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COPYRIGHT 2005 Ehlert Publishing Group
Five years ago, Elka Suspension didn't produce ATV products. Back then, the Canadian-based suspension manufacturer was involved in snocross and endurocross motorcycle racing. It also dabbled in shock maintenance, service and part production. Then, Martin Lamoureux--who gained experience and knowledge by working for suspension companies--had an idea to put snocross shocks on an ATV. After the first ride, though far from a proven product, Lamoureux knew he was on to something.
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Today, Elka Suspension has grown into one of the leading ATV shock manufacturers in the industry and is an extremely recognizable name. Not bad for company nobody in the ATV ranks had heard of a few years ago. We recently spoke with Mr. Elka--a former enduro motocross racer--to find out how he put Elka on the ATV map.
ATV Sport: When did the idea for Elka Suspension surface?
Martin Lamoureux: Before starting Elka, I was in the shock field for six years. Then, in 1992 Elka started. About seven years later, we made good quality snocross shocks and we found they could be used as ATV shocks, too. We discovered there were some good products [in the ATV industry] but some of those revolved around a design that was in someone's head and nothing was very scientific. We spent a lot of time bringing ATVs inside and were constantly testing. We were even calling back our customers and saying, "listen, that's a good shock, but we think we've made it better, so if you want to send them back, we will improve them." Until we got to a point...
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