P500 Elka stage 1

[The Green Goat]

Fronts and rears?

I think? Hard to remember as it's been a year. It was quite a bit.

 

[Smitty335]

Fronts and rears?

No. If you want to, PM your PH # and I will walk you through the procedure in 2 minutes.

 

[trigger]

I took measurements of ground clearance with the stockers and then set the WE's so I had the same.

 

[futzin]

I took measurements of ground clearance with the stockers and then set the WE's so I had the same.

Yeah, I think I'm gonna reinstall the stockers and do the same...

 

[futzin]

Yeah, I think I'm gonna reinstall the stockers and do the same...

Looks like I need to raise the front 1/2", and lower the rear 3/8" (give or take a sixteenth or two). As measured to the bottom of the frame member at each closest point ... using the Elkas as shipped to me.

 

[trigger]

Looks like I need to raise the front 1/2", and lower the rear 3/8" (give or take a sixteenth or two). As measured to the bottom of the frame member at each closest point ... using the Elkas as shipped to me.

And after a ride they tend to sag and settle. Will probably require more adjustment until they and you find their happy place.

 

[futzin]

Done, until a test ride.

11" to bottom of frame at all four corners.
Same as my 520, as it turned out.

We'll see what the ride quality is like.

 

[futzin]

Happy after yesterday's ride. No more shocks bottoming out, no more scraping where it shouldn't.
Still happy with ride quality as well.

 

[Nebraskabob]

I'm new to the sxs world but have always had a utility ATV. Just picked up a used p5 last week and I'm thinking about new shocks. I rode the big kawasaki mule pro the other day and loved how smooth it was at slow speeds. Does anyone know how stage 1s would compare to something like that?

 

[Red500]

I'm new to the sxs world but have always had a utility ATV. Just picked up a used p5 last week and I'm thinking about new shocks. I rode the big kawasaki mule pro the other day and loved how smooth it was at slow speeds. Does anyone know how stage 1s would compare to something like that?

Good question.
Welcome to the club from East Tennessee.

 

[The Green Goat]

I'm new to the sxs world but have always had a utility ATV. Just picked up a used p5 last week and I'm thinking about new shocks. I rode the big kawasaki mule pro the other day and loved how smooth it was at slow speeds. Does anyone know how stage 1s would compare to something like that?

Doubt they would help much at low speeds as there isn't much spring real estate for variable rates. The Walker Evans, which are similar to the Elkas are known for needing to be pushed hard to feel the difference. They're still rough at low speeds, IMO.

 

[Nebraskabob]

Doubt they would help much at low speeds as there isn't much spring real estate for variable rates. The Walker Evans, which are similar to the Elkas are known for needing to be pushed hard to feel the difference. They're still rough at low speeds, IMO.

So I likely wouldn't see much difference at 5 to 15 mph?

 

[osobad]

I'm new to the sxs world but have always had a utility ATV. Just picked up a used p5 last week and I'm thinking about new shocks. I rode the big kawasaki mule pro the other day and loved how smooth it was at slow speeds. Does anyone know how stage 1s would compare to something like that?

They will be a big improvement over stock shocks, but they are a set it and forget it as far as adjustments go except for preload. They have to decide were the sweet spot is for most riders. the stage one have most of the improvement at higher speeds and bottoming out. Still big improvement over stock

 

[osobad]

So I likely wouldn't see much difference at 5 to 15 mph?

Depends on what your expectations are. The sxs will be more composed all round but I would not say they will be plush at low speeds with sharp edge type bumps. Much better than stock. I would say they might feel stiff to you but not harsh if that makes sense.

 

[futzin]

I'm new to the sxs world but have always had a utility ATV. Just picked up a used p5 last week and I'm thinking about new shocks. I rode the big kawasaki mule pro the other day and loved how smooth it was at slow speeds. Does anyone know how stage 1s would compare to something like that?

Smooth is not really a word that will likely be oft used in the same sentence with P5, even with aftermarket shocks. Very much improved, absolutely yes.

Doubt they would help much at low speeds as there isn't much spring real estate for variable rates. The Walker Evans, which are similar to the Elkas are known for needing to be pushed hard to feel the difference. They're still rough at low speeds, IMO.

They will be a big improvement over stock shocks, but they are a set it and forget it as far as adjustments go except for preload. They have to decide were the sweet spot is for most riders. the stage one have most of the improvement at higher speeds and bottoming out. Still big improvement over stock

Depends on what your expectations are. The sxs will be more composed all round but I would not say they will be plush at low speeds with sharp edge type bumps. Much better than stock. I would say they might feel stiff to you but not harsh if that makes sense.

Agree, x3.

Welcome, from Kentucky. Congrats on your purchase. Post a pic of it if you get the chance!

 

[osobad]

Smooth is not really a word that will likely be oft used in the same sentence with P5, even with aftermarket shocks. Very much improved, absolutely yes.





Agree, x3.

Welcome, from Kentucky. Congrats on your purchase. Post a pic of it if you get the chance!

Nice way to put it

 

[Nebraskabob]

Earlier I went by the local power sports store and tried to get a gauge on the stiffness of the smaller sxs. Wow the mule pro is soft,l. My p5 was much stiffer than anything else it looked at. I think I'll just put some more hours on mine and really pay attention to the ride at different speeds.

 

[The Green Goat]

My p5 was much stiffer than anything else it looked at.

That's because its designed to be taken off jumps.

 

[Nebraskabob]

That's because its designed to be taken off jumps.

I understand that.