instances, avoid having the suspension hit bottom a sure sign that you must stiffen up your suspension.

HORSES FOR COURSES SUSPENSION SET UP FOR OFF- AND ON-ROAD Elka Suspension builds shocks according to the type of machine and its uses, as do the original manufacturers. For bikes such as the BMW GS or Suzuki V-Strom models intended for both on and off road riding, the suspension is relatively soft, with longer travel and appropriate dampening. For purely street machines intended for smoother surfaces (Smooth roads, tracks), total suspension travel is shorter, and the spring and dampening are correspondingly stiffer.

SPRING STIFFNESS When building your shock, Elka chose a spring tension based on a weight table for your particular bike make and model, and for nominal street use. Dual purpose and hybrid bikes were assumed to be carrying some luggage and an occasional passenger, as well being ridden off road occasionally. This assumption is validated using information from the buyer at order time.

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>ADJUSTMENTS

E) Adjusting the shock


E.2 CHECKING AND SETTING SAG
The sag for your shock was set at the factory, based on your weight and riding conditions. You may wish to validate the number or try different sag settings, so that a standard measurement method is required. Remember, you are measuring by how much the front and the rear suspensions droop between full extension and when you are on the machine. You must measure the front and the rear separately.

MEASURING REAR SAG 1. Place the bike on a flat, level surface. 2. Have the rider sit on the bike in riding position, wearing his riding gear and his feet on the pegs, with someone holding the motorcycle upright. Have the rider bounce lightly a few times on the pegs and seat, then let the shock settle down 3. With the rider still on the motorcycle, measure the distance from the ground or the swingarm to a fixed spot on the tail. 4. Have the rider dismount and then lift the motorcycle to allow the rear suspension to extend fully while keeping the rear wheel in contact with the ground 5. Measure the distance between the same reference points as before. The difference between the two figures is the rear sag. 6. To increase sag, decrease the preload on the spring (refer to page 11 for procedure). 7. To decrease sag, increase the preload on the spring (refer to page 11 for procedure). Please contact Elka if you cannot achieve the correct sag figures on your shock. Also ensure that the front sag and dampening are equivalent to the rear settings.

E.3 ADJUSTING THE RIDE HEIGHT


Elka Suspension shock absorbers make it possible to adjust the ride height. To extend the rear shock, loosen the jam nut on the shock with a 24mm spanner. To measure the extended lenght, measure the lenght of the thread you can see on the eyelet when the nut is locked.

WARNING
Do not extend the shock more than 10mm from the minimal height.

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>ADJUSTMENTS

11

E) Adjusting the shock


E.4 PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
A preload adjustment ring is located under the head of the shock (see page 8 for details). This ring is used to increase or decrease the initial tension on the spring.

INCREASING THE PRELOAD


To increase the preload on your spring, you need to turn the preload ring clockwise. First, you might need to remove the seat to access the preload ring Then loosen the set-screw on the preload ring using the provided 3mm Allen key. Finally, turn the preload ring clockwise using the provided preload tool. When the adjustment is complete, tighten back the set-screw to lock the preload ring. Increasing the preload will rise the vehicle and increase frame clearance. This will result in a more responsive ride. Be careful not to apply too much preload. This can cause coil binding, which is when the coils of the spring rub against each other under compression. This can damage the spring, the shock and can be dangerous for the rider.

REDUCING THE PRELOAD


To reduce the preload on your spring, you need to turn the preload ring counterclockwise. First, you will need to remove the seat to access the preload ring. Then loosen the set-screw on the preload ring using the provided 3mm Allen key. Finally, turn the preload ring counterclockwise using the provided preload tool. When the adjustment is complete, tighten back the set-screw to lock the preload ring. Reducing the preload will lower the vehicle and decrease frame clearance. This will result in a smoother ride but the bike might come in contact with the ground more often. The preload should always be enough to keep the spring strongly in place.

WARNING
If more than 15 mm of preload is needed to achieve proper sag, it is recommended to change to a higher spring rate. - If sag is not enough without any preload applied to the spring, it is recommended to change to a lighter spring rate. Be careful when adjusting the preload after the engine has been running. The exhaust pipe and shock body can be hot and may cause severe injuries. Be careful and use gloves or proper protection equipment.

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

12

>ADJUSTMENTS

E) Adjusting the shock (continued)


E.5 COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT
The black knob located on the remote reservoir is the compression adjustment. This adjustment controls the hydraulic resistance to high-speed impacts. A harder compression damping will offer more resistance to impacts but will provide a stiffer rider. A softer compression damping will provide a smoother ride but less resistance on impacts. If the compression adjustment is correct, the wheels can achieve maximum travel and traction. When the compression damping is too hard, the ride will be stiff and will not be able to absorb average to major impacts. It is preferable to start with a softer damping and add compression to you liking. This will prevent the rider from getting tired prematurely and will increase comfort and performance.

INCREASING THE COMPRESSION DAMPING


To increase the compression damping (stiffen), you need to turn the knob clockwise. There is a sticker on the knob indicating S and H (soft, hard). Turn towards the H. You should start in the middle of the adjustment. There are 30 clicks of compression adjustment. To adjust properly, turn the knob one click at a time and take a test ride. The adjustment is more sensitive towards the H than the S.

REDUCING THE COMPRESSION DAMPING


To reduce the compression damping (soften), you need to turn the knob counterclockwise. There is a sticker on the knob indicating S and H (soft, hard). Turn towards the S.

WARNING !

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT


It is not possible to check the compression adjustment by only compressing the suspension on the vehicle manually. You must ride the bike to assess the setting. The feeling might be right when bouncing on the seat but it could be very different on the track. Never compensate for a lack of spring strenght by boosting the compression or leaving the knob all the way towards the H setting. If your suspension is too soft with the adjustment above 25 clicks in, you should replace your spring with a higher rate. If the knob appears to be blocked, do not force it. If necessary, contact Elkas Service Department for advice or repairs.

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>ADJUSTMENTS

13

E) Adjusting the shock (continued)


E.6 HIGH- & LOW-SPEED COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT
The dual compression knobs located on the reservoir control the high- and low-speed damping of the shock absorber. Functioning independently, the small gold-coloured knob controls the low-speed setting (when the shafts movement is normal to slower like on g-outs, over small undulations, when cornering and accelerating, etc.) and the large black knob controls the high-speed setting (when the shafts movement is faster upon bigger impacts) When the compression is adjusted correctly, the wheels achieve maximum travel. If the setting is too hard, the wheels will be stiff and the vehicle will not be able to absorb average to severe shocks and the rider will take it.

ADJUSTING THE LOW-SPEED COMPRESSION DAMPING


Use the small GOLD compression adjustment knob to adjust the low-speed compression damping. To increase the compression damping (stiffen), you need to turn the knob clockwise. There is a sticker on the shocks head indicating S and H (soft, hard). Turn towards the H. You should start in the middle of the adjustment. There are about 35 clicks of low-speed compression adjustment. To adjust properly, turn the knob one click at a time and take a test ride. The adjustment is more sensitive towards the H than the S.

ADJUSTING THE HIGH-SPEED COMPRESSION DAMPING


Use the larger BLACK compression adjustment knob to adjust the high-speed compression damping. To increase the compression damping (stiffen), you need to turn the knob clockwise. There is a sticker on the shocks head indicating S and H (soft, hard). Turn towards the H. You should start in the middle of the adjustment. There are about 20 clicks of high-speed compression adjustment. To adjust properly, turn the knob one click at a time and take a test ride. The adjustment is more sensitive towards the H than the S.

WARNING !

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT HIGH- & LOW-SPEED COMPRESSION ADJUSTMENT


It is not possible to check the compression adjustment by only compressing the suspension on the vehicle manually. You must ride the bike over jumps and bumps to assess the setting. The feeling might be right when bouncing on the seat but it could be very different on the track. If the knob appears to be blocked, do not force it. If necessary, contact Elkas Service Department for advice or repairs. Riding speed and compression speed are different. A small obstacle hit when riding at high speed will make the shocks shaft move very fast and will be managed by the high-speed compression damping circuit (black knob). When the high-speed knob (large black knob) is turned, the small gold-coloured knob follows its movement without going out of adjustment and vice versa.

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14

>ADJUSTMENTS

E) Adjusting the shock (continued)


E.7 REBOUND ADJUSTMENT
The rebound adjustment is located on the gold anodized lower shock mount. This adustment controls the speed the shock will return to its initial extended state after being compressed from an impact. If the rebound adjustment is correct, the rear wheel should keep maximum traction by tracking the ground without catapulting the rider off the bike.

INCREASING THE REBOUND DAMPING (SLOWER RETURN)


Turn the adjuster clockwise. There is about 50 clicks of rebound adjustment. You should start in the full fast position of the adjustment. To adjust properly, turn the adjuster one click at a time and take a test ride. The adjustment is more sensitive towards the Slower side than the Faster side. When the rebound setting gets too slow, the shock absorber will not have time to resume to its initial position when a series of close bumps is encountered. In this case, the bike will run out of travel (packing) and may give the impression of a too soft compression adjustment.

REDUCING THE REBOUND DAMPING (FASTER RETURN)


Turn the adjuster counterclockwise. There is about 50 clicks of rebound adjustment. To adjust properly, turn the adjuster one click at a time and take a test ride. The adjustment is more sensitive towards the Slower side than the Faster side. When the rebound adjustment is too fast, the rear end of the bike will kick and move from side to side after hitting a series of close bumps and the rider will feel catapulted by the bike.

Twisting Knob Fork Models

Twisting Knob Eyelet Models

WARNING !

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT REBOUND ADJUSTMENT


Elka is one of the few manufacturers that offers a rebound adjustment that does not affect the compression setting. If the knob appears to be blocked, do not force it. If necessary, contact Elkas Service Department for advice or repairs.
1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

>MAINTENANCE

15

F) Maintenance
F.1 GENERAL MAINTENANCE
A well-maintained shock absorber will last longer and perform better. For cleaning, use a gentle detergent and pay particular attention to areas where debris can become lodged. Do not use any abrasive cleaning products. Maintenance frequency may vary depending on the number of hours the vehicle is driven and the conditions under which it is ridden. Heat, violent impacts, dust, mud and adjustment settings are all factors that need to be taken into consideration in determining the frequency of basic maintenance and oil changes. Elka Suspension recommends sending your shock absorbers to Elka Suspension's service department for quality service, or else dealing with a Elka-certified suspension specialist for all maintenance requirements and oil changes.

CLEANING PROCEDURES

WARNING !

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT CLEANING THE SEAL HEAD


Do not use compressed air when cleaning the seal head as this can damage the seals.

Clean the threads under the preload ring using a soft brush.

Clean around the rebound adjustment knob so that no foreign particles damage the adjustment mechanism.

Remove the compression adjustment knob by unscrewing the Allen type setscrew and pulling on the knob carefully then clean delicately.

Use compressed air to clean beneath the bottom out bumper.

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

16

>MAINTENANCE

F) Maintenance (continued)
F.2 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Elka Suspension recommends that you inspect your shock absorbers before and after each use in order to detect any problems. We also suggest that you entrust Elka Suspension with all your maintenance and repair needs.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
After each use Clean under the bottom-out bumper Clean shock absorber exterior Check hoses for leaks or loosening Check shaft for damage or rust Check seal head for leaks or loosening Check nuts for loosening Check spherical bearings Check spring Change oil, piston and wearband, clean interior parts, check nitrogen pressure Yes Yes Inspect Inspect Inspect Inspect Inspect Inspect End of each season Yes Yes Inspect Inspect Inspect/Replace Inspect Inspect Inspect Annually Yes Yes Inspect Inspect Replace Inspect Inspect Inspect

Replace Replace (each 6 months or each year, depending on usage)

MAINTENANCE LOGBOOK
Use the following space to log the maintenance made to your shock absorbers. DATE MAINTENANCE OPERATION

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

Service Work Order Motorcycle Series


READ FIRST: SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1) Call our Service Department at +1 (450) 655-4855 or 1-800-557-0552 (North America) to get a RGA Number. Our representatives will assist you with further procedures. 2) Fill out this Service Work Order form completely and put it in your package. An incomplete form will cause additional delay. 3) Clean your shocks thoroughly. Use gentle detergent and pay attention to areas where debris can become lodged. 4) Wrap each shock individually before placing them in a box to avoid damage during shipping. ANY DAMAGE OCCURING DURING SHIPPING IS YOUR RESPONSABILITY. Full shipping insurance is recommended. 5) Send your package to the address below through following our representatives recommendations. It is very important to mention that your shocks are sent to be repaired under warranty to allow customs clearance. 6) Turn-around time is usually between 7 to 10 days from the moment we receive your package.

CLIENT & BILLING INFORMATION

YOUR RGA NUMBER:

Name or Company: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________________ Payment method: J Visa J Pro J MasterCard JB JC State: __________________________ Fax: _____________________________ Zip Code / Postal Code: ____________________ Reference Number (if any): _________________ Exp. Date: ________________ J Track Days

J American Express

Card #: _____________________________

Bike Make & Model: _____________________________________________ Rider level: JA J Expert

J Intermediate

Year: ____________________________ Riding Style: J Racing J Beginner

Rider Weight: ___________________

RETURN SHIPPING INFORMATION


Same as billing information (check here): J Name or Company: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ State: __________________________ Zip Code / Postal Code: ____________________

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM(S)


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SHIP TO:

ELKA SUSPENSION, SERVICE DEPARTMENT 1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

Rev. D - 05/18/07

1585-M, De Coulomb, Boucherville, Quebec, Canada J4B 8J7 Fax: +1 (450) 655-2821 Phone: +1 (450) 655-4855 1-800-557-0552 moto@elkasuspension.com www.elkasuspension.com

PR-ROADMANU
Rev. 11/07/08 Printed in Canada

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