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Adjustments Logbook
Use the following space to log the adjustments made to your shock absorber.
DATE
TRACK
REBOUND
PRELOAD
RIDE HEIGHT
>INTRODUCTION
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
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
> S A F E T Y WA R N I N G S
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
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).
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
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
Shock Head Bridge Preload Ring Set Screw Shock Body Spring Seal Head
Banjo Bolt
Hose
Shaft 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
> 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
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
>ADJUSTMENTS
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.
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
>ADJUSTMENTS
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.
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
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>ADJUSTMENTS
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.
WARNING
Do not extend the shock more than 10mm from the minimal height.
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
>ADJUSTMENTS
11
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
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>ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING !
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
>ADJUSTMENTS
13
WARNING !
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
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>ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING !
>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 !
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.
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
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>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
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
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 #: _____________________________
J Intermediate
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