Chassis Adjustments
156
Adjustments for Competition
Chassis Adjustments
The following suggestions may improve a specific
concern. Subtle changes in overall handling may
also be noted.
If you have a problem with rear wheel traction,
raise the rear end of your CRF by increasing the
rear suspension spring pre-load. Instead of running
3.9 in (100 mm) of sag, you can run 3.5 in (90 mm)
so the rear of the motorcycle will sit a little higher.
This should produce more traction because of the
change to the swingarm and location of your
CRF’s center of gravity.
If you have a problem with the steering head
shaking when you use the front brake hard or if
your CRF wants to turn too quickly, lower the rear
of the motorcycle by reducing the rear suspension
spring pre-load. This will increase fork rake and
trail and should improve stability in a straight line.
The effective suspension travel will be transferred
toward the firmer end of wheel travel.
Keep the race sag adjustment (page 149) in the 3.7
– 4.5 in (95 – 115 mm) range.
The position of the fork in the clamp is not
adjustable.
Standard Position
The groove (1) in the outer tube is aligned with the
top surface of the upper fork bridge (2).
Adjusting your CRF’s wheelbase can offer subtle
changes in overall handling. You may adjust
wheelbase by adding or removing links on the
drive chain. If you change the wheelbase, be sure
to recheck race sag and adjust, if necessary.
In the past, a general rule was lengthen the
wheelbase to add straight line stability, shorten the
wheelbase to improve turning. However, we
suggest you do not lengthen the wheelbase of your
CRF unless you are racing on a track with more
fast sections than normal.
As a general recommendation, keep the wheelbase
as short as possible. This positions the wheels
closer together, improves turning response,
increases weighting (traction) on the rear wheel,
and lightens weighting on the front wheel.
With your CRF, you will probably find that the
standard setting or a shorter wheelbase will offer
more overall benefits.
Rear End
Fork Height/Angle
(1) groove
(2) upper fork bridge
(2)
(1)
Wheelbase
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 ...
