I'm just curious if anyone is running the Bitubo rear shock and what they think of it. I've been happy with the cartridges in the front, but can't recall anybody mentioning they had the rear done up.
Right. I guess that's a big fat NOPE!! Those with the Elka 3-way then, how are they holding up and performing?
Elka 3 way is awesome. Worth every penny. My only complaint would be the remote/hydraulic preload adjuster. Keeps blowing out. I'm going to remove mine and wouldn't spend the extra $$$ again.
got a wilbers 3 way working good so far, when rebuild time comes will have them boost the high spd comp some, but am happy with it as is on the 658.
Blows the seal out of the adjuster screw end or do you mean the end around the shock body?? Have they been taking care of you? (I mean customer service wise, not hookers and blow.)
It's the collar between the spring and the locknuts on the shock body. It has been repaired once, but blew out again. I'm sure the shop I'm dealing with would continue to repair it under warranty, but it's just a pain in the ass. I don't frequently mess w/ the preload, so I'm going to get rid of the remote assembly. It only takes a few minutes to adjust the old school way. The adjustment knob is just waiting to get torn off in an unplanned rest period anyway.
Are they running a progressive spring on there? Otherwise I would think the preload is a moot point anyhow.
You still can utilize preload to fine tune suspension position (and to a lesser degree,ride height) even if you have a progressive spring.
Sure, but you generally overcome preload as soon as you flop your ass on the seat, right? I'm wondering a few things like that to myself lately... another is whether or not I can find a spring that is soft enough to compress a bit and help me crack the front end up a little easier when needed, as well as track a bit better on the heavy washboard but without going too soft (as in the original) that I bottom the thing constantly. I'm sort of hoping some better valving in an aftermarket shock and a spring set to my spec will work better than either the stocker or the stock shock/hyperpro progressive I have now. Most guys are cranky over their front end, but I'm finding I dislike the rear handling more than ever lately.
Hey huckleberry, which Wilbers model have you got ? I want to upgrade the suspension on my bike and am looking around. What did you do on the front end ? Thinking of intimidators(sp?) or otherwise a new set of forks...
i have the 3 way adj. with the hyd preload adj. works well! Up front i used intiminators also just don't cut the spacer install and check sag, then see if you have to cut spacer this way the ride is firm great on road not plush off at very slow speeds but 50 mph on dirt roads is great! I'd love to get a set of clamps for a set of 43 mm cartridge forks off an xr or drz and have set to the same travel as stock and try!
I don't suppose someone with the Elka shock could post up a picture of the bike from either side? Well, especially the right side. I'm looking to see where the adjustments line up and where the reservoir is mounted if it's not piggybacked. Thanks boys.