[574cfmotorider]

Ok, now I am thinking of upgrading suspension on the zforce 500.  I see some have run bandit springs, but then some have blown shocks afterwards.  Also, bandit springs are no longer available until they come out with their redesigned models.  I do not see Elka's available for the 500 Trail.  What is there that is good to get?  I don't mind spending some coin if it's quality.

Thanks!
Bob

[NMKawierider]

Nothing else. Elka has shocks for the 800 trail which is the same as the 500s so they will fit...I just looked-up Stage 3s and they have them. And sense Bandit has nothing...Elka is your only choice. Elka is always worth the money though.

[574cfmotorider]

Nothing else. Elka has shocks for the 800 trail which is the same as the 500s so they will fit...I just looked-up Stage 3s and they have them. And sense Bandit has nothing...Elka is your only choice. Elka is always worth the money though.

Yeah, I'm thinking Elkas are the way to go.  We just got back from the Badlands again and I had just replaced the rear exhaust donut and new factory cfmoto springs and I blew that donut quickly there.  I bet with some better suspension I'd fair better in that respect.  Prolly get some Moose springs like you recommend.  Do you happen to know what size?  Should I just measure some new factory springs I have but never put on??

[NMKawierider]

Nothing else. Elka has shocks for the 800 trail which is the same as the 500s so they will fit...I just looked-up Stage 3s and they have them. And sense Bandit has nothing...Elka is your only choice. Elka is always worth the money though.

Yeah, I'm thinking Elkas are the way to go.  We just got back from the Badlands again and I had just replaced the rear exhaust donut and new factory cfmoto springs and I blew that donut quickly there.  I bet with some better suspension I'd fair better in that respect.  Prolly get some Moose springs like you recommend.  Do you happen to know what size?  Should I just measure some new factory springs I have but never put on??

You only want to stretch an exhaust spring 20% of its stock length so measure between the loops in millimeters and reduce that number 20 %. Get springs as close to that as possible. Moose springs are not cheap..but they will be the last set you buy. They won't stretch and let go like the Chinese springs will. I have has zero problems with mine in all these years after installing them.

[574cfmotorider]

Nothing else. Elka has shocks for the 800 trail which is the same as the 500s so they will fit...I just looked-up Stage 3s and they have them. And sense Bandit has nothing...Elka is your only choice. Elka is always worth the money though.

Wow they are a bit pricey.  Do you think I’d notice much difference between stage 1 and stage 3?

[NMKawierider]

Nothing else. Elka has shocks for the 800 trail which is the same as the 500s so they will fit...I just looked-up Stage 3s and they have them. And sense Bandit has nothing...Elka is your only choice. Elka is always worth the money though.

Wow they are a bit pricey.  Do you think I’d notice much difference between stage 1 and stage 3?

Of course you would but..you aren't about to buy both sets and try them. The real question is...would I notice an improvement with the stage-1s over the OE shocks. The answer is absolutely. Not as much as the stage threes but still worth the money...hell anything over the OE shocks is worth the money I'll take Buckboard to Lexis anytime. Of course buckboard to magic carpet is better but..a but more pricey...lol

 

[574cfmotorider]

Nothing else. Elka has shocks for the 800 trail which is the same as the 500s so they will fit...I just looked-up Stage 3s and they have them. And sense Bandit has nothing...Elka is your only choice. Elka is always worth the money though.

Wow they are a bit pricey.  Do you think I’d notice much difference between stage 1 and stage 3?

Of course you would but..you aren't about to buy both sets and try them. The real question is...would I notice an improvement with the stage-1s over the OE shocks. The answer is absolutely. Not as much as the stage threes but still worth the money...hell anything over the OE shocks is worth the money I'll take Buckboard to Lexis anytime. Of course buckboard to magic carpet is better but..a but more pricey...lol

 

True.  I think i'd like the stage 1's, but there's a 3 month wait for those too!!  Trying to get some instant satisfaction in the shock department isn't gonna happen in this day and age!!

[574cfmotorider]

Nothing else. Elka has shocks for the 800 trail which is the same as the 500s so they will fit...I just looked-up Stage 3s and they have them. And sense Bandit has nothing...Elka is your only choice. Elka is always worth the money though.

Wow they are a bit pricey.  Do you think I’d notice much difference between stage 1 and stage 3?

Of course you would but..you aren't about to buy both sets and try them. The real question is...would I notice an improvement with the stage-1s over the OE shocks. The answer is absolutely. Not as much as the stage threes but still worth the money...hell anything over the OE shocks is worth the money I'll take Buckboard to Lexis anytime. Of course buckboard to magic carpet is better but..a but more pricey...lol

 

True.  I think i'd like the stage 1's, but there's a 3 month wait for those too!!  Trying to get some instant satisfaction in the shock department isn't gonna happen in this day and age!!

Just found a set of Elka's Hester edition stage 1's so I snagged them up, should be here early next week before my next trip next weekend....woohooooo!

[574cfmotorider]

Elka's are worth every penny!  Took a trip into Manistee National Forest in Michigan and rode the Little O and Lincoln trail systems.  The Elka's made it feel like riding on a cloud the entire time.  There was a section of jitters that shook my buddy to the core on his yamaha quad and it was quite bearable to me and my son!  Highly recommend the upgrade!