P500 Pioneer 520 Elka stage 3 fitment

[Jdub74]

So I recently bought a 520 since this was a good way to get my wife outdoors in a fun, less physical way, it also quickly became apparent that speed is where it’s at for me. Hence the shocks. I’m pretty sure that length has not changed from the 500. The only concern is the muffler, which is now real close to where the shock reservoir will be and I’m concerned about available space and possible heat issues. Anyone out there with this set up? Thanks ELKA 3 don’t have a hose on the rear set☹️

 

[stobiadas]

I just ordered Elka stage 2....think I got lucky as I didn't think about the clearance by the muffler. Almost ordered stage 3 but couldn't justify the cost as I just don't need all the adjustments. Once dialed in I will never touch it again. Build time is 10 to 12 weeks at this point so it will be a long wait.

 

[Jdub74]

So I was just informed by Racing Power Sports that ELKA stage 3 shocks won’t fit the 520 and the order was canceled . Guess I’ll get in line for the Walker Evans.
BTW did you order directly from ELKA? Did you specify the year of your machine to them? Thanks


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[stobiadas]

So I was just informed by Racing Power Sports that ELKA stage 3 shocks won’t fit the 520 and the order was canceled . Guess I’ll get in line for the Walker Evans.
BTW did you order directly from ELKA? Did you specify the year of your machine to them? Thanks


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I put in an order with Elka for stage 2 a few days ago. I really hope there won't be any fitment issues. Did Racing Power Sports specify why the stage 3 won't fit? I'm wondering now if I pulled the trigger too soon...

 

[stobiadas]

I ordered based on pioneer 500 listed on their site and specified I have the new 520. They didn't come back and say there would be fitment issues, and yes I ordered directly from Elca in Canada.

 

[Jdub74]

I just ordered Elka stage 2....think I got lucky as I didn't think about the clearance by the muffler. Almost ordered stage 3 but couldn't justify the cost as I just don't need all the adjustments. Once dialed in I will never touch it again. Build time is 10 to 12 weeks at this point so it will be a long wait.

Went with ELKA’s on Amazon where it says they’ll ship in 6 to 10 days. If that doesn’t happen I might as well go with Walker Evans. With WE there are more options to mount due to hose. 🤗

I ordered based on pioneer 500 listed on their site and specified I have the new 520. They didn't come back and say there would be fitment issues, and yes I ordered directly from Elca in Canada.

I’m guessing Racing Power Sports who ever they are (Amazon vendor) didn’t want the liability of not fitting since ELKA themselves aren’t guaranteeing fit. I believe that someone here took the measurements of the 520 and if was identical to the 500. So I don’t think it will be an issue there. Caution is advised since from what I understand they’re not returnable.
My only real concern was the external reservoir on stage 3’ being close to muffler heat shield which could negate the benefit of having it in the first place. I was going for 3’s for larger oil capacity/cooler operation and longevity the adjustment was just a cherry on top.

 

[Jdub74]

Went with ELKA’s on Amazon where it says they’ll ship in 6 to 10 days. If that doesn’t happen I might as well go with Walker Evans. With WE there are more options to mount due to hose. 🤗

I’m guessing Racing Power Sports who ever they are (Amazon vendor) didn’t want the liability of not fitting since ELKA themselves aren’t guaranteeing fit. I believe that someone here took the measurements of the 520 and if was identical to the 500. So I don’t think it will be an issue there. Caution is advised since from what I understand they’re not returnable.
My only real concern was the external reservoir on stage 3’ being close to muffler heat shield which could negate the benefit of having it in the first place. I was going for 3’s for larger oil capacity/cooler operation and longevity

I ordered based on pioneer 500 listed on their site and specified I have the new 520. They didn't come back and say there would be fitment issues, and yes I ordered directly from Elca in Canada.

BTW Are you in Canada? If not why aren’t you going with W.E.’s. Functionally same as ELKA stage 3, but priced as stage 2. I went with ELKA thinking I can get em 6 weeks sooner. 😅

 

[Jdub74]

One last thing, ELKA asked about my weight, passenger weight, what I’m hauling, what type of riding I do. Leading me to believe that custom spring preload and valving is in the cards. W.E. asks no such questions ☹️

 

[stobiadas]

I went through the same process. Had to give all the info including extra load being carried and weight of the winch etc....
They are custom building for each application.
You'd think that if they put that much effort into their products they would research fitment issues as well.

 

[stobiadas]

And yes I'm in Canada about an hour away from Elkas facility, so shipping is a non issue unlike trying to get stuff through customs. I ordered a glovebox from crossroads 3d and waited for over a month to get it.

 

[Aerolite]

I believe that someone here took the measurements of the 520 and if was identical to the 500. So I don’t think it will be an issue there.

That was me, I posted in a thread I made in Pioneer 500 Accessories and Modifications.
I measured the bolts and sleeve lengths myself and then sent Elka an email asking what the sizes were. Received an email back, and all bolt size and sleeve width's are the same as on the 520. Extended length of the shocks is 10mm longer on fronts and 6mm longer on rear which is not a factor.
The reservoir will sit towards the outside of the shock. The rep could not provide me with the distance from the bolt center, to a line drawn across from the top of the dial on the reservoir to the shock, so I could see if it would clear that frame member. We need 1.5 inches. I printed out a pic of the shock and scaled the dimension myself and got approx 2.25 inches so should not be a problem. I like not having to mount the reservoir remotely like on the WE's. If I have to wait the full 10 weeks for them to arrive, I won't see them until July 26. Hopefully will get them sooner. Will post as soon as I get them installed. Then we will know for sure.

 

[Jdub74]

That was me, I posted in a thread I made in Pioneer 500 Accessories and Modifications.
I measured the bolts and sleeve lengths myself and then sent Elka an email asking what the sizes were. Received an email back, and all bolt size and sleeve width's are the same as on the 520. Extended length of the shocks is 10mm longer on fronts and 6mm longer on rear which is not a factor.
The reservoir will sit towards the outside of the shock. The rep could not provide me with the distance from the bolt center, to a line drawn across from the top of the dial on the reservoir to the shock, so I could see if it would clear that frame member. We need 1.5 inches. I printed out a pic of the shock and scaled the dimension myself and got approx 2.25 inches so should not be a problem. I like not having to mount the reservoir remotely like on the WE's. If I have to wait the full 10 weeks for them to arrive, I won't see them until July 26. Hopefully will get them sooner. Will post as soon as I get them installed. Then we will know for sure.

Hey that is great to hear as I really appreciate the attention to detail in the fine tuning of the shocks coming from ELKA. (If indeed that is why they asked those very specific questions)
I agree that the external reservoir will more than likely fit.
My main concern is the close proximity of it to the muffler heat shield and if that will cause excessive heating of the fluid leading to premature fatigue and ultimately failure.
Hope I’m not being overly dramatic here
Thanks

 

[Budlight]

So I recently bought a 520 since this was a good way to get my wife outdoors in a fun, less physical way, it also quickly became apparent that speed is where it’s at for me. Hence the shocks. I’m pretty sure that length has not changed from the 500. The only concern is the muffler, which is now real close to where the shock reservoir will be and I’m concerned about available space and possible heat issues. Anyone out there with this set up? Thanks ELKA 3 don’t have a hose on

So I recently bought a 520 since this was a good way to get my wife outdoors in a fun, less physical way, it also quickly became apparent that speed is where it’s at for me. Hence the shocks. I’m pretty sure that length has not changed from the 500. The only concern is the muffler, which is now real close to where the shock reservoir will be and I’m concerned about available space and possible heat issues. Anyone out there with this set up? Thanks ELKA 3 don’t have a hose on the rear set☹️

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