Front Suspension Adjustments
Adjustments for Competition
143
Front Suspension Adjustments
The front suspension can be adjusted for the rider's
weight and riding conditions by using one or more
of the following methods:
• Oil volume
— The effects of higher or lower
fork oil capacity are only felt during the final
3.9 in (100 mm) of fork travel.
• Compression damping
— Turning the
compression damping adjuster (1) adjusts how
quickly the fork compresses.
• Rebound damping
— Turning the rebound
damping adjuster (2) adjusts how quickly the
fork extends.
• Fork springs
— Optional springs are
available in softer and stiffer types than the
standard rate. (page 181)
The inverted fork on your CRF features sealed
damper cartridges with dual (separate air and oil)
chambers to prevent aeration. The design also
isolates the oil in each fork/damper, which may
contain air bubbles and/or metal particles, from the
sealed cartridge to provide more consistent
damping.
Air is an unstable gas which builds up pressure as it
is worked (such as in a fork). Air pressure acts as a
progressive spring and affects the entire range of
fork travel. This means the fork action on your CRF
will get stiffer during a race (CRF450RX)/moto
(CRF450R/RWE). For this reason, release built-up
air pressure in the fork legs between race
(CRF450RX)/moto (CRF450R/RWE). Be sure the
fork is fully extended with the front tire off the
ground when you release the pressure.
The standard air pressure is 0 psi (0 kPa, 0 kgf/cm
2
).
You may relieve accumulated air pressure in the fork
legs by using the pressure release screws. The front
wheel should be off the ground before you release the
pressure. The air pressure should be adjusted
according to the altitude and outside temperature.
1. Place an optional workstand under the engine,
so that the front wheel is off the ground.
Do not adjust air pressure with the front wheel
on the ground as this will give false pressure
readings.
2. Remove the pressure release screw (1).
3. Apply recommended fork oil to a new O-ring
(2), and then install a new O-rings.
4. Install and tighten the pressure release screw to
the specified torque:
1.0 lbf·ft (1.3 N·m, 0.1 kgf·m)
(1) compression damping adjuster
(2) rebound damping adjuster
(1)
(2)
Front Suspension Air Pressure
(1) pressure release screw
(2) O-ring (new)
(2)
(1)
Summary of Contents for CRF450R 2020
Page 3: ...2020 Honda CRF450RX CRF450R CRF450RWE OWNER S MANUAL COMPETITION HANDBOOK ...
Page 19: ...14 Before Riding BLANK PAGE ...
Page 143: ...138 Servicing Your Honda BLANK PAGE ...
Page 175: ...170 Taking Care of the Unexpected BLANK PAGE ...
Page 189: ...184 Technical Information BLANK PAGE ...
