MAXIMUM RIDE CONTROL
Elka Suspension Stage 4 Shocks
Story and Photos By: Brandon Bunch
Woah—My first thought after running through a rough and usually sketchy high-speed section of trail with our 2019 Can-Am Maverick Sport 1000R, now equipped with a beautiful Elka Stage 4 Shock at each corner. Up until recently, I haven’t had much experience driving anything with suspension that is truly well set up… I once was lucky enough to take a ride in the Concrete Motorsports Class 1 car, and that was an experience that truly blew my mind. My stomach and heart were in my throat as we drifted sideways while skipping across real 3-foot whoops upwards of 80-90 miles per hour, and that briefly opened my eyes to what a finely-tuned 4 wheel vehicle could be capable of in the dirt.
While the Maverick Sport is obviously not even close to being in the same league as a Class 1 race vehicle, it is hilariously fun to drive. In stock trim, the limited ~12 inches of suspension travel makes for quick handling, and is plenty for cruising trails in comfort. Once you start pushing hard though, the suspension travel quickly runs out and can take you by surprise when it does by bottoming out and bucking—sending you for a ride that is sometimes tricky to drive out of. Growing up racing quads that were poorly set up, this brings back memories for me, and it was slightly entertaining… But for most people, this sensation is not enjoyable. Ha-ha.
When ordering a set of Elka shocks, you are required to provide them with details to better set up the shocks prior to shipping—Average rider weight, how many passengers, weight of extra payload, and what is the primary terrain that you drive in. They definitely nailed the set-up for us, because the Stage 4 shocks felt a thousand times better than stock right out of the box. While it was acceptable stock, the ride comfort is slightly more comfortable than before when slow-speed cruising on rough or rocky terrain. Impressive for a set of shocks that are geared toward high-speed and aggressive driving…
All-out hard driving is where these shocks really do come to life. You could probably spend less money on a set of Elka Stage 1 shocks and feel great improvement in that slow-speed ride comfort, but the adjustability and superior ride control of the Stage 4 shocks is well worth the extra money to hooligans like us. Offering rebound and low-speed compression clicker adjustments, as well as an easy to use threaded spring preload adjuster, you’re able to dial in the ride to the specific terrain (or track) for the day. We haven’t had to adjust them much, but it is convenient to have when you need it. The increased bottom out resistance is unbelievably better than stock, as I could now skip across small whoops or hit g-outs without fear of going end over end. High-speed runs on rough trails are much easier thanks to less body roll, and much more efficient valving that keeps the tires connected to the ground rather than skipping across the top of the small chop.
The ride is truly that much better, and a simple shock upgrade has elevated the comfort and performance potential of the little Maverick Sport to heights I would have never thought possible. Elka has shock options for nearly every UTV out there, and I’d highly recommend you take a look at what they offer for your ride. Your back, body, and sanity will thank you.