I need info on prices and where to purchase....Who has the best I am leaning towards elka..Just cause I have riddin on a v with this setup and liked it..But nothing else to compare it to....

 

MentalState,
I had the Elka shocks on my V, and changed to Ohlins, so I'll tell you what I thought of both of those shocks.

Both sets of shocks are alot more plush than stock, but the Elkas are more plush over small bumps when going slow than the Ohlins are. And cornering is just slightly better with the Elka shocks, because ride height is about 2 inches lower than with the Ohlins shocks (3 inches lower than stock). But it is the lower ride height of the Elka shocks that in my opinion limits their performance over the very roughest of terrain (such as BIG sand whoops). Because you start out with 2" less compression suspension travel with the Elka shocks, and because they are a little plusher to start with (zero preload), they have to firm up faster in the last part of compression travel, so they are relatively more harsh than the Ohlins shocks on big hits, and suspension performance is also less well controlled on the big hits. When going fast you wont notice the relative lack of plushness with the Ohlins, but you will notice the relative lack of control with the Elka shocks. Keep in mind that this is comparing these two great shocks to each other, and that BOTH of them are light years better than stock.

So if you want a super plush ride at moderate to high speed, with great cornering, get Elka. If you want the best suspension performance you can get, for riding at the limits of both your own, and the V-Forces capabilities, get Ohlins. Or if you tend to "cruise" get Elka, and if you tend to constantly be in race mode then definitely get Ohlins.

 

I agree with outerlimits opinions on the Ohlins, I think that they have improved the handling and performance of the V. I do not know what it is like to ride the Elkas though. I ride on mostly trails, some pretty rocky trails I might add, and the Ohlins seem to be stiffer than the stock, but they soak up the bumps with ease. The handling has been greatly improved.
-Doug

 

Doug,
we have a lot of rocky trails here in southwest Utah as well. I felt that the stock shocks absolutely beat me to death in the rocks, especially the front shocks, and if you tried charging hard it would literally knock the handlebars right out of your hands, and after a 30 mile loop in a desert race my hands where literally bleeding from trying to hang on for dear life for that long. With the Ohlins shocks I can just pin it and not worry about the terrain, and I have yet to find anything they don't just absorb for me. I still don't think I have found their limits, because some of the stuff I have pinned the throttle over has been downright scary. I did find the limit of one of my front ITP Baja wheels though, and it wobbles like an egg now.

 

I had same prob this past weekend at steel creek in the gncc race there....This is what I mostly do..The rockest stepest whoopiest nasty stuff....I got crap beat out of me..and I consider myself somewhat fit for my age...So with that said .Where can I get Ohlins at good price and do you have any numbers...

 

Mentalstate,
I purchased mine at my local dealer, And you should pay between 1600-1800 dollars. When you order them, be sure to tell them your weight, and your riding style, and they will have them sprung properly. You will not be disappointed with them. They are completely adjustable which is also nice to have. I would like to do a GNCC race, any suggestions on how to get involved? Any websites?
Thanks -Doug

 

give me a pm and I would be glad to share what little I know about GNCC.....

As far as the shocks go..I need to tell my dealer what it is I am looking for..The problem is I am not sure what I am looking for..IE double rate ,tripple rate?????res or no res remotes adjustable???No Idea what to Order.......And I think I am leaning towards getting the Olhins....

 

MentalState,
I sent you a PM. Good luck with the shocks.