Yamaha YZF450 (04-07) Elka Steering Stabilizer

Elka Suspension is proud to announce the launch of a new generation line of steering dampers that offers an unprecedented level of adjustability and performance. This project, which has been in the works for the last two years, has finally reached the final stage of development and testing in real-world racing applications. Production of the System 5 and System 3 steering dampers has begun and the first units will be available by August.

The System 5 steering damper is second to none in terms of adjustability, providing five different adjustments: high-speed damping, low-speed damping, return to center damping, angle between straight or cornering and cornering damping level. All these adjustments allow a rider to fine-tune the steering damper to his riding style, helping him when needed without requiring unnecessary effort by removing vibration over choppy terrain, reducing arm pumping and rider fatigue. It also increases control over obstacles and helps reduce lap times.

The System 3 steering damper shares the same compact design and reliability as the System 5. It features high-speed damping, low-speed damping and return to center damping adjustments. Both systems come with all the required mounting hardware specific to each vehicle. They will be offered as a lower mount rotary damper for the following ATV models: Honda TRX450R and TRX400EX, the Yamaha YFZ450, the Suzuki LT-R450 and LTZ400, the Kawasaki KFX400 and the Arctic Cat DVX400.

These new products have been specifically engineered to perfectly complement Elka Suspension’s line of shock absorbers and linkage components to provide the best complete package for your ATV. After extensive research and testing, the System 5 steering damper has already proven itself in one of the most grueling races in the world: the SCORE/Tecate Baja 500.

Team Temecula Motorsports/Elka/IMS-ROLL/Maxxis/Douglas Wheel won the race on a Honda TRX450R equipped with Elka Suspension shocks absorbers, Dual Pro Linkage and the System 5 steering damper. At 37 years of age, and with the help of teammates Danny Prather and Levi Marana, desert racing legend and team rider Mike Cafro became the winningest ATV racer in the Baja’s history, establishing a new record with the fourth victory in his career.

Here’s what Cafro had to say about the System 5 steering damper: “The beginning stages of the Baja 500 race course were extremely dusty with minimal visibility, so hitting rocks and tree stumps was inevitable. When a rider is not prepared to take such an impact, the handlebars can easily be ripped from his hands. However, with the System 5 Damper by Elka Suspension, we were able to adjust the sweep angle and the high-speed damping for this type of terrain, which was critical to enduring such impacts.

“When it came to the rocky sections of the course, such as the Mikes Sky Ranch loop, adjustability of low-speed damping enabled us to maneuver through the rocks quickly and efficiently without any additional efforts. When a rock was clipped, the high-speed damping would kick in, deadening the impact and thus reducing rider fatigue in the most demanding of sections.

“During the high-speed sections of the course along the Pacific Coast, having the low-speed damping adjustment allowed the quad to track perfectly straight with minimal effort, keeping us safe in the most critical areas. Overall, the possibilities of the many adjustments helped my riders (Danny Prather and Levi Marana) and me stay fresh for the 420-mile course. Ultimately, our team Temecula Motorsports/Elka/IMS-ROLL/Maxxis/Douglas Wheel finished first overall ATV in the 2006 SCORE/Tecate Baja 500.”

Danny Prather and Mike Cafro [10a] not only won their class, but they were the first ATV finishers. Only five motorcycles beat their elapsed time of 10:23:45. They averaged 40.81 mph, after placing 10th in the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250. Cafro was the driver of record for three previous SCORE Baja 500 races, in 1994, 1995 and 2002. “I am a mess,” observed Prather. “It was a long day; we have been shifting from second to first the whole day. We rode our hearts out – we needed to win and we got it! Wayne Matlock was an excellent competitor; he is a good friend of mine. Mike Cafro started and did the first 30 miles. The course was marked very well. I had a blast in the trees; they were excellent. What can I say? I had fun.” It is worth noting that Prather had to finish the race in fourth and fifth gear, as the third gear on their Honda broke down. The System 5 steering damper was crucial because he had to maintain a higher average speed throughout his sections. The second-place team of Wayne Matlock and Chad Prull was also sporting an Elka Suspension steering damper on its race quad.