Has anybody put Elka Stage II shocks on a 2021 RTL? Spring down, or up?

[Rdrnr]

Has anybody put these shocks on a 2021 RTL? They say spring down but it looks like it’s gonna hit the plastic trim on the upper A arm

 

[kbirdsong]

Spring down works just fine. I put them on my 2022 RTL last winter.

 

[Rdrnr]

Spring down works just fine. I put them on my 2022 RTL last winter.

You like them? They don’t rub on the plastic?

 

[kbirdsong]

You like them? They don’t rub on the plastic?

Love them. I added those and the Baja Ron ultimate sway bar and it made a huge difference. No rubbing at all.

 

[Mikey]

I don't think it matters which way you turn them, but getting to the dampening screw will matter. Put that where you can get to it if you want to make any adjustments!

 

[kbirdsong]

I don't think it matters which way you turn them, but getting to the dampening screw will matter. Put that where you can get to it if you want to make any adjustments!

You are correct. It doesn't matter, getting to the adjustment is exactly why they recommend spring down if I remember the install video I watched on the LaMonster Garage site.

 

[400web]

I have just fitted a pair to my 2022 RTL and the instructions said to fit them spring down so that's what I did. Very happy with the handling and makes it easier to steer, even with the same tyres.

 

[Rdrnr]

Ya it’s just strange how close the spring is to the plastic a arm trim piece

 

[KX5062]

I had them on my 2014RT and mounted them spring down. No issue. Combined with the Baja Ron sway bar, the bike handled excellently.

 

[BajaRon]

Nitrogen filled shocks can be mounted either direction. The main reason (other than access to adjustments) is that you want to reduce Unsprung Weight. Which is the total mass or weight of a vehicle's components that are not supported by the suspension system, including the wheels, tires, axles, and brake assemblies. Reducing unsprung weight improves a vehicle's ride quality, traction, and performance because it reduces the inertia the suspension must control, allowing the springs and shocks to work more efficiently to keep the wheels in contact with the road.

Since the piston rod is much lighter, and therefore easier to move and change direction than the much heavier shock body and hydraulic fluid, this reduces the unsprung weight giving you the better performance that you expect from your aftermarket shocks.

 

[Rdrnr]

My only reason for asking was cause on my RTL (2021) the spring is practically touching the plastic upper A arm cover. Thanks for the answer. I put them on “upside” down and I don't see any rubbing.

 

[BajaRon]

My only reason for asking was cause on my RTL (2021) the spring is practically touching the plastic upper A arm cover. Thanks for the answer. I put them on “upside” down and I don't see any rubbing.

Yes, we have the same possible issue with our shocks. BRP changed the clearance in 2020 and later models. The spring comes closest to the lower edge of the A-Arm plastic beauty panel. The underside can be trimmed away (carefully) without affecting the visible, upper portion. And therefore, the cosmetic appearance can remain untouched while giving you the small additional clearance, assuring that the spring will never rub.