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Posted by: dhines
Lonestarbanshee,
I would strongly recommend the Elka's. I have rarely dealt with a company that produces a finer product or that takes better care of their customers. I am currently running a set of their fully adjustable fronts and a reworked rear on my 400EX. The quality of construction is second to none and the performance is outstanding. I've ridden on Works, TCS, Custom Axis, and the Elka's are as good or better than all of them.
If you do decide to purchase Elka's you will do yourself a big favor to call them directly in Canada. Martin and the rest of the guys there are some of the best people I've ever worked with in this industry. They will take the time to make sure that you get the right shocks and will be there for you when you need support. The only thing that may throw you off at first is that they answer the phone in French (they're in Quebec), but they speak perfect English too!
Feel free to email me with any questions. I rarely go out of my way to promote a company like this, but these guys are truly the best.
Regards,
Dennis
hinesdm@hotmail.com
Posted by: mxer
DONT BUY THE ELKAS DIRECT!!!!! It will cost you alot more $$. I got my triple rate, ssd, remote resivors front elkas for 735 from CD racing. www.cdraingonline. He can also get you housers.
matt
Posted by: retro
I got my Elkas in 3 weeks straight from Elka. They are an awesome company, call Mark or Martin at 1-405-655-4855. Their website is http://www.elkasuspension.com/eng/profil.html.
Somehow Elka forgot to send me the spacers for the rear shock so I called them. I couldn't believe it when I got them the NEXT DAY in the mail!
PEP's are good shocks and all the pros do use them, but I'm sure their shocks are worked on by PEP and setup for each track. Works and PEP use the same old technology.
So far I like mine MUCH better than my Works triple rates! I just have to get them dialed in more.
ERIC
Posted by: retro
I went straight through Elka and got the 3 SSD shocks with all the bells and whistles for $1375 to my door. I thought it was a pretty good price.
ERIC
Posted by: retro
I got a letter from Elka last week reguarding a recall on their rear shocks built in the past 2 months or so for the 400EX, Raptor, 250R, Cannondales, and maybe Banshee. I sent mine in even though there wasn't anything wrong with it. Of course everything was free of charge. They said there were a few instances where the bottom shock mount was weak.
I think this just goes to show how great of a company Elka is.
ERIC
Posted by: norm440EX
I just got my Elka Triple Rates w/ Rezzys in the the mail yesterday, the quality is awesome, I got them through www.c&dracing.com in about three weeks, I haven't mounted them up yet because I am still waiting for my A-arms. I ordered +2+1 250R A-arms from a new company called Herrmann Racing, They are a wild looking design, all chromoly, TIG-welded, and powdercoated in any color. They gave me an awesome deal since they are new and trying to get their product out to the public. It took about three weeks to get them. Check out their website: www.herrmannracing.com
Posted by: rhino99
TCS Shocks are using the Elka bodies and upgrading them. I have the old works bodies TCS fronts and even they are awesome, with my new Elka body rear, there is just no comparison. I think that you would be very happy with the TCS shocks, I have NEVER bottomed them, have bottomed my frame, but never the shocks. With the 5/8" shafts they have to be even better! As for PEP, they make their own bodies, in fact their internals are MUCH different than works or Elka. They use some sort of shim stacks to move the fluid or something, I read a description of how they worked once but dont quite remember, either way, its way different than any of the others you are considering.
Go with any of them, TCS, Elka or PEP and you will be VERY happy. However, my friend who races National open A class told me the other day he wished he had a set of TCS shocks, and right now hes running PEP ZPS.
Posted by: mx87trx
Lonestar,
I would go with the Elka shocks. I have the new TCS zero pre load triples, and I love them. The reason that I say to go with Elka is because Elka is making TCS now and the Elka are less money for the same performance, if not better. As far as the a-arms I will suggest ET Performance. I have dealt with Billy and his shop many times and have yet to be let down. He is based out of N. Carolina. The a-arms he is producing are hands down the best you will ever buy for the money, and they know this...they are garuanteed for LIFE. For an honest comparison they are comparible to the Roll Lobo II's. If you are interested I can give you his number, just PM me. He doesnt have a website, but trust me once you call him and start talking to him you will be glad that you did.
Posted by: mx87trx
I will agree with the others about buying direct from Elka...DONT DO IT. I can get you a great deal on them from ET, just let me know. And if you are still undecided on the a-arms give them a call, I cant stress enough how happy you will be.
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
I think I've got the Banshee's suspension sold, so I'm going to try and score some for the 250. I went with Lonestar a arms, and Works shocks on the Banshee, but I'm going to step it up this time. I definately want a no preload shock setup, with +2+1 A Arms. But which ones? 2 years ago, there was no question. Laeger/Lonestar with PEP shocks were the best made... Now, there are Burgard, Houser, TCS, Elka..
Everyone I have talked to say that Elka's are excellent shocks. I would like some info on them. For those of you who had dealings with them, how is the customer service? Elka's are somewhat cheaper(not much, but anything helps) than PEP's, and PEP has quite a waiting list. Custom Axis is a little too pricey for me, but do you really get what you pay for at almost $3000 worth of shocks?? I was pleased with the price/performance of my Works!
Now for A-Arms. I'd love to get some Roll Designs.. buuut, Hey I'm a racer. I can't afford them! Same way with Walsh's. I have been looking at Houser's website for the past hour, and I think they are the best bang for the buck. I want a chrome top, and red powdercoat bottom. Housers site says $565 for that. I was very pleased with my Lonestars, but the grease zerk on the bottom joint sucked! Had to take the wheels off every time you grease it(which is quite frequently). Laeger's have a serious ball joint issue, and they're ruled out. Pro Traxx system is good, T Pin is okay, but I'd rather go a different direction. Any other ideas? American Stars are cheap peices of junk, and I wouldn't consider them unless they were given to me.
So what setup sounds good? I was leaning towards PEP ZPS's and Housers, but Elka's are looking more appealing by the minute. The Elka SSD's are $750ish, and are gaining a very good reputation.
Okay, well, enough of this long post. Any help? Thanks
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
Aarens! That's the other name I was trying to remember last night. I somehow neglected to put that in there.
89rman, TCS has a proven reputation, good customer ratings, and all the other numbers(including price) that sound good. I have heard very little negative feedback from TCS customers. I, however; am looking for something a little "newer". I like everything that Elka brings to the table. The SSD, preload, comp., and rebound adjustments are a must. I understand everyone else offers them, but.. I guess what I'm trying to ask is to prove me NOT to buy Elka's. My mind is somewhat made-up, but I am very open to opinions. How long do TCS's last until they need refreshening? I would like to get a season or two out of them, before sending them in. I also am interested in a rear shock ZPS conversion. Does anyone know how much those are? I'm not a mix-n-match kind of guy. I would like to pick one company, and stick with them.
The same goes for A-Arms. I was pleased with my Lonestars, but I do not think they are worth $200 more than Housers. I have yet to price Timmy Boy's. Everyone that uses them say they love them. Are they camber/castor adjustable? The DS guys seem to have problems setting the toe-in with them. How much would a powdercoated bottom and chromed top run?
Ugly: Did Lonestar not spawn out of JD Performance? I have thought about them as well. $445 is a very good price, and very attractive. The only 'con' about them are that American Star's are priced at $445 as well, and with them, you DEFINATELY get what you pay for. Are JD's the same? Again, camber/castor adjustable? Are the WP shocks a ZPS style? I have made my mind up that the Swan MX bumps are too much for non ZPS style, and am definately going with them.
I do not intend to mix-n-match(as mentioned) products. If I buy Houser A-Arms, I will buy a Houser swingarm, stem, etc etc. I will give Aarens a hard look too. Do they have a website?
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
I've heard numerous times that all of these shock manufactuers use Ohlins internals. I run single rate Ohlins now, and am strongly disappointed in them. The internals are great, but they aren't much of an "upgrade". I will get in touch with Wayne at PEP, Elka, and TCS. Once I talk to them, and read all these replies, I'll make a decision. It isn't easy! I almost lost all my hair trying to decide what to put no the Banshee!
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
I was checking out JD's website. They seem to be a really good company. I really like the option they give you of sending your arms back for an inspection, and powdercoating. Now if it was only free.. I suspect I will be giving them a call soon. The A-Arms I would buy are $620 though.($445 plus $175 chroming)
I also looked at Lonestars website. Same steel as JD and all the rest. What makes LSR so much better? I understand they have the "good" name, but quantity doesn't always equal quality.
If it wasn't for all of the Elka praises, I would go with PEP in a heartbeat. I would like to hear from someone with the 5/8" shaft TCS's.
I hate to babble on, but over $2000 is somewhat important in my category.(financail wise at the least) Thanks for all the help!
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
Dirt wheels did a test on JD performance A-arms about a year ago.So maybe check that out or at
www.jdperformanceatv.com
I forgot the 'atv' at the end of it. Took me to a Polaris website. I was quite worriedBR>
dude if you want some of the trickest new a-arms around you need to check out the following site.never have you seen a-arms like this. check it out.trick a-arms for your 250r,400ex,or banshee
Yes, you are right. I have NEVER seen any like that. I saw a set on ebay for $350, and a whole chassis for less than $2000. I understand they are a new company, and just trying to start a business, but I will steer clear of a 1st year product. Thanks for the link anyways, I enjoyed reading about their products.
Back to shocks.. If TCS used Elka bodies, and are now upgrading to 5/8" shaft, does that not mean that TCS is stepping above Elka? LT80(thanks jack!) said that Elka is in the process of designing a new body, so I will wait to see what is coming from them. My crazy work schedule doesn't allow me to call around(1-8 usually), so most of my homework is done around 9pm on the net. Does Elka have a website? I would love to read about their product.
dhines, I added you to my MSN Messenger list. If you do not have the messenger, it will just make it easier for me to shoot you an email. If anyone else uses AOL or MSN, my AOL name is Texas250R, and my MSN address is screamin350@hotmail.com Thanks for your help.
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
Well, I haven't thought about it much today. retro gave up a pic of his 250R with Elka/Lonestars. It looks dang good. The craftsmanship on them looked to be top notch.
I have just about made my mind up to go with Houser A-Arms. After looking at JD's prices, Hermman's design, and everything else I want in a product, I think Houser is the best to suit me. They're cheaper, and are building the basis of a good company, and starting a reputation of taking care of their customers. I enjoy doing business with such a company. It makes spending my money a pleasure(that doesn't happen much either)
As for shocks... Ahh, Im still undecided. TCS, Elka, or PEP... The hair loss continues!
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
Hmm.. $1800 PEP's, $700 Laegers, plus a 6 month wait.. or $1800 Elka's and $560 Housers and a 6 week wait?
I understand what you're saying. PEP has been the best for a VERY long time. However, the very long time that PEP has been the best, there were no other shock makers offering a ZPS unit. The Elka full race (SSD, comp/rebound/preload adjustable) shocks are $995, and the dual rate race(same specs as fronts) is $785. Elka now has a webstie.. You can check it out HERE
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
Well, my R is now running. Pulled it together tonight! I'm happy as a pig in mud!
YoDaddy just couldn't understand the smile on my face when it busted off. After a crank-up rebuild, its amazing it runs.
OH, YoDaddy. The vibration: the counter balancer wasn't on timing. We lined up the dots, and everything worked great.
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
I've decided to stick with my 1st choice. Elka/Houser. I have emailed both a couple times, and Elka seems to be an awesome company. $885 for SSD fronts and $375 for an SSD rear conversion. $695 for a dual rate SSD.
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
I'm gonna go with Elka's. I played with a Banshee's rear Elka last night.. SWEET shock! 3" of sag. Very nice!
Posted by: lonestarbanshee
retro, thanks for the update. I'm glad they are standing behind their products. 1 more "pro" on the list.
Posted by: 2fiftyX
Does JD's have a web site? If so what is it? Thanks.
Posted by: PaRoostR
89rman
<< ...For instance, they started building their own shock bodies and upgraded the shaft to 5/8 inch shaft. >>
TCS use Elka's body.
Posted by: PaRoostR
<< PaRoostR
Are you asking if they use ELKA'S body or are you saying that they do?
I believe TCS makes their own, but I could be mistaken. They may very well use ELKA'S.
Regardless,it is well built and stands up to abuse.
Just one guy's opinion. >>
I was saying that as a statement and I am very sure they use them… They previously had been using works bodies.
Posted by: ugly
I am not sure if U have considered JD performance A-arms or not.I have them and I think they are great.A couple of freinds of mine has leagers and seem to be very similar.I think I remember a guy that used to work for leagers started JD performance.And for 445 bucks for +2+1's.They aren't to bad.
I have white bro's white power shocks.They have piggyback res's and are fully adjustable.I paid 700 for all three shocks used so it wasn't that bad of a deal.
Also what about Aren's?Whenever I build my next R I will be using Aren's everything.
86 trx250r
97 300ex
Posted by: ugly
My dadI love my Jd performance's.Like I said my buddy had leager's and my JD's where alittle more adjustable.All the welds are perfect.The only downfall is that the ball joints and bearings where the bolt goes through the frame don't have zerks.So U have to keep those lubed up.I know U want this so maybe these are not for U.I really love mine.
So far I happy with my shocks.They are definitly better than stockers and works.But on one jump at the track that I race at I bottom everytime.This is a 5th gear pinned downhill jump that U land on an upslope.So it is pretty crazy.I rode my buddies bike and he had custom axis's and they where so freakin awesome.I couldn't believe it.I will definitly go with them next R I build.
I heard that a guy that worked for leagers started JD performance.So I have not heard anything about lonestar.
Dirt wheels did a test on JD performance A-arms about a year ago.So maybe check that out or at
www.jdperformanceatv.com
Posted by: ugly
I listed them web-site at the end of my last post.But here it is again.
www.jdperformanceatv.com
Posted by: ugly
I will add u to my buddy list.My name is TrX250r86racer.So if I IM you will know who it is.
86 trx250r wiseco .020 piston,boyesen reeds,FMF gold series pipe and silencer,Dg alloy series nerfs,JD performance +2+1 A-arms,durablue eliminator 2+2 axle,white bro's white power shocks with adjustable piggybacks,WP rear shock with adjustable remote res,durablue posi loc axle nut,renthal trx250r bend handlebars,AC stadium series front bumper,Uni filter,pro design kill switch,nac's casesaver,PEP easy pull clutch lever and perch,fastline braided steel brake lines,braking brake pads,fully polished motor,18/11/8 holeshot mx's on mitchell .190's,21/7/10 holeshots on ITP .190's.
Currently under going metamorphisis!
Posted by: quadMXer70
I'm running TCS 'SCS' shocks (front and rear) and I love them. After a full season of racing, I thought maybe I needed to upgrade to something better (like PEP or Custom AXIS), but I had them rebuilt about 2 weeks ago and that's all they needed. New oil, gas, and seals, and they're like brand new again. I'm glad I bought them... they were great for the money. ELKA shocks are pretty good, too. You won't go wrong with either TCS or Elka shocks.
I'm running JD Performance a-arms, and for $445, they were well worth it. JD Performance is very friendly and you don't have to wait months to get your a-arms. I'm sure Arens makes a good set of a-arms, but if they are as slow at shipping out their a-arms as they are their frames, you'll be waiting forever.
------------
Bottom Line:
Shocks - TCS or Elka
A-arms - JD or Houser
(and I'd also recommend a no-link rear setup.)
Posted by: MXBUBS1
Been there, rode that, broke that. Liked my Axis, now Im giving Elka a try. I am also giving Herrmann racing a try. He makes a neat looking long travel. The first set made is mine, you can see them at herrmannracing.com. If you are going with +2, get the JD's. Best dollar value. JD's and Elka, thats my vote.
On scale of 1-10
on what I have rode
Walsh long travel with TCS-7
PEP with Lonestar long trave-7
Axis with +2 burgards-8
Works on Laegers +2=6
Giving Elkas a try.
Posted by: MXBUBS1
I got Long travel 19", triple rate, dual adjustable elka fronts, and dual rate, dual adjustable rear, to my door......$1550.......400$ below retail.......How? Pick 3 dealers and haggle them against each other....
Posted by: fast400ex16
I Just spent the last year making the decision you are about to make. I race a 400ex and I Decided to tackle the suspention before the motor, go with the PEP ZPS, this is the system i went with. Take a look at most of the pros what system are they running PEP ZPS, I know that zps may be right for me and not you but you are never going to know if you don't ride'em. But PEP is a wanted builder, I ordered my ZPS's in January and they said it will be four to five months before i get them. Also PEP Gives you a set of shockwears, this is a great gift considering the crap they keep out of your seals. The price is very expensive BUY SHOCKS FROM YOUR SPONSORS, I have sponsorship from Nac's Racing and let's just say i saved a boat load of $$$. I also purchased my A-Arms from Nac's I bought Laegers, Let me tell you they are the highest quality units i have seen, they have raised thier prices 21% but they come standared powercoated in red. Laegers has resolved thier ball joint issue, that is why they raised thier prices these ball joints look like they are off of a damn s-10. But since you are considering all of these top of the line companies make sure you are getting what you want and not what you can settle with. Call NAC'S Racing and they will hook you up, who knows maby since you are placing such a big order they might cut you a deal nacsracing.com. the wait on PEP ZPS is fround 4-5 months and Laegers is about 3 weeks from nac's maby less.
Posted by: YoDaddy
Dude... go with the Elka's and as for the a-arms... He// I don't know. I'm prolly gonna try to buy Lonestars one day. I would like to go with Walsh but I would have to save up for like 2 years (on my salary anyways).
Posted by: YoDaddy
It's not that I didn't understand, but rather, I know you have got one BAD ASS R but I don't want you to know that I think so. So I guess the secret is out... I think the R is fockin sweet. There, I admit it Hope you get it all ready for Wed. night at badlands. I'll be wishing I was there while I'm at work .. I'm gonna kick your @ss at Fourstates though, so it's all good
Posted by: elsancho
look into timmyboy designs a-arms.. as for shocks ive only ran TCS so i have nothing to compare them too. but i am very pleased with them
Posted by: 89trx2fiddy
Mxer--that seems to be the situation. If you buy directly from Elka the price is significantly higher. They told me $995 for triple rate fully adjustable fronts. I know I have seen them cheaper than that.
Posted by: 89trx2fiddy
Mxer--What is CD racings web address I tried cdracingonline.com and it did`nt work.
Thanks
Posted by: 89rman
The TCS no preload shocks are awesome! I have a set on my R and love them. I motocross as well and havent had any problems. The customer service is real good and they stand behind their shocks. They soak up the big jumps and smooth out the whoops and the rough stuff. You outta give them a call, the prices are competitive with PEP, ELKA and the most expensive WORKS. I have adjustable triple rate and gave $850. The best investment made on my R since I bought it and helped my lap times dramatically.
Posted by: 89rman
Hey LONESTARBANSHEE, I forgot to tell you that the design for the TCS triple rate is new. I got a set of them early summer last year (late MAY) and it was a whole new design. For instance, they started building their own shock bodies and upgraded the shaft to 5/8 inch shaft. PEP orders their shock bodies from WORKS. TCS used to do the same but not now. TCS and CUSTOM AXIS both use the 5/8 shaft and that is really a plus if you are going to MX. The adjustable ride height and no preload on the TCS make cornering so much faster. I weigh about 205 and have never bottomed them out. I have cleared 60ft doubles and 70ft tabletops and they soak it up. Not bragging on myself whatsoever, cause that nothing to the pro's. But I am bragging on the shocks! I cant convince you to buy what I got, but just wanted to give you a little info about them. My brother in law is ordering himself a set for his R. He was also very impressed with the new design. You might give TCS a call and ask more about the changes and upgrades I talked about. I think you are right on track with the brands you have mentioned being interessted in. Mine are compression ajustable but not rebound. They told me that rebound is mostly for TT and I dont flattrack of any kind. They have all the necessary adjustment options that you have mentioned, preload, comp, and rebound. It is up to you whether you want the rebound adjustment, but they custom build them the way you want them. I am not sure on the refreshening of the shocks, but you might also ask them that. I figured I would send mine back when they started to fade or bottoming out. Check all the options out their and do research on each brand and get what you feel best about. GOOD LUCK!
ps. If there is anything I have left out, ask me and I will try to answer the best I can. Let me know.
Posted by: 89rman
PaRoostR
Are you asking if they use ELKA'S body or are you saying that they do?
I believe TCS makes their own, but I could be mistaken. They may very well use ELKA'S.
Regardless,it is well built and stands up to abuse.
Just one guy's opinion.
Posted by: killerkx327
dude if you want some of the trickest new a-arms around you need to check out the following site.never have you seen a-arms like this. check it out.trick a-arms for your 250r,400ex,or banshee
Posted by: 485fullbore485
I recenty just ordered Gibson a-arms from k and k, and Axis long travel shocks, with adj preload, and comp, and rebound. They are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I highly recccomend these a-arms amd shocks, there is no bump steer. Ive jumped a few times with them already and they are great. Go wtih Gibson. FOR a pic of my quad go here
MY 250r
